Hi Heykelley,
I've been doing some extensive research on this problem and rest assure you are not the only one experiencing it. From my research I have found that the longer the novel, the higher the chances of error occurring (the technical nitty gritty - if the number of audio samples exceeds approximately 650 to 700 million samples, then the stability problems occur. Longer audiobooks have have higher sample rates). With that said, we are all giving our ipod's migraines. There are solutions, though but it depends on the type of audiobook and iPod you have. I have Audible books which are .aa or .aax files (DRM protected, so I can't convert and chop them into smaller files myself), and an iPod mini 3rd gen. Hopefully these steps help you, good luck!
Audible - for iPods that can not run apps ie. shuffle, mini, nano etc.
1. First and foremost write down the chapter you are on and your current listened hours.
2. Log in to your Audible account, make sure the book you are reading is in your library (even if you do not have a subscription anymore Audible still saves your library)
3. IF IT IS - plug your ipod into your computer and start Itunes. Delete the audiobook from your ipod, then from your itunes.
If the book is not in your Audible library - call Audible, raise **** ... not really, they are nice people ^_^.
4. Now back to the Audible library, find your novel. Next to the photo icon of your novel you will see an arrow. Click on it. There you will see your novel chopped up into pretty "parts" for you. Download them all to your itunes.
5. From your itunes drag your newly chopped novel into your iPod. Since the parts are separated by hours you will have to figure out which part contains the chapter you were on. Simple math ^_^.
Audible - for iPods that run apps) -
I am only guessing here but I believe the steps are similar just with a few modifications. Write down your chapter and listened hours, make sure its in your Audible library, delete from device or itunes. Then in the Audible library click the drop down arrow next to your books icon and download in parts to your device or itunes. I MAY BE WRONG, if I am call Audible and they can help you out. (888) 283-5051
For Audiobooks .mp4 .mp3 .acc
My dear friends you will have to tap into your inner techie to resolve your issue. You will need to manually chop up your book into parts or contact the audiobook provider and see if they offer your novel in parts.
For quick snip snap jobs like this I would use QuickTime Pro. Open your file up and every 7-8 hours or so make a cut.
I hope this was helpful, I wish everyone luck as I found that there are many of us out there who are frustrated with no answers.
