Text to speech for eBooks

If you don’t have time to read eBooks, you can use text to speech to listen to them. Read on to learn more about it.

eBooks have become very popular in the last few years. This is no surprise since they are portable and weigh nothing, so you can carry them wherever you go on an eBook reader wherever you go. Plus, eBooks save space. Instead of keeping the books on your shelves, you can store thousands of eBooks in one reader the size of a notebook.

In this article, you’ll learn where to get eBooks. In addition, you’ll learn how to turn eBooks into audiobooks.

Where can you get eBooks?

These days, numerous apps and platforms allow avid readers to enjoy eBooks. Some of the most popular platforms are Google Play Books and Kobo.

Google Play Books

Google Play Books is another popular eBook platform that features millions of books, textbooks, magazines, and comics.

Both Android and iOS users can download it from their respective app stores (Play Store for Android and App Store for iOS) and enjoy the fascinating collection.

Many enjoy this platform because of its simple interface.

Kobo

Kobo is another major player in the eBook industry. It offers more than five million titles divided into different categories. Thanks to the vast collection, everyone can find something they like.

Besides an impressive selection, Kobo also offers high-quality eBook readers to its users. The devices are glare-free, lightweight, and very easy to use. Due to their functionality, Kobo e-readers have quickly become popular among avid readers.

Text to speech - Turn your eBooks into audiobooks

eBooks have numerous benefits, and many people enjoy reading them. However, not everyone can find time to curl up on the couch and read books. These people may wish to listen to their eBooks instead of reading them.

Fortunately, you can listen to your eBooks with a text to speech service.

Text to speech is a type of assistive technology that converts digital text into speech. TTS is often called “read aloud” technology because of its functionality.

Thanks to text to speech, users can listen to written content in a natural-sounding voice in only a few clicks.

The text to speech technology is especially valuable for individuals with learning difficulties or visual impairments. TTS readers ensure not being able to see the text isn’t an obstacle to acquiring knowledge and enjoying literature.

Why use text to speech for eBooks

Here are a few reasons you should consider using TTS for eBooks:

Improved Language Skills

When you listen, you learn the proper pronunciation of certain words you haven’t encountered before. Moreover, listening to books improves fluency, expands vocabulary, and enhances listening skills.

eBooks are available in numerous languages, from English, Chinese, and Portuguese to Hindi, Arabic, and Swedish. Due to this, they can be excellent foreign language learning tools.

Multitasking

One of the best things about text to speech is that you can use it to listen to text anywhere and at any time. You can enjoy an article while cleaning the house, washing the dishes, jogging, or exercising.

Improved memory

When listening, you need to think about the plot, characters’ names, and different events. Although you may not realize it, the more books you listen to, the faster you’ll be able to absorb this information.

Hence, listening represents a form of brain exercise.

Improved mental health

Just like reading books, listening to books affects our mental health. Text to speech can calm our minds and help us relax. Moreover, listening to text can prevent cognitive decline as we age and improve sleep quality.

Try Speechify - The text to speech software that’s perfect for eBooks

Speechify is a text to speech platform that uses the latest technology to transform written texts into spoken language. This platform also allows you to scan a hard copy of a book and convert it to a digital format. 

Speechify reads aloud web pages, documents, PDFs, text files (txt), HTML, DRM, etc. It works with Google Drive, Microsoft Office, and other apps and programs.

One of the best things about this text to speech reader is its availability. Speechify can be used as an independent desktop app for Mac. Moreover, you can use it on your Apple (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices. Speechify can also be used as a Chrome extension.

Numerous text to speech features set Speechify apart from the competition. The platform allows users to customize the playback speed and choose the desired language, voice, and accent.

Moreover, bookmarking, highlighting, and note-taking features increase the app’s accessibility. Speechify is great for e-learning and individuals with vision impairment or learning disabilities like dyslexia.

FAQ

Do eBooks have text to speech as standard?

No, not all eBooks have text to speech as standard. This option is available only in some apps and platforms.

What are some free text to speech apps for eBooks?

NaturalReader, Speechify, and Capti Voice are some of the free text to speech apps for eBooks. Keep in mind that these apps may offer in-app purchases.