Reading out audio books: is it allowed with newer novels...?

Question

I am wanting to make my own audio books from my own book collection (because I find the availability of free audio books that interest me or people my age to be severely lacking) and perhaps to make a website of my collection. Not to sell them but for free download.

I'm pretty sure I'm not allowed to do this... would this violate copyright laws; if they were distributed for free or even distributed at all?

I've heard of some websites who read "public domain" books (i.e. books published before 1923) but I really want to read out more recent books. Is there anyway I can do this legally or not?

Many thanks in advance.

Answer 1

No it is not legal. You might try contacting the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) at The Library of Congress. Maybe they could use a volunteer reader and they would handle the copyright issue.

I am a librarian.

Answer 2

Yes, any distribution with out permission violates copyright. It does not matter whether paid or not, as it still damages the value to the original publishers.

The "Reading Service for the Blind" has been sucessful in getting permissions, but only because their programs are not distributed to the general public. They can only be heard by special subscription. However if that is satisfactory with you, then you would be welcome as a volunteer reader.

Answer 3

Listen

LibriVox provides free audiobooks from the public domain. There are several options for listening. The first step is to get the mp3 or ogg files into your own computer:

http://www.librivox.org/

http://www.audiobooksforfree.com/home

http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/categories/1

http://www.audiobookscorner.com/free.html

http://www.free-books.org/

http://www.freeclassicaudiobooks.com/

http://www.simplyaudiobooks.com/Free_Audiobooks/dp/202/