My Audible & Kindle Tips & Tricks

Anyone who knows me well knows that I’m an avid book reader. However, with a business and three young kids I was struggling to read as much a I would like. I also felt a bit of guilty buying yet another book. Yes, I know there are libraries but I just can’t help myself! And I’m useless at returning them – I need a personal concierge LOL!

So I can now confidently say that I am an avid Kindle and Audible user, and sometimes at the same time – that trick is below!

I’ve found having greater access to books has been both a great timesaver for me, and a fantastic way to support my mental health. By being able to listen to books whilst I’m driving between jobs, or reading on my phone whilst I’m waiting for a client’s car to be serviced, it has really helped me tune out of the busyness for a while. Plus it gives me a break from all the mindless social media scrolling I am very prone to do.

For my birthday a few years ago Tim and the kids gave me an Apple Watch and AirPods. I love technology almost as much as I love books, so when I got these I was so excited – because I could combine both loves! How?

First, let me give you an introduction to Kindle and Audible.

I’m going to assume that you have absolutely no idea what either of these things are, so forgive me if I state the obvious below for those of you already on the bandwagon.

Kindle is an eBook service that is provided by Amazon. Amazon started out as an online bookstore before they morphed into an everything store. Part of their development was the Kindle eBook service. Along with this, they have their own eBook readers (digital devices to read your books), there are even ones especially designed for kids. But you don’t have to use their device to read the books. You can access them on your smartphone, tablet or computer by downloading the Kindle eReader app.

Audible is an audiobook service. It’s the modern day equivalent of the cassette tapes you would listen to, and have to turn over halfway through the book! Audible was bought out a few years ago by Amazon, which means that they now sell physical, digital and audiobooks! You listen to Audible on your smartphone, tablet, on your computer or even direct from the the Audible website.

What I love about Kindle eBooks

There are lots of benefits to an eBook over a physical book (although the real thing will always be my preference) but my favourite thing is that you can highlight your book as you’re reading. Now I know there are two types of book readers, but I would NEVER highlight a book, even a non-fiction book except if it was a text book. I just can’t bring myself to do it, like I can’t bring myself to fold over the corners. So being able to not only highlight, but also book mark pages, and then search for them in the app, is a real bonus for me when it comes to Kindle eBooks.

Now let me tell you about Whispersync!!

Ok, now this option isn’t available on all eBook downloads on Kindle, but it is available on a lot. So, what exactly is Whispersync Audio Narration. Let me allow Amazon to explain.

“Whispersync for Voice is a feature that allows you to continue listening to any Audible audiobook across multiple Whispersync for Voice-enabled devices without losing your place. Furthermore, Whispersync for Voice also allows you to switch seamlessly between listening to your audiobooks and reading their companion Kindle eBooks. As long as your Whispersync for Voice-ready device has access to a Wi-Fi connection, the playback position, bookmarks, and notes will be kept across devices without any action required.”

So, what that means, for me at least, which I find AMAZING, is that you can be reading your eBook and then jump in the car and press audio, and it will start reading you the book from the exact spot you left off! When I discovered this I couldn’t believe it. Now, there is an additional fee to add Whispersync to your eBook download, but usually it is a lot cheaper than if you were to purchase both the eBook and Audio versions.

Now, working out how to do this can be a little tricky, especially if you are new to Amazon, Kindle and Audible. For some basic instructions, you can click here. It will also show you information about many other Whispersync questions you may have. Below I’ve popped a screenshot showing you a book that does offer Whispersync as an option. Once you click the check box and then purchase, you will be able to access the eBook via the Kindle app. In that book you can then click the audio button when you want to switch to the audio version. (P.S. If you haven’t already read The Dictionary of Lost Words by the amazing South Australian Author Pip Williams, do yourself a favour!).

One Last Audible Hack

Now because not all books have Whispersync Audible Narration enabled, you may choose to buy only the eBook, only the audio book, or both. If you do end up purchasing an Audible book, I wanted to let you in on a secret.  If you don’t get into the book, you don’t enjoy it, and only listen some of the way, guess what?! You can return it and get your money back (or credits if you sign up for the Audible membership). When I realised this I couldn’t believe it! There were a number of books in my Audible library that I just had not listened to. Returning them meant I could go and buy a different one instead! It makes me happier to purchase an audio book, even if I’m not quite sure if I’m going to like it, because I know I can return it. Now, Kindle doesn’t have quite the same offer, but if you make an accidental purchase (I take this to mean you don’t read much if any of the eBook) then you have 7 days to request a refund.

So there you have it, my Audible and Kindle Tips and Tricks. Hopefully I was able to teach you something you didn’t know, and if you have any tips of your own, please comment below!