This article relates specifically to audiobooks. For questions about how to read your ebooks, please see our article: How will I get my ebooks, and what platform can I read them on?
Audiobooks for the New Secret Project will be made available to download for applicable backers in mid-2025, shortly before we begin sending physical rewards. As part of this campaign, all backers with Audible accounts will receive a redemption code for the New Secret Project if they pledged for an applicable tier or add-on. (If you don’t have an account, you can make one for free.) Additionally, all applicable backers will receive files in MP3 and M4B formats.
Digital rewards for Dragonsteel Prime and The Way of Kings Prime are available for download immediately from your survey. Alternatively, they are available as free downloads from our store for your enjoyment! Take a peek at what could have been in these stories from Brandon's early days as a writer!
How to Access Your Audiobooks
All digital rewards are accessed through your backer survey. You will be sent an email which will contain a link to a page listing all digital rewards fulfilled so far. You may also access your digital rewards download page through your survey at any time by going to https://words-of-radiance-leatherbound.backerkit.com/backer/digital_rewards
There are three options to listen to your audiobooks. All three options provide the same material, so you only need to pick one. However, you can feel free to try all three!
1. It's coming to Audible! As part of this campaign, all backers with Audible accounts will receive a redemption code for the New Secret Project if they pledged for an applicable tier or add-on.
Dragonsteel is excited to be a part of a historic change affecting the future of the audiobook publishing industry. After many conversations and a lot of hard work, Brandon has negotiated better terms coming later this year for authors publishing on Audible. You can read more about it in Brandon's most recent blog post! This marks a major shift in the market and we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement.
2. MP3 Direct File Download. To download your audiobook files in MP3 format, click the "Download" button next to the "Audiobook – MP3" listing for the book you want. Once downloaded, unzip the files into a single folder, and then add the book to your chosen player. If you do not already have a selected player, see below for possible options or methods based on your platform.
3. M4B Direct File Download.To download your audiobook files in M4B format, click the "Download" button next to the "Audiobook – M4B" listing for the book you want. Once downloaded, add the book to your chosen player. If you do not already have a selected player, see below for possible options or methods based on your platform.
For listening to the downloaded MP3 or M4B files, here are some options based on your device:
Computer/Laptop
iTunes is one of the top free programs for listening to audiobooks on Windows. With the ability to import multiple mp3 files and flag them as a single audiobook, native m4b support, and the ability to keep track of your place while listening, this program will meet all your basic audiobook needs.
On Mac, you can use the free Books app that comes pre-installed. Not only can use use it to read ebooks AND listen to audiobooks, but you can also sync those ebooks and audiobooks with your iPhone and iPad devices!
VLC Media Player is an excellent option for playing your media files on any platform. Free and open source, VLC allows you to play M4B book files, or save a playlist out of multiple MP3s for your audiobook. The downside is, you may need to search the settings to enable resuming playback, or use bookmarks to save your place.
iPhone/iPad
You can load your ebooks AND audiobooks on the Books app on your Macbook, and then sync the ebooks and audiobooks with your iPhone and iPad devices!
BookPlayer is a high rated, free app for iOS devices. We suggest using the M4B file when importing to BookPlayer.
VLC Media Player is an excellent option for playing your media files on any platform. Free and open source, VLC allows you to play M4B book and MP3 files.
Android Phone or Tablet
Smart Audiobook Player is a great app for listening to audiobooks. With many features included for free, this app has everything you need to listen to your audiobooks, with even more features available through an inexpensive full version upgrade.
VLC Media Player is an excellent option for playing your media files on any platform. Free and open source, VLC allows you to play M4B book and MP3 files.
There are many more highly rated audiobook apps than those discussed here. An internet search may help you locate many great resources and step-by-step instructions for adding and listening to your audiobook on your selected device.
If you wish to test downloading and adding an M4B or MP3 audiobook to your device, Brandon's audiobooks for The Way of Kings Prime and Dragonsteel Prime are available for free download.
Dragonsteel is unable to provide technical assistance in downloading these files or adding them to your device, regardless of the methods or apps you use. You are responsible for knowing and understanding how to access, download, and import your digital rewards, or for obtaining competent assistance. Dragonsteel makes no warranty or guarantee in regard to the use of programs or methods discussed in this article.