''AudioFile'' is a print and online magazine whose mission is to review "unabridged and abridged audiobooks, original audio programs, commentary, and dramatizations in the spoken-word format. The focus of reviews is the audio presentation, not the critique of the written material." ''AudioFile'' is published six times a year in

Portland, Maine Portland is the largest city in the U.S. state of Maine and the seat of Cumberland County. Portland's population was 68,408 in April 2020. The Greater Portland metropolitan area is home to over half a million people, the 104th-largest metro ...

Launch

The publication was launched in 1992 as a 12-page black & white newsletter containing about 50 critical reviews of

audiobooks An audiobook (or a talking book) is a recording of a book or other work being read out loud. A reading of the complete text is described as "unabridged", while readings of shorter versions are abridgements. Spoken audio has been available in sch ...

, focused on new releases. In 1997, it switched to a 36-page color magazine format containing about 60 reviews per issue and interviews with authors, readers, and publishers.

Online

In 2000, ''AudioFile'' launched an online database of past issues. Current issues were offered online beginning in 2001.

Earphones Awards

''AudioFile'' bestows Earphones Awards to presentations which are deemed to excel in the following criteria: * Narrative voice and style * Vocal characterizations * Appropriateness for the audio format * Enhancement of the text

SYNC Audiobooks for Teens

''AudioFile'' sponsors the SYNC Audiobooks for Teens, a "free summer program for teens 13+." The program provides subscribers with two free and complete audiobook downloads paired thematically each week during its summer season. The season varies in length from 10-16 weeks. The audiobook files are delivered via the

OverDrive Media Console OverDrive Media Console is a proprietary, freeware application developed by OverDrive, Inc. for use with its digital distribution services for libraries, schools, and retailers. The application enables users to access audiobooks, eBooks, periodic ...

References

{{Reflist, 2

External links

Official website
Audiobooks Bimonthly magazines published in the United States Book review magazines Literary magazines published in the United States Magazines established in 1992 Magazines published in Maine Mass media in Portland, Maine 1992 establishments in Maine