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Have you listened to a good book recently? First we had handwritten manuscripts. Then we had printed books followed by downloadable ebooks. More recently, we have been offered books using the latest media technology - audiobooks.

So what are audiobooks?

Audiobooks are taped readings or recordings of the contents of books or book condensations read aloud and reproduced in audio cassette or digital form and usually delivered or distributed on CDs, cassette tapes, or MP3 and Windows Media Audio.

The term “books on tape” is often used as a synonym for audiobooks, but casette tapes are no longer the dominant media for an audio book. In 2005, cassette-tape sales made up roughly 16% of the audio book market, with CDs sales accounting for 74% of the market, and downloadable audio books accounting for approximately 9%.It is estimated that the audiobooks industry is currently worth 2 $billion per year and rising exponentially.

Most new popular book titles put out by the major publishers are available in audio book format simultaneously with publication of the hard cover edition. There are approximately 35,000 current titles on cassette, CD, or downloadable format.

There are several versions of audiobooks. An unabridged audio book is a word for word reading of a book, while an abridged audio book will have some text edited out by the compiler. Audiobooks also come as fully dramatized versions of the printed book.

You can rent, buy, download and listen to audiobooks and get direct access to best sellers, leading celebrities and experts on your computer. Audiobooks are usually distributed on CDs, cassette tapes and digital formats such as MP3 and Windows Media Audio, AudibleReady® devices, including the Apple® iPod®, Creative® Zen, SanDisk® Sansa™ and several popular GPS devices.

Why Not Make the Most Use of Your Down Time…listen to audiobbook teleseminars, lectures and podcasts while you are on-the-go!