This week, I’m thinking aloud.

Because this week’s post is about audio books.

As the world of publishing continues to change — in ever new and exciting ways, I might add — audio books might seem a bit like a blast from the past. After all, they’ve been around for years, right?

True. But what hasn’t been around for years is accessibility to the technology that allows an author — or a small indie press, or a larger press without its own audio department… — to create an audio book from his or her written word.

In the age of digital downloads, that’s changing.

The group of writers here for one of WMG’s many writing workshops heard all about those options last week. They were, in short, stunned.

Shocked by the ease with which one can now access the resources necessary to create an audio book.

Surprised at the growing market for audio books.

Scintillated by the possibilities to expand their markets.

Such good news for readers — OK, in this case, listeners — everywhere.

Here at WMG, we too have been investigating audio books, although at a higher level. In the fall, for example, we’ll host a workshop to train authors to make their own audio books.

And we’re also taking a look at our own books, and considering which to publish in an audio format.

And that’s where you come in. Do you listen to audio books? If so, where? What types? Any favorite WMG titles you’re dying to see?

As I said, we’re still looking into this format, but I’m curious about what our readers have to say.

I’m here — ready to listen.

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Allyson Longueira is publisher of WMG Publishing. She is an award-winning writer, editor and designer.