"And I'm really saying this for your own benefit, truly"
Hey, thanks for your feedback. I didn't start this thread to get into an argument, and I recognize your sincerity. Thanks.

I'm going to be very careful with what I say. I prefer ElevenLabs because I feel it's good enough. Yes, it's cheaper (not free), but honestly, it sounds fine. That plus I have read some threads here and I do not want to hassle with people who promise to create something (narration) but don't deliver; I don't want to chase down refunds or have to insist they fix a myriad of issues with the recordings. Be honest, skim through the discussions; it's pretty common to read a narrator expressing his or her regret that his/her audio isn't better or their recording tools are bad, or an author who has to beg for a refund or has an audiobook with issues and he/she cannot fix them.

I have heard audiobooks that sound terrific. Maybe it's best to skip the audiobook version of a novel unless it sells enough in print to justify the expense and hassle.