Introducing text to speech for publishers is something that can change accessibility and make creating audiobooks an easier process.

Text to speech for publishers

Text to speech apps can offer so much, and there are plenty of reasons why publishers and teachers should focus on them. Text to speech (TTS) and speech to text (STT), or voice recognition, are important elements of technologies like smart speakers such as Google Assistant and Alexa. However, it’s important to note that text to speech and speech synthesis are different technologies, and most apps do not include both features.

Let’s get into why text to speech can be so helpful in the publishing industry.

The benefits of text to speech for publishers

The popularity of audiobooks is increasing by the day, and publishers need to hop on the trend while they still have a chance. The benefits for publishers are truly endless. 

Focusing on text to speech tools will allow digital publishers to reach a wider audience, and there are many use cases for TTS technology. People with visual impairments or reading difficulties such as dyslexia can greatly benefit from the accessibility a TTS tool will provide them when reading your books—and even casual readers can enjoy an audiobook experience while multitasking. Having an app that can turn any type of text into audio content is something many users will enjoy and benefit from in their daily lives.

The final benefit of text to speech tools for publishers is that you don’t have to pay for voice actors to narrate your published books. You can simply program a TTS app to effortlessly narrate your books for you.

How text to speech can help with reading comprehension and fluency

For many people, being able to focus on the content is not always easy. Instead of having their full attention on the subject, they are focused on the act of reading. As a result, they can often struggle to comprehend the material. 

One in every five people has dyslexia, which can make reading a challenge without the proper tools to assist them. They will spend a lot of time on each page and have difficulty understanding the text, but being able to hear the text instead will make a world of difference.

Text to speech can also help language learners by allowing them to hear the language they are learning at any place and any time while reading along with the AI voice. Since auditory learning is an important part of learning a new language, you can count on TTS tools to improve fluency.

Introducing text to speech technology will offer students and teachers a valuable tool that can improve e-learning. These tools can improve accessibility, and convert any type of text into an audiobook or podcast in just a few steps. 

Types of text to speech software that are available

Text to speech apps and tools come in various shapes and forms, but there are a couple of major categories to distinguish.

First, you can use built-in TTS tools. These are integrated into almost every device, and they are designed by the same company that made the device’s operating system.

This means that you can find TTS tools made by Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and others. The second option is to go for web-based apps, and these are online. If you want to use a tool through the website, you will need an internet connection.

TTS tools are also available as apps, and you can find software designed for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and others. Finally, some programs are available as Chrome and other web browser extensions, and they will work on different pages without having to copy/paste the text. 

Needless to say, it is up to you to decide which one is the best for you and your publishing needs. They are often easy to use, and you won’t need to be an IT expert to understand the basics. 

Speechify

If you don’t want to worry about different types of text to speech technology, and you want to get an all-around app that covers everything you need, the answer is Speechify. You can use it on your smartphone, PC, and even as a Chrome extension. 

Of course, the more important thing is that Speechify offers high-quality voices that are natural-sounding and almost identical to human voices. Using text formats such as PDF, docs, or any other will allow you to easily convert the text into its audio version.

Instead of worrying about different apps, device compatibility, and a confusing user interface, things are a lot simpler with Speechify. The app allows you to create an account, and sync any device with it.

Thanks to it, you can share texts and content between devices using iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox. This means that you can start listening to the text on your PC, and continue where you left off on your mobile device. 

Speechify exports audio as MP3 or WAV, so you can easily attach the audio files to any books you publish to turn them into audiobooks that your readers will enjoy.

How to choose the right text to speech software for your needs

One of the main questions here is to understand your needs. Once you have a clear idea of what to expect (and what you want), you will have an easier time finding the app designed just for you. 

However, there are a couple of important factors that will help you decide. For example, some people might be interested in learning a new language, and it is quite useful to be able to hear proper pronunciations. 

As a result, you should go for the app that supports the language you are learning. Apps such as Speechify offer numerous language options, and you can even choose different accents and customize the synthetic voices so they sound very lifelike.

At the same time, Speechify also has a built-in OCR that allows you to snap a photo of a physical page, and the app will read it out to you. This means that you can turn both physical and digital content into audio. 

Examples of how text to speech can be used in the classroom

The text to speech feature can be a game-changer for classrooms. These APIs allow teachers to improve user experience, and with it, the efficiency of students. There are those who will love hearing words instead of reading them, and they will show better results. 

Once again, TTS apps can change the way a foreign language is learned. Not every teacher is a native speaker, and sometimes, they might teach incorrect pronunciations. With TTS tools, this won’t be a problem. 

These are just some of many examples of how text to speech can improve learning (and e-learning) for any student. This includes high school students, those preparing for SATs, and even students attending universities. The options are limitless, and Speechify is the go-to tool for using TTS in the classroom.

FAQs

What is the best text to speech?

Speechify is the best text to speech app you can find today. It offers numerous languages, accents, and TTS voices you can check out. It is also available across all platforms, and it’s easy to use. 

Can you download text to speech audio?

Some TTS tools will allow you to export text as audio files, and it can be a handy tool if you are traveling. Of course, you can always utilize cloud technology and sync various devices to share files between them. 

What is the most realistic AI voice?

One of the most realistic speech voices today is on Speechify. The TTS engine is so powerful, and the quality is exceptional. You can choose between celebrity voices, dozens of different languages, many accents, male or female voices, and even adjust reading speeds.