The 15-minute checkpoint is a critical step to ensure the producer and rights holder are on the same page regarding the audiobook's quality and overall direction before committing to the full production. Recording a 15-minute sample typically takes a producer a day or two after starting work.

This sample should represent the final audio quality, including character voices, accents, pacing, tone, and pitch. The 15-minute checkpoint audio should be:

• A representative excerpt, not necessarily a full 15 minutes.
• Fully edited and reflective of the final audio quality.

Note: The sample should be submitted by the rights holder's specified due date to confirm alignment on the project's direction before proceeding with the full production.