How to Record an Audiobook at Home

The short version

Build a booth or use a closet of clothes; the room must stay the same for the whole book.
Keep the mic distance and the level fixed, and note the settings for each session.
Record in short sessions, and re-record a whole chapter if the sound changes.
Clean every chapter the same way, then check the loudness against the platform rules.

Keep the room the same

Consistency is the main job. Record every session in the same spot, at the same time of day if you can, with the same fans off. A change of room shows up as a change of sound between chapters.

Keep the mic and the level fixed

Mark the mic position on the desk and write down the level for each session. Speak at a steady volume and take a breath between sentences rather than rushing.

Record in short sessions

Short sessions keep your voice fresh and make the sound more even. Stop when your voice tires, and do not carry a tired voice into the next chapter.

Clean and check

Clean each chapter with the same settings. Then check the loudness against the platform you publish on, because audiobook platforms have their own rules. The voice-over loudness guide covers the common targets.