Publishing Audiobooks and Getting Listed (and Discovered) on The Biggest Platforms

Are you considering various ways to market your audiobook effectively?

Many authors might need to give it more thought; they submit their audio masterpieces to ACX (Amazon's distribution platform) and consider the job done.

It certainly appears to be the path of least resistance, after all. ACX efficiently places your audiobook into a range of libraries, thus ensuring you reap the benefits of exposure to expansive audiences, with heavyweights such as Audible and iTunes being part of that mix.

However, opting for this straightforward approach may have hidden disadvantages. For example, many authors must be aware of alternative avenues for audiobook sales, which can be limiting. Moreover, seeing your audiobook featured on Audible is feasible without tethering your rights to Amazon exclusively.

This article is written to help you determine how to steer through these waters and give you ample information to survey all available routes. This will empower you to execute the most informed and strategic business maneuver in the long run.

How to Sell Audiobooks

Securing a presence on esteemed platforms such as Audible and iTunes is paramount to audiobook sales success. Audible is undeniably dominant in the audiobook market, and it's unlikely to relinquish that stature soon.

Attempting to sell audiobooks independently is akin to peddling a new musical composition outside of iTunes—a venture bound to face steep challenges. Doing so would deprive you of these platforms' vast audience, compelling you to shoulder the burden of persuading customers to download directly from your site—an uphill task given the extensive user base of Audible, iTunes, and other services such as Spotify.

In recognition that your book's presence on platforms such as Audible is instrumental in securing notable, steady sales, you are confronted with a couple of choices:

1. Choose to sign up with each platform separately

This time-intensive task requires a meticulous review of legal jargon related to royalties and rights—a risky business for those not well-versed in legal parlance. ACX, in particular, presents you with a decisive choice under their distribution terms:

• Exclusive distribution – this option involves committing the exclusive rights of your audiobook to ACX, barring you from distributing on other platforms for seven years while receiving 40% of the sales proceeds.

• Non-exclusive distribution – this agreement permits you to disseminate your book to Audible and iTunes, simultaneously retaining the liberty to distribute it on additional channels in exchange for a 25% share of the sales proceeds.

Opting for exclusive distribution is sensible only if you have no intention of selling your audiobook beyond Audible and iTunes (including on your website) and wish to collaborate with ACX for production.

The following segments will elaborate further on the diverse platforms and distribution channels.

2. Form a partnership with a comprehensive audiobook distribution service that guarantees your audiobook gets listed on all the essential platforms.

Such companies ensure your audiobook finds its spot on the necessary services and typically operate by taking a cut from the sales. They manage the collection of payments and subsequently disburse your royalties, which equate to the net revenue earned minus their commission.

Making an astute choice in selecting a distributor that aligns with your objectives is key to your success. Every distributor presents a unique percentage cut, collaborates with different platforms, and offers varying rights over your content. Importantly, there are distributors out there, other than ACX, who can still secure you a spot on Audible iTunes and many other platforms.

Choosing the Right Audiobook Distributor for Your Needs

The world of audiobook distribution can be daunting, with numerous options available to authors seeking to reach their audience through auditory means. Hiring the services of an audiobook distributor can be very helpful, as these entities do the heavy lifting on your behalf. They handle everything from the intricacies of technical specifications to your work's marketing and broad distribution.

Audiobook distributors stand out not only for their distribution prowess but also for the convenience they offer. It's not uncommon for many of them to provide a unified dashboard, a central place from which you can manage your audiobooks. Here, you're afforded a bird's-eye view of your sales, neatly broken down by each platform that carries your title. Such a feature isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a serious consideration that should weigh heavily on your mind. Partnering with a distributor that offers this service can demystify the sales process and significantly improve your understanding of the marketplace.

However, please be careful about this. The sheer ease of distributing your audiobook should make you aware of the details of the agreement you enter into. Keep a vigilant eye on the terms to avoid inadvertently committing your audiobook to an exclusive arrangement that may not be in your best interest.

