The Rise of Audiobooks

Borders unveiled its audiobook download service on Monday, putting 15,000 titles only a click or two away from anyone with access to the internet. Traditionally, audiobooks haven’t been a huge portion of the publishing market. In 2005, they only represented about three percent of all books sold, and they’re usually released in conjunction with hardcover versions. But that may be changing. New technology is affecting the way we get our media, and publishers are finding ways to raise audiobooks up from their second tier status -- sometimes using them as powerful marketing tools, and sometimes releasing new books in audio-only format. Book critic Sarah Weinman took notice of this new trend and she looked into the matter. She joins us on Word of Mouth to share what she learned.

(Photo by Philippa Willitts)