Welcome to audiobook jam 2026! 

An audiobook is an audio version of a book that is read by one or multiple narrators. The aim of this jam is create more audiobooks by indie authors! This jam was inspired by a conversation about a lack of queer audiobooks and I was thinking about how many amazing voice actors are active in the DevTalk server.

If you've never listened to an audiobook, check out any of the 72k+ podfics on AO3 for an example. 

An idea of a team for this jam will consist of one (1) or more writers, one (1) of more voice actors/narrators, an audio technician to handle mixing and editing and an artist to design a cover and layout for the text portion of the book. Of course these tasks can all be shared between smaller teams, or handled by a single person.

This is a long jam designed to reduce the temptation to crunch. Have fun and happy creating!

Submission Guidelines

• An audio file of a completed, original story in MP3, OGG or WAV formats. It can be separated into chapters if it's particularly long and uploaded as a .zip file.
• A text version of the completed story, recommended are EPUB or PDF formats.
• A book cover, this can be as simple or complex as you like, but will be more likely to be downloaded and read with eye-catching cover art.
• At least one screenshot of the book's interior (EPUB/PDF version) on your book's page.
• A list of content warnings on the book's page, or available as a free, downloadable .txt file.
• "Made for Audiobook Jam 2026" should feature somewhere on your book's page.

Resources

• Working with voice actors as an indie dev, by MAHO! Studio - Part 1, Part 2
• How to design a book cover yourself, by Ruby Jones
• Guide to writing content warnings, by Jami Gold, and a list of common content warnings
• How to make an eye-catching itch.io page
• Free recording software I'd recommend - Tenacity or Audacity

FAQ

• Can I use an already written story?

Yes. The aim of this jam is to create audiobooks, so if your story is complete but has yet to be recorded in audio format, then it can be used as source material.

• Can I submit an already completed audiobook?

No, the point of the jam is create new audiobooks.

• Can I update and submit a new version of an audiobook I already made?

Tentatively yes, if it has been previously uploaded to itch and has an upload date before the jam starts you'll have to specify in the submission what was actually changed or added.  

• Does it have to be a complete story?

Yes. It doesn't matter how long it is, only that the story must be complete and shouldn't need any prior knowledge to be enjoyed.

• Can I write fan fiction?

Only original stories will be accepted for this jam.

• Can I make a sequel/prequel story to a story I've already written?

If it works as a standalone title and doesn't rely on needing prior knowledge of a previous work, go ahead.

• What can I do before the jam starts?

You can form teams and plan your projects, you can even start writing if you like, but if your completed audiobook was published before the start of the jam it will be considered an "already completed audiobook" and therefore disqualified. Try to take part in the spirit of the jam by working on the majority of it in the allotted time.

• Where can I find voice actors/narrators?

I would suggest checking out the DevTalk discord server, or the community page here on itch.

• Is there a theme?

Three (3) optional themes will be announced a week before the jam begins for those who like a kick of inspiration.

• How closely do I have to follow the theme of the jam?

The themes are completely optional, use them if they are helpful.

• Can I make an audio play, with multiple actors?

Yes!

• Can I work on more than one audiobook, or on more than one team?

Yes, but be mindful of your workload.

• Can I submit a paid audiobook?

For the jam your audiobook will need to have at least the first chapter available as a free demo. You can set your entry to receive donations or be paid for later on. Remember if you're working on a commercial audiobook you should be paying your team. Rev-share is discouraged.

• Can I submit NSFW/erotica entries?

Yes, please remember to advise of any content warnings on your book's page.

• Do I have to include screenshots on my book's page?

Yes, we use these to tell if it's actually a real book and not a potential virus.

• Can I use generative AI for writing or narration?

No. The only kind of assistance permitted are spelling and grammar checkers.

• Is there an official discord for this jam?

No, but you're welcome to start your own.