Three notable names stand out when selecting a distributor: ACX, Findaway Voices, and Author’s Republic. Each of these major players in the audiobook distribution market offers a unique set of features, benefits, and potential drawbacks.

Let us delve a little deeper into each distributor's offerings. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, you can make an informed decision best suited to your needs as an author and content creator. The goal is to find the right partner that aligns with your distribution aspirations, safeguards your interests, and maximizes your audiobook's reach and revenue potential.

When picking the best-fit distributor for your audiobook, your decision should align closely with your endgame objectives. Please take a moment to ponder what you aim to achieve. Do you envision your audiobook gracing the virtual shelves of every noteworthy platform out there? Is your idea to market and sell it directly through your website? Or would you happen to know if your strategy is more aligned with using it as a valuable tool for lead generation?

Also, you may be thinking about whether you're targeting tangible revenue streams from your audiobook sales or aiming to harness the power of your audiobook as an effective springboard to upsell higher-ticket offerings within your existing business framework. The nuances of your strategy are important and should guide your choice.

For those seeking to maximize royalties and retain a significant degree of autonomy over their work distribution, I cannot stress enough the importance of refraining from locking yourself into an exclusive agreement with ACX. While an exclusive deal might seem tempting, it can limit your potential in the broad landscape of audiobook platforms.

Conversely, choosing a non-exclusive arrangement with ACX opens the door to a world of possibilities, including the ability to distribute your audio masterpiece on alternative platforms such as Google Play. This choice empowers you to own your work's rights fully.

This strategic decision comes with the added responsibility of producing your audiobook independently of ACX's umbrella. Although this task may appear daunting at first glance, I assure you that it's more accessible than you might anticipate.

Resource: Have a ready book that you'd like it to be narrated and published internationally? Let's chat.

Is It Possible to Earn an Income by Selling Audiobooks on Audible?

Earning money by selling audiobooks on Audible can be achieved. However, realistic expectations are crucial: this is not a business model that will be overnight. Your earnings will largely reflect the effort you put in and your existing reputation.

For most authors, a good output would be earning a few thousand dollars monthly from royalties. This level of success is achievable, but it tends to be the exception rather than the norm. Usually, the authors who rake in a substantial income from book sales have already made a name for themselves, enjoying fame and a dedicated readership.

It's essential to approach this venture with a clear understanding that the volume of audiobooks you sell must be very high to create a sustainable income. How high, you might wonder? The answer is complex; it will vary greatly depending on various factors. These include the pricing of audiobooks, a strategic decision that can impact sales volume, and the type of payment structure you've agreed to with Audible – whether a flat fee per unit sold or a percentage of sales as royalties.

Selling audiobooks can indeed become a lucrative source of income. Still, it usually demands dedication, a strategic approach to pricing and marketing, and often a little luck or pre-existing fame to hit it big truly.

The prospect of earning money from audiobook sales is tantalizing, with some authors earning several hundred dollars monthly. However, it's essential to temper expectations—rarely do audiobooks, or any books, become massive revenue streams overnight. Instead, consider audiobooks as a potent strategic asset in your marketing toolkit.

Consider audiobooks as a sophisticated bridge connecting your brand to your potential customers. They serve as both a symbol of your expertise and a platform for enhancing your reputation in the field. Moreover, they provide an accessible introduction to your ideas and brand personality without requiring a substantial investment from those encountering your work for the first time.

While it's imperative to maintain realistic expectations about becoming wealthy from audiobook sales, there is still a financial upside to consider. When done right, audiobooks can indeed become sources of income. By this, I mean when your audiobook becomes another tool to get potential leads aware of your services and then monetize those services.

These successes are not just about monetary gain; they underscore the dual purpose that audiobooks can serve. They are both promotional instruments and viable products in their own right. So, while it's prudent only to expect vast riches from audiobook sales, dismissing their potential profitability entirely would also be a mistake. With the correct strategy, these audible narratives can resonate with audiences, build credibility, and add revenue to your publishing portfolio.

Interested in how we could help you do the same (and even set up a book funnel with your audiobook)?