As an audiobook platform that shares all profits with independent bookshops across the globe, we are no stranger to Amazon-owned Audible.
In fact, we formed with the aim to help bookshops tap into the audiobook space that Audible has and continues to dominate. And it’s working: this year we celebrated our 10th anniversary, showing the demand and need for indie alternatives, not just in the listening space, but in the production and distribution space as well.
Why do authors turn to Audible?
The Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX) is a marketplace launched in 2011 by Audible that connects narrators, authors, agents, publishers, and other rights-holders to create audiobooks. The platform is often appealing to self-published authors, as they can navigate the audiobook creation process without a publishing house’s assistance. And while ACX promises the highest pay across the industry for audiobooks (40% royalties if an Audible Exclusive—which we’ll get more into in a bit—and 25% if not), many authors have challenged whether their terms are honored (see “Audible-gate”).
And, frankly, Audible has such a hold on the publishing and distribution industry that many authors might not know alternatives exist, or the downsides of working with Audible in the first place! We recognize that sometimes folks can’t support independent alternatives—whether that’s because of accessibility, cost, etc. But our hope is that by making all options more transparent, we grow empowered to make the best decisions for our family, our community, and ourselves.
What are Audible Exclusives?
Audible Exclusives are audiobooks that can only be sold through Audible—meaning libraries, independent bookshops, and other distributors/vendors cannot purchase or sell these audiobooks. By doing so, Amazon makes these audiobooks inaccessible to many, gatekeeping in return for a sense of “exclusivity.”
You can learn more about Audible Exclusives—including how to fight against these terms—in this blog post outlining their harm on the wider market.
A major reason Audible can afford to (supposedly) pay authors higher royalties and continuously down price books is because of their monopoly over the industry, and many others. Bookshops, however, rely on selling books, and they cannot afford to down price books given the incredibly small margins.
What can authors and readers do?
We’ve shared in detail before steps for both readers and authors (including examples from some awesome authors), but here we want to focus on what self-published authors can do, because that’s often an overlooked, but incredibly important, part of this conversation.
Alternatives to ACX
As mentioned earlier, part of the reason why many self-published authors turn to Audible is because of ACX. Navigating the production and distribution processes can be daunting, and ACX has many resources that aim to help these authors. Thankfully, there are other options, especially as new companies continue to enter the booming audiobook space.
Author’s Republic
Like ACX, Author’s Republic was created to help authors create, distribute, and sell audiobooks. Via the Author’s Republic Studio, authors can find narrators to work with, promising that they can “effortlessly produce and distribute audiobooks that don’t cost an arm and a leg” and while protecting their intellectual property.
According to their FAQs, a six hour audiobook produced by a professional narrator ranges between $900 to $2,500, with $150-400 per additional finished hour. They don’t take any administration fees and there are no hidden percentage cuts—rather everything you spend on production goes straight into actually producing your audiobook.
And because they don’t offer exclusive distribution, Author’s Republic promises that authors can earn up to 25% more given the wider range of readers they can access—including Libro.fm, Libby/Hoopla, Spotify, and other popular listening platforms. Author’s will receive 70% of what their audiobook earns across these channels and distributors. How a narrator is paid is up to the author and narrator to decide.
You can learn more about Author’s Republic by visiting their FAQ page.
Dreamscape Select
A personalized audiobook distribution service, Dreamscape Select works with over 50 partners to help authors maximize the reach of their audiobook. They promise an 85% royalty rate and assistance with marketing at no additional cost. At this time, they do not offer production services.
Read more about getting started with audiobook publishing, especially as a self-published author, in this article by Dreamscape Media’s president, Sean McManus.
Ingram CoreSource Plus
Another distribution platform, CoreSource allows authors to get their audiobooks in the hands of readers through varied channels. Authors are able to select which partners they want to work with directly, and which they prefer Ingram to manage.
Scribe Audiobooks
According to their website, “the Scribe Audiobook service includes everything you need to either be paired with a professional narrator or coached on how to narrate it yourself, record, produce, and distribute it to the world.” They then work with Author’s Republic to help with distribution. Prices start at $8,000 for the entire service, but authors can opt just for distribution at $1,500.
Brisbane Audiobook Production
An Australian production company, this company helps authors from start to finish with their audiobook creation. While they encourage self-narration, they can connect authors with professional narrators. Authors maintain their rights to the audiobook, and they’ll walk you through pricing.
AudiobooksRadio
Produced in Australia, but distributed globally, AudiobooksRadio is also full service, taking no royalties and with no on-going fees. They aim to be cost efficient, and have worked with 400+ authors and works in 25+ different languages.
Audio Factory
Working with clients from HarperCollins, Hachette, Brilliance Audio, and more, Audio Factory has experience working with publishers and self-published authors. If requested, they’ll share the files with distributors, following their delivery guidelines.
UK Book Publishing
Primarily working with self-published authors that have already used their platform for digital/print copies, UK Book Publishing will help authors find a narrator, produce the audiobook, and distribute it to 40+ platforms to help reach listeners worldwide.
Findaway Voices
Now owned by Spotify, Findaway Voices works with self published authors to distribute and monetize their audiobook via Spotify. They provide marketing resources and analytics tools.
Promoting your audiobook
Once your audiobook is ready for consumers, how can you best promote it? We have plenty of resources to help you get started, including our Libro.fm Affiliate Program to help you earn more as an author.
If you’re an author, talk to your publisher about your audiobook creation and distribution, or if you’re self-published, consider all the options available and how their services work for you.
Start by learning about the audiobook creation process; You might even be all the more inspired by authors who are taking steps to fight back against Amazon’s dominance.
While their monopoly over the book industry perseveres, more and more alternatives are emerging every day to help readers, sellers, publishers, and authors take back control. And when we’re able to move away from Amazon’s owned services, we help build a more sustainable and thriving industry.