Everything You Need to Know About Audiobook Distribution

Of late, the audiobook business has experienced great success and growth, especially among all those who listen to it as a method of consumption of literature. A new writer or an author needs the distribution of an audiobook since it is essential to put your work into reach in front of wider crowds and audiences. Understanding how to distribute audiobooks will help you find listeners worldwide, grow your audience, and increase your sales. In this blog, we will cover everything you should know about audiobook distribution and navigating this fast-growing market.

What Is Audiobook Distribution?

Audiobook distribution is just the process of getting an audiobook into the earbuds or ears of listeners. Like traditional book distribution, audiobook distribution is all about choosing who will carry your audiobook to make it available for sale, rental, or download. The platforms, partners, and retailers differ from the big streaming service providers to the niche audiobook providers, each one with its own rules and royalties, and audiences in mind.

It's expanded your reach and opened the door for others to tap into new revenue streams. Producing your audiobook is an obvious first step, but true distribution is what exposes your work and opens your book up to millions upon millions of potential listeners. 

Choosing the Right Audiobook Distribution Platform

Selecting the right channels is key to successful audiobook distribution as an author. There are many different types of channels and each has its advantages. Here's a list of the most popular types of audiobook distribution channels:

1. Audible (Amazon)
Audible is part of Amazon and remains the world's largest provider of audiobooks. With millions of members worldwide, this company offers authors a great market outlet. An audiobook can be sold via Audible by registering for an account in their ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange), which connects authors with narrators and other producers of audiobooks.

• Advantages: Huge audience, more complex marketing tools, easily incorporated with Amazon, Audible, and iTunes.

• Cons: Exclusive distribution may prevent you from using other channels, and lower royalties for exclusive deals.
  

2. Apple Books
The other significant player is Apple Books which distributes audiobooks to over a million subscribers of its devices around the world. It differs from Audible because it distributes audiobooks in a non-exclusive format so you reach the most audience.

• Pros: Higher royalties than Audible, non-exclusive distribution, access to Apple's huge customer base.

• Cons: You need to directly submit, and you have to register for an Apple ID account.
  

3. Google Play Books
Google Play Books is a great avenue for authors who want to reach out to audiobook buyers worldwide, or more precisely, to Android users. Google Play has a broader audience in global markets than Audible and Apple Books.

• Pros: Wide international coverage, elastic price structure, non-exclusive agreements.

• Cons: Lower royalty rates than Audible and Apple Books, few marketing tools.
  

4. Kobo Audiobooks

Kobo, the eReader brand that is now distributing audiobooks, will appeal to authors who seek access to a wider international presence, especially in countries such as Canada, Europe, and Australia.

• Pros: The international distribution, easy integration with Kobo's eBook and audiobook store, and competitive royalty rates.

• Downsides: Smaller market than Audible and Apple Books.
  

5. Findaway Voices

Findaway Voices is a distribution platform that enables authors to distribute their audiobooks to over 40 retailers, including Audible, Google Play, Apple Books, and so on, and many smaller niche platforms. The distribution options are exclusive as well as non-exclusive.

• Pros: wide distribution network, superior production services, competitive royalty, non-exclusive distribution.

• Cons: The cost of setting up the audiobook production is higher on this platform than many of the others.
  

6. Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX)

ACX is a platform in which Audible owns the service by linking up the authors and publishers directly to the audiobook narrators and producers. Once you complete the production, you'll be able to distribute it through Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.

• Pros: Direct access to the largest provider of audiobooks, ready access to distribution on Amazon's network.

• Cons: Exclusive distribution terms will limit your reselling on other channels.

Benefits of Non-Exclusive vs. Exclusive Distribution

You will most of the time be offered the choice between distributing your audiobook exclusively and non-exclusively. Here's the difference:

Exclusive Distribution: With exclusive distribution, such as Audible's ACX, the rights holder often agrees to distribute their audiobook exclusively on that platform. In return, the creator may receive higher royalties, but its distribution will be restricted to other platforms.

• Non-Exclusive Distribution: It allows your audiobook to be on as many sites as you would like. This could be Audible, Apple Books, Google Play, and more. Non-exclusive distribution also has lower royalty rates. You gain the freedom of greater outreach and a more widespread market.

• This Depends On Your Goals: you should use exclusively if you want to maximize revenues from a single platform and you have the willingness to limit your distribution. You should use non-exclusive distribution if you want to reach as many listeners as you can, in which there is more flexibility.

Audiobook Pricing and Royalties

Another important consideration you should think about when distributing your audiobook on various platforms is pricing. Pricing will determine exactly how much revenue you garner per sale, so you've got to set a price that is both competitive and able to give value to it. Here are some typical pricing structures on major platforms:

• Amazon Audible (ACX): The royalty is usually in the range of 25% for non-exclusive to 40% for exclusive, depending on the agreement reached with the distribution. Audiobook price is determined by the platform but generally ranges from $10 to $30.

• Apple Books: Provides authors with 70% royalties based on the different pricing and territories.

• Google Play Books: Remunerates authors with 52% royalties based on audiobook sales.

• Findaway Voices: Pays competitive royalties at anywhere between 45% and 60%, according to your distribution option.
  

Before making a final decision, research each distribution method to understand how its pricing model will affect your earnings.

Marketing Your Audiobook

Just like eBooks, audiobooks require the right marketing strategies to leave their mark in this crowded market. Here are some of the ways you can help promote your audiobook:

• Utilize social media: Use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for broadcast bits of your audiobook, behind-the-scenes production footage, and promotions.

• Work with influencers and reviewers: Engage with audiobook reviewers, bloggers, and influencers to reach out more and get reviews.

• Offer promotional discounts: Many platforms, like Audible, offer promotional pricing for first-time buyers or special deals. Consider using those discounts to encourage new listeners.

• Engage them: Keep your audience busy with email newsletters, a giveaway, and limited-time offers; the listeners of audiobooks are usually loyal fans, and keeping them excited about your next release can bring more money.

Conclusion

It is through proper distribution of your audiobook in the right channels that you reach a larger number of people and get decent sales. Be it exclusive or non-exclusive, the knowledge about distribution platforms helps you make a well-informed decision on distribution to meet your specific requirements. Proper pricing and marketing strategies combined with the best distributors will surely help enhance your audiobook's performance.

Ace Publishing Services provides professional support to authors in regard to commissioning or producing audiobooks. We guide you through everything: selection of the best distribution channels for your audiobook and help make sure your audiobook reaches its target group. Let us help you transform your written words into an immersive audio experience that listeners will love!