Chapters & Headings

• Use Heading 1 for every chapter title in Word/Pages.

• Each chapter must have its own file.

• Bold or bigger text is not enough — use proper heading styles.

Technical Audio Specs

• RMS loudness: –23 dB to –18 dB

• Peak level: max –3 dB

• Noise floor: below –60 dB

• Export format: 192 kbps MP3, 44.1 kHz, constant bit rate, mono or stereo

Front & Back Matter

• Opening credits: title, subtitle, author, narrator

• Closing credits: “The End” (or similar)

• Retail sample: 1–5 minutes

Required Pauses

• Start of file: 0.5–1 sec room tone

• End of file: 1–5 sec room tone

Listening Quality

• Consistent pacing and tone

• No clicks, repeats, or missing text

• Natural narration (don’t over-edit breaths/pauses)

🎯 Narrator’s ACX Validation Tool Will:

• Fix RMS loudness

• Apply noise reduction (if needed)

• Add a limiter for peaks

• Check pauses at file start and end

• Correct Nav points (chapter markers)

• Ensure correct export format

👉 Tip: If you set your manuscript headings correctly and leave simple pauses, Narrator will handle the rest.ACX Checklist for Narrator Users