Many of our clients have always wondered if it is possible to publish their audiobook without having a print or ebook version out for sale, the answer is YES.

Submitting an audiobook for distribution can be exciting, allowing authors and publishers to reach a wider audience through various platforms. While some distribution channels have specific requirements, it is possible to submit an audiobook even if you don't have a print or ebook edition available.

In this article, we will explore the process of submitting an audiobook without a print/ebook edition, highlighting the exceptions and guidelines for each distribution platform.

1) Understanding the Audible Exception

Audible, one of the leading audiobook distribution platforms, has a specific requirement for authors and publishers. To distribute an audiobook on Audible, it is mandatory to have an ebook or print copy listed on Amazon. This requirement ensures that Audible users can access the companion ebook or print version of the audiobook.

If you do not have a print or ebook edition available on Amazon, you will be unable to distribute your audiobook on Audible. Therefore, it is crucial to meet this prerequisite if you plan to target Audible's large audience.

2) Exploring Other Distribution Channels

Fortunately, Audible is the exception rather than the rule when it comes to submitting an audiobook without a print or ebook edition. Most other audiobook distribution platforms allow authors and publishers to upload their audiobooks without any accompanying print or ebook versions.

We reached out directly to Findaway voices, the world's largest audiobook distributor. They said:

“If you do not have the print/ebook on Amazon.com, you would not be able to distribute to Audible and would have to leave them unselected from distribution. This is the only exception; every other distributor allows for you to upload the audiobook without a print/ebook edition.”

This means you still have an opportunity to distribute your audiobook and reach a diverse range of listeners!

3) Step-by-Step Instructions for Submitting Audiobooks

To submit your audiobook without a print or ebook edition, follow these general instructions:

Research Audiobook Distribution Platforms:

Explore various distribution platforms such as Findaway Voices, Author's Republic, and many more. Understand their submission guidelines, pricing structures, and royalty options.

Prepare Your Audiobook Files:

Ensure that your audiobook is professionally recorded, edited, and meets the required audio quality standards. Convert your audiobook into the preferred file format specified by the distribution platform. Also, we have audiobook production services that can help you throughout this entire process.

Create an Account:

Sign up or create an account on the chosen distribution platform. Provide the necessary information such as your name, contact details, and payment preferences.

Upload Your Audiobook:

Follow the platform's instructions to upload your audiobook files. This typically involves selecting the appropriate file format, naming your audiobook, and providing any additional metadata required.

Set Pricing and Distribution Preferences:

Determine the pricing for your audiobook, taking into consideration the platform's suggested retail price and your desired royalty rate. Select the regions where you want your audiobook to be available for distribution.

Review and Confirm:

Carefully review all the information provided, including pricing, distribution preferences, and any terms of service. Once you are satisfied, confirm your submission.

4) Maximizing Your Audiobook's Reach

While submitting your audiobook without a print or ebook edition opens up numerous distribution opportunities, it is essential to consider other formats as well. Creating a companion print or ebook edition of your audiobook can enhance the overall reading experience for your audience. Additionally, having multiple formats available allows you to reach a broader range of readers who may prefer different mediums. Therefore, if resources permit, consider creating a print or ebook edition alongside your audiobook to maximize your reach and potential revenue streams.

Conclusion

Submitting an audiobook without a print or ebook edition is possible, with the exception of Audible, which requires a companion print or ebook listed on Amazon. However, most other distribution platforms offer authors and publishers the flexibility to upload audiobooks independently. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can successfully submit your audiobook and reach a wider audience of listeners.

If you need help turning your book into an audiobook, we offer remote audiobook production and editing services that will help you reach a wider audience and increase your book sales.

Listen to some of our audiobook samples here to get started.

If you’re an author looking to expand your market, publishing audiobooks might be right for you. You already have the written material, so converting it to an audio format is the easy part.

If you’re unsure how to start creating and selling your audiobook, keep reading, I’ll be breaking it down below

Why You Should Sell Your Audiobooks

The global audiobook market is valued at around 3 billion dollars and is constantly expanding. Audiobooks are considered the fastest-growing segment in publishing and they generate more income than ebooks. They offer authors another way to make money from their books.

Is self-publishing right for you?

Self-publishing is not for everyone so it’s important to know if it’s right for you and your audiobook.

You can learn more about self-publishing vs. traditional publishing in this article from Jony Studios.

Here are some traits that will help you be successful with self-publishing

Your audiobook delivers content the audience wants to hear
You have an understanding of your audience, budget, and marketing
You are willing to put in the work to get your book published.

Different genres of audiobooks do better than others. For example, mystery, thriller, and suspense audiobooks have the biggest audience, while sci-fi and fantasy have more engagement than any other genre. There is a clear market for shorter audiobooks, and non-fiction authors tend to have more success with online marketing than fiction authors do.

