Leading Audiobook Providers and Audiobook Publishers to Explore

Leading Audiobook Providers and Audiobook Publishers to Explore

Are you ready to dive into the booming audiobook world? Here's the skinny on the fastest-growing publishing segment and how to make your manuscript an audio success!

In a nutshell, the audio market is by far the place to be, so let's talk numbers:

• The global audio market is already worth over $5 billion and is projected to skyrocket to a whopping $35 billion by the year 2030.
• That's a mind-blowing annual growth rate of 26.4% over the next 7 years, compared to the measly 1.9% growth in the book market.
• And get this – audio titles are expected to account for an astounding 21.3% of the global book publishing revenue by 2030!

With audiobook consumption on the rise, it's no wonder that services focused on production, distribution, and more are popping up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. And with the latest tech trend – AI in publishing – audiobook publishers are integrating these technologies left and right. In fact, all the big five publishing retailers now offer AI-narrated audiobooks!

Don't let money hold you back from joining the action. With AI narration, making an audiobook is more affordable than ever, especially for self-publishing indies! With our website's Apple Books Digital Narration, you can easily convert your ebook into an audiobook with just a few clicks.

"Alright, already. Where do I start?” I hear you ask. Here are the top 10 audiobook services and publishing companies you should know:

The Top 10 Audiobook Services & Publishing Companies

1. Amazon's Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX)

Amazon's Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX) is the largest publishing platform, distributing audio content to Audible.com, Amazon.com, and iTunes. Audible is the largest audiobook store, offering over 200,000 audio titles to listeners worldwide.

On the ACX platform, it's free to create an account and go through the audio process to produce and distribute your audio title. You have the option to produce your audiobook on ACX or upload your own files.

• Royalties you earn:
  • 40% if exclusive with ACX
  • 25% if non-exclusive
  • 20% with royalty-share

Going exclusive with ACX means you agree to distribute your title to Amazon's channels and nowhere else for the first 90 days. This offers a higher royalty rate and a few exclusive marketing features like promo codes, but it means you can't reach the rest of the book market, including other retailers like Google Play Books, libraries like OverDrive, or niche spaces like Voxa. Remember, 40% of sales can make or break you, so consider publishing wide.

2. Kobo

Kobo distribution gets your book listed in Kobo.com, Walmart, Indigo (Canada's #1 bookstore), Bol (e-commerce shop in the Netherlands), and more. There are no exclusivity clauses or fees to publish with Kobo.

• Royalties you earn:
  • 35% royalties for audiobooks priced $2.99 or lower
  • 45% royalties for audiobooks priced over $2.99
  • 32% for certain subscription customers

Kobo Plus, the reading subscription service from Kobo, was the second-highest-growing store for our website indies in 2023, generating 154% more book sales than the previous year. To publish your audio content on Kobo, all you need to do is create a Kobo Writing Life account and upload your files.

3. OverDrive

OverDrive is one of the largest library distribution networks, reaching over 88,000 libraries worldwide, including the New York Public Library, London Libraries Consortium, and more.

• Royalties you earn:
  • Royalties payouts depend on each of OverDrive's library partners
  • 45% with distributors like our website

With libraries being a significant market for your audio title, you don't want to miss out on OverDrive. You can submit an inquiry form to work directly with OverDrive, but it can be quicker to work with one of OverDrive's distribution partners, such as our website.

4. Gardners

Gardners is the leading international wholesaler that distributes not only digital books, but music, film, and more. The hub consists of nine stores primarily focused on the U.K., Sweden, Poland, and Denmark.

• Royalties you earn:
  • Royalties payouts depend on each of Gardner's store partners
  • 60% with distributors like our website

5. Audiobooks.com

Audiobooks.com is one of the top audio subscription services in the U.S. Subscribers get a free title to start and one free title curated from the VIP section every month.

To distribute to Audiobooks.com, you'd need to contact them directly to discuss royalty rates. Or, you can go through one of its third-party distribution partners like our website.

6. Scribd

With over 1 million active users, Scribd is a leading book subscription service. After 30 days of free access, subscribers get unlimited access to digital content for $9.99 a month.

Currently, it's not possible to distribute directly to Scribd. Instead, you'd have to go through a third-party distributor. See how to distribute to Scribd with our website.

• Royalties you earn:
  • Royalties payouts depend on each of Scribd's publishing partners
  • 80% royalties with distributors like our website
  • Reads are handled as purchases, meaning you get paid as if you sold the title in a retail store

7. Google Play Books

Google Play Books is a giant digital store reaching over 40 countries. Indies made 68% more book sales on Google Play Books in 2023.

• Royalties you earn:
  • Royalties payouts depend on each of Google Play's publishing partners
  • 50% royalties with distributors like our website

8. Findaway Voices

Findaway Voices is one of the best audiobook distribution companies to know. You can sell your title in over 35 stores, reaching over 170 countries.

• Royalties you earn:
  • 80% of the 25% royalties from Audible/Amazon/iTunes non-exclusive rate
  • 80% of the 40-50% royalties from non-Audible retailers

Like Audible, you can either take care of your audio files separately or get matched with a narrator on Findaway Voices.

9. Spotify

Spotify is the world's largest audio streaming platform with more than 433 million monthly listeners. Users can access audiobook content, in addition to music and podcasts. To distribute to Spotify, you'd need to go through Findaway Voices.

If you use an aggregator like our website, you reach Spotify, Findaway Voices' stores, and everywhere else. Note that with our website, each audio title is sold via a la carte model, meaning as a standalone product. You'd get 40% of the net sale price earned with Spotify.

10. our website

our website is a self-publishing platform that provides the largest reach, including all the best audiobook distributors mentioned in this list. You keep 100% of the royalties you earn with stores since there are no additional royalties on top of the distributors' share.

So, you've published your audiobook, but the work doesn't stop there. A solid promotion plan is essential to sell your book. Here are some top book marketing strategies to consider:

• Maintain Your Online Presence: Ensure you have an online presence where readers can find and follow you. Consider creating a website for free on WordPress. Set up author pages on Amazon, Google, and Goodreads. Regularly share updates about your book and author's life for continuous engagement.
• Collect Audiobook Reviews: Post in online forums. Reach out to audiobook reviewers. Ask other authors you know to swap reviews.Land at least a handful of positive reviews before spending money on ads.
• Feature in Stores and Newsletters: Look for featuring opportunities within the stores you decide to distribute to. On our website, you get a running list of free sales events from major retailers like Apple Books, Kobo, and more. Check out our website's promotion success stories for some inspiration.

Now that you're armed with the insights on the best audiobook providers and the current growth trends, go make that audiobook a reality! And remember, our website is just a click away to help you conquer the market and max out those royalties. Get started today!

• As the audiobook market continues to skyrocket, embracing technology becomes crucial for education and self-development. With AI narration and various audiobook publishing platforms, creating an audiobook has never been more accessible, even for independent publishers.
• In a world where audiobook consumption is on the rise, incorporating this format into your lifestyle is a strategic move to expand your reach and tap into the $35 billion market projected by 2030.

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