Well-Trained Mind Press' audiobooks use the industry standard MP3 file format. We send the files in compressed (zipped) format for quicker download to your local storage and your preferred audiobook app. You can download from the links in the purchase confirmation email, or if those fail or you did not receive the links in email, you can download the files from your WTM account, where they are stored in perpetuity.
When you click the links (in the email or in your account), the zipped folder will download to the download folder you have set on your computer. Click on the downloaded zip folder and all the individual chapter/story files will unzip; then you can load them into your audiobook app.
I Need Help: How Do I Use an Audiobook App?
If you don't know how to download files to your device or audiobook app, do a web search using a search string like this: “download MP3s to _____”, putting the name of the device or operating system into the blank. So, for example, “download MP3s to Android” and then follow the instructions from the response most applicable to your particular situation.
If you have downloaded the MP3 files to the cloud instead of local storage, search the web using a string like this: "download MP3 files from (name of cloud service) to (name of device)" to find out how to download the files (unzip and then get into the audiobook) within the requirements of your specific storage and device configuration.
If you want to download directly to an iPad or iPhone running iOS 11 or later, read this FAQ first.
Scroll down in this FAQ to find instructions for working with "mature" Apple devices.
If you are using an Android device, you can use Google File.
Use the right app - an audiobook app.
In late 2019, operating system vendors (Apple, Google, Microsoft) updated their systems and apps. Until this time, people downloaded any MP3 file to any streaming app (like iTunes) and started listening. In 2019, starting with the Catalina iOS, Apple announced that they were ending support for iTunes, and created apps specific to listening to podcasts, music, and audiobooks. These changes are described in this article from Apple's Support site.
Now, audiobooks organize themselves and play much better on apps specifically designed for listening to audiobooks. Audiobook apps give you controls specific to reading (go back 15 seconds, adjust reading speed, put the chapters in the correct order...).
Some vendors include a general use audiobook app with their devices. (Apple does not do so, but free and paid audiobook apps are available from the App Store.) If you don't like the native audiobook app on your device, search the web for free and paid audiobook apps available for your specific device and technology “ecosystem.”
A bonus: some audiobook apps provide you with access to your local library and to libraries in the larger world. This can help you find the books you need for your homeschool, especially those books that are no longer in print or are open access. Some of the outside resources are free; some require payment or subscription.
If you are using "mature" technology...
If your device (especially tablet and phone) is not capable of running its current OS, read on.
We recommend downloading MP3 files from WTM Press to your computer, and then moving them to your preferred device according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Older phones can unzip files by using an un-zip app. Check your phone vendor's store to find an app that works for you.
Older Apple devices have a slightly odd protocol for working with MP3s. The following instructions have helped many people download MP3s to older Apple devices.
- Using a laptop or a desktop computer, download the ZIP folder at the link we sent you.
- Once the folder is downloaded, open the ZIP folder or "unzip it." This will happen automatically when you open it, or you can right-click on the folder and choose "extract all," which accomplishes the same thing.
- Now you will see that the ZIP folder contains several MP3 audio files - all the individual sections/chapters of the book. Put those MP3 files into your iTunes library.
Note: You may rename the files to make them easier to find if you have lots of audiobooks, or to suit your preferred naming convention.
- Finally, “synch” your iPad, iPhone or iPod with the iTunes account on the laptop or desktop. If you have never done this before, you can find Apple’s instructions here: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1386
Now all the MP3s will be on your mobile device and you can listen to them anywhere.
If you still have trouble, check with Apple’s online support and look for the user manual for your specific device. Over time, Apple has changed the MP3 download process on its various products.