Many factors could make your audiobook successful, so it is easy for anyone to publish an audiobook in any genre.

Self-publishing can also be costly depending on how you decide to record your audiobook. Narrating, editing, and publishing your audiobook can cost anywhere between $150.00 - $700.00 to purchase the equipment and it will require a laptop/computer that can handle recording software.

Here is a list of the basic equipment you’ll need to record your audiobook from home:

Microphone
Audio interface
Microphone stand
Headphones
Audacity or Garageband, free recording software

If you decide to work with a narrator and audio production company, it can cost $3000.00-$6000.00 for an average length audiobook which is about 10 hours. Renting a studio can cost $50 - $200 an hour and narrators can cost $100.00-$400.00 per finished hour.

The most expensive but easiest option is to hire a production agency as they handle recording, editing, and narration for you.

Another option which is becoming very popular is to record your own audiobook at home using your voice but hire a professional recording studio to handle the editing, mixing, mastering for Audible standards, and walk you through the entire upload process, which will save you a lot of time, money, and hassle.

Learn more about our remote audiobook production services here and request a free estimate!

Creating your Audiobook

The first step in creating an audiobook is to write a script. Scripts are important because they will ensure the content you are recording will be comprehensible in an audio format.

If you are recording an online article, make sure you leave the following out of your script.

Hyperlinks
Captions and footnotes as they can be written into the spoken text
Visuals
Call to action or ‘click here’ buttons

If you are hiring a narrator, do research and hold auditions to make sure you are finding one that suits your audiobook.

You can find narrators using freelance websites like Fiverr.

If you decide to narrate the audiobook yourself, there are some things to consider.

Do you have an engaging voice?
Do you have voiceover skills to effectively tell your story?
If you listen back to the audio you have narrated, are you distracted by the way your voice sounds?

Keep in mind that a bad narration is a turn-off for many listeners.

When you are recording at home make sure you do the following

Turn off all equipment that makes noise. A mic will pick up any small sounds that a person might not think of
Record in a carpeted room to avoid reverb and reflections
Don't move while you’re recording
Keep your voice at a consistent volume and don't hold your breath
Read from an electronic device so the sound of turning pages is not picked up.
Schedule multiple recording sessions and re-record if necessary.

When you edit your audiobook, eliminate any mouth sounds, harsh ‘s’ sounds and make each chapter its own file, if you need help with this we have you covered with our remote audiobook editing services.

The final package should include a sample audio track, engaging book description, and cover art/image.

Audiobook Platforms

There are multiple different platforms you can choose to put your audiobook on. You can stick to one or upload it to a couple of different ones.

ACX

ACX is owned by Amazon and is a full-service audiobook/distribution arm. Through ACX you can distribute to Amazon, iTunes, and Audible.

There are a couple of different options if you chose to work with ACX.

Exclusive with ACX. You receive 40% of the royalties. If you worked with a narrator and don’t pay them upfront, they receive half of the royalties. This is a seven-year contract
Non-exclusive with ACX. You receive 25% of the royalties. You are unable to split the royalties with a narrator in a non-exclusive deal so they need to be paid upfront. This option allows you to work with other distribution platforms.

If you choose to publish with ACX you will not have control over the price of your audiobook. Click here to view the pricing guidelines from ACX.

Findaway Voices

Findaway Voices allows you to choose where you sell your audiobooks as well as how you price them. They have a distribution market that reaches over 170 countries and they work with library, retail, and school markets.

To learn more about ACX and Findaway voices, click here.

Soundwise

Soundwise allows authors to easily build an audience, Pro and Platinum plans that offer 100% of profits, and a place for listeners to leave comments. It is very easy to use and Authors have full control over their pricing strategy.

Click here to learn more about Soundwise.

Marketing Your Audiobook

As a self-published author, you will have full control over your marketing strategies. This can seem like a lot, especially if you have no idea how to go about marketing your audiobooks.

Here are some marketing tips to help you when you first get started

Pitch your audiobooks to booktubers, blogs, and book-related podcasts
Be active on social media and audiobook related Facebook groups
Submit for awards
Share your audiobooks with journalists

Check out this video for some more tips on how to market your audiobook.

Written By: Leah Gerber

Conclusion: Making your audiobook successful

You are now equipped to self-publish your own successful audiobook!

Before you get started, here are some important things the remember:

Self-publish if it’s right for you
Create content that listeners want
Choose platforms that will work for your needs
Engage with your listeners through social media

Have you ever self-published an audiobook before? What was your experience like? Which platform did you find most helpful? Let us know in the comments below.