Research applicable copyright laws for the book. There may be some copyright laws, including the Copyright Term Extension Law, that apply for books written after 1920.
Buy a microphone or other recording device. Some recording devices offer special features, such as interference canceling. Alternately, you can just record it on your iPhone or other low-quality device.
Review the book to create a reading copy. You should underline words or sentences that require emphasis. Take reading notes on the book, such as a character’s speaking traits or attitude.
Record the audio book. Hold the book close to your mouth and pronounce each syllable clearly and deliberately. Review samples of the audio book to make sure the quality is consistent.
Edit the audio sample on a sound-editing software such as Audacity, Sony Vegas 9 or Final Cut Studio. You should remove all interference from the audio sample and cut any recording errors in the recording.
Burn the audio book onto a blank CD-R.