You have finished narrating your audiobook and are now looking to publish it online. The question then comes, where can you publish and how?
Whenever you need to buy something, what’s the first name that pops up in your head?
Amazon
Just like with eBooks and Kindle by Amazon, Amazon has the biggest share of the audiobook market through Audible.
ACX
WHAT IS IT?
Amazon uses the platform ACX to distribute audiobooks to Amazon, Audible and iTunes.
According to the ACX website, “ACX is a marketplace where authors, literary agents, publishers, and other Rights Holders can connect with narrators, engineers, recording studios, and other Producers capable of producing a finished audiobook. The result: More audiobooks will be made.”
HOW TO USE IT?
ACX is a very straightforward platform to use. If you’ve ever posted a picture on FaceBook, you’ll know how to upload your audiobook on ACX.
After proof-listening your audiobook, all you have to do is upload each file to ACX and submit them for approval, making sure it follows the ACX Audio Submission Requirements. You can also upload a sample of your audiobook to attract the attention of potential buyers. This will help in increasing the number of downloads/sales of your audiobook.
To learn more, check out Jony Studios blog Benefits And Tips For Recording An Audiobook For Your Novel.
Before uploading your files, remember to name each audio with its corresponding chapter number to avoid confusion for both the publisher and listeners. Getting approval from ACX varies, however, according to the help center, it can take upto 30 business days to get an approval.
The ACX help center is a very useful and helpful resource, if you have any other questions, they can help you out.
ROYALTY SHARE
If you choose to publish exclusively with ACX, you will earn 40% of the retail sales on Audible, Amazon and iTunes.
If you choose to publish non-exclusively or retain distribution rights, you will earn 25% of the retail sales on Audible, Amazon and iTunes.
Wait!
Although Audible (ACX) is the most well known publishing site for audiobooks, it is worth noting that there are other websites for publishing and promoting your book as well.
Websites such as Author’s Republic, Kobo and Publish Drive are quickly gaining popularity as well.
Author’s Republic
WHAT IS IT?
Author’s Republic is solely a distributor of Audiobooks. They do not provide any production services.
If you’re looking for audio production services, you can contact Jony Studios. We offer audio production services that will help you reach a wider audience and increase your book sales.
The great thing about Author’s Republic is that they have a very relaxed publisher agreement terms. You have the option of terminating your agreement any time.
ROYALTY SHARE
Author’s Republic has a 7:3 ratio of royalty share.
Meaning, you get 70% of the royalties received from the sale of the audiobook and Author’s Republic gets 30%.
If you are, however, distributing to Audible, Amazon or iTunes through Author’s Republic, Audible will pay Author’s Republic 25% non-exclusive royalty. You will then get 70% of the royalty and Author’s Republic will keep 30%.
For audiobook retailers, the royalty rates differ by partner. Some of them use the MSRP provided by you, some are library prices while others are rental prices. Author’s Republic generally receives 50% of the royalty from these partners. And the distribution rate between Author’s Republic and you will remain as 70% and 30%.
Kobo Writing Life
WHAT IS IT?
Kobo Writing Life is a platform dedicated to self-publishers.
You can use this platform to upload, promote and sell your ebooks and audiobooks. If you are interested in promoting your audiobook, you will be able to distribute to Kobo.com (Kobo Writing Life is an offshoot of Kobo), Walmart, Indigo and Bol.
ROYALTY SHARE
You can publish your book for free on KWL if you choose to. This can be a powerful marketing tool for your upcoming books, the printed version of your book, etc.
If however, you have a subscription purchase, your share would be 32%. If you choose to list your book for USD 2.99 or higher, your share would be 45%.
There are other pricing options as well. If the price of your audiobook is below the prices listed here, you will earn 35% of the royalties.
Publish Drive
WHAT IS IT?
This is a self-publishing platform that reaches more than 400 online stores and more than 240,000 libraries. You can publish all forms of your book on Publish Drive. From the printed version, ebook to audiobook.
With Publish Drive, you can reach markets in North America, Europe and China. They are partnered with giants such as Audible, Kobo and OverDrive.
Publish Drive also gives you the opportunity to promote your book with options like automatic price promotions, review tracking and Amazon Ads.
Publish Drive is a one stop platform for all your publishing needs.
ROYALTY SHARE
Publish Drive gives you 100% of the royalties. This is however, dependent on the pricing model you choose, which depends on the number of titles in your catalogue.
Conclusion
There are many platforms available for self-publishing not only your audiobooks but also every other format of your book.
All these websites come with their own distribution agreements, pricing formats and royalty share agreements. Make sure to do your research before you publish your audiobook to ensure you choose the platform right for you.
Which website did you choose? Do you have any more suggestions for authors who are new to the industry? Let us know in the comments below!
- By Neha Agarwala
If you need help turning your book into an audiobook, we offer audiobook production services that will help you reach a wider audience and increase your book sales.
Learn more here and listen to some of our audiobook samples.
