Crafting Authentic Audiobooks with Oddua Audio: A Conversation with Allegra Bandy of Oddua Audio
Written by Heather Anderson
Allegra, the visionary behind Oddua Audio, has seamlessly merged her passion for music, vocal performance, and audio production into an inspiring career. Her journey from building a recording studio to producing top-quality audiobooks with a deeply personal touch highlights her expertise and commitment to bringing out the best in every project. In this interview, Allegra discusses her approach to audiobook production, her ideal clients, and what drives her to create work that resonates beyond the headphones.
You started Oddua Audio after years in music and vocal performance. What inspired you to bring these aspects together to create a unique platform for audiobook production?
I started Oddua Audio many years ago, back in 2011, with an audiobook narrated by two friends of mine, co-authors Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton, who wrote The Ethical Slut. By that time, their book had been translated into nine different languages, and it was already very popular. When Amazon launched ACX, its DIY platform for audiobooks, it offered a pretty sweet royalty deal, so I thought, why not give audiobook production a try? I had just built a recording studio and needed to work out the kinks.
Since then, I’ve produced a number of their other books, and word of mouth has grown my business. I’ve produced many audiobooks, primarily nonfiction, with a focus on personal stories told by the authors themselves. It’s always a learning experience, and I find myself continually inspired by the stories I get to help bring to life.
You offer a unique service by preparing authors with acting coaching and delivery guidance. How do these services contribute to creating a more engaging audiobook?
Coming from a background in education, music, and vocal coaching, I bring all that experience into the studio when I work with authors. For many of them, being on a microphone or in a recording studio is a completely new experience. To help them prepare, I connect them with acting coaches, and before they even step into the studio with me, they’ve had a few hours of coaching.
When they’re in the studio, I direct the sessions and engineer the audio to ensure their best performance. This approach makes sure they’re bringing out the most engaging, natural version of their voice—it’s not just reading; it’s performing. And that’s something you can’t replicate with AI or a bot. The result is a beautiful, rich audiobook that truly connects with listeners.
Transitioning from written content to an auditory experience can be transformative. What are the key elements you focus on to ensure the audiobook resonates with listeners?
When we’re preparing the script, we make sure it’s suited for an audiobook format, which is different from just reading a book aloud. We work together to refine the script and omit things that wouldn’t translate well to audio—like references to charts or images—and we might include a disclaimer directing listeners to additional content online.
The goal is to make the experience as smooth and engaging as possible, both in terms of pacing and clarity. I focus on the emotional delivery and ensuring that the author’s voice is strong and compelling. We want the listener to feel like they’re sitting across from the author, hearing the story directly from them.
“Oddua Audio focuses on projects that have a purpose. I’m particularly drawn to nonfiction works—personal development, sexuality, spirituality, memoirs, and professional growth books. These are the kinds of books that help people grow and change their lives....”
Oddua Audio has a mission to create content that helps people. Can you describe the types of projects you're drawn to?
Oddua Audio focuses on projects that have a purpose. I’m particularly drawn to nonfiction works—personal development, sexuality, spirituality, memoirs, and professional growth books. These are the kinds of books that help people grow and change their lives, and that’s what I want to be a part of. I’ve had the opportunity to work on some incredible projects that really make a difference in people’s lives.
One standout client was Nancy Reed, who wrote Happily Ever Now about overcoming perfectionism. She already had some professional acting and voiceover training, which made the project a dream to work on. Great writing always translates to great audio, and it’s a joy to help bring those kinds of books to a broader audience.
What does a typical production process look like at Oddua Audio?
This past year, I built a brand-new recording studio here in Oakland, California. We call it the Hummingbird Hut, and it’s a beautiful space with natural light, soundproofing, and all the gear we need to produce high-quality audiobooks. The process starts with a script review, and then the author goes through coaching and practice before we ever hit record. I usually book four- to five-hour sessions, with lots of breaks, snacks, and warm-up exercises.
On average, we can record about 100 pages in a day if the author has practiced, and once recording is done, there’s about a three-month turnaround for editing, mastering, and getting the audiobook published. We distribute through over 36 digital platforms, including Audible, Hoopla, and OverDrive, so the author’s book reaches as wide an audience as possible.
How do you stay ahead of trends in the ever-evolving world of audiobooks?
I’m constantly meeting new people through networking events, literary communities, and the professional world. You never know who you’ll meet, and most people know at least one author! I stay connected with the literary world by attending book readings, professional development events, and being part of communities related to writing, sexuality, and personal development. There’s no shortage of people who need audiobooks, so I’m always growing the business that way.
What are you most excited about for the future of Oddua Audio?
With the new studio up and running, I’m excited to dive into even more creative projects. I have a lineup of folks I’ve wanted to work with for a long time, and now that we have this beautiful space, it’s time to get them in. I’m also thrilled that the third edition of The Ethical Slut audiobook is coming out this year, especially since Warner Brothers picked up the book and is producing a series with Netflix! It’s been amazing to see that book’s journey from audio to screen.
Ready to transform your book into an audiobook? Or source some voiceover for a project?
You can learn more about Oddua Audio and Allegra’s services by visiting www.odduaaudio.com.
Connect with Oddua Audio on Instagram or Facebook for updates on new releases and upcoming projects.
You can also find Allegra on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with Allegra inside The Club membership for women Founders.