The rise of audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio content has transformed the book publishing industry, opening up new avenues for authors to reach listeners and make money online. Retailers and audiobook distributors like Amazon and Audible have become key players in the growing audiobook market. Here is a step-by-step guide for beginners on how to create and sell audiobooks on these platforms.
How to create an audiobook
Creating an audiobook requires the conversion of your written text into an audio file. Non-fiction and fiction books alike can benefit from audio versions. The process can be a DIY task, or you can outsource it to a professional narrator or voice actor. If you choose to do it yourself, you'll need good quality recording and editing equipment. A well-produced audiobook can improve conversions, leading to more sales.
If you're opting to outsource, consider using a platform like ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange), where you can find professional narrators. You provide them with a script, and they will send you the finished audio files. It's important to note that high-quality audiobook production can be costly, typically charging per finished hour of audio.
You can also create your own audio with AI voiceover generators. These tools create high-quality and natural-sounding narration for your audiobook text with just a few clicks. AI voiceover generators are a great solution for self-publishing audiobooks since it costs less than hiring professional narrators or acquiring your own audio recording equipment. One of the best AI voiceover generators is Speechify Voice Over Studio.
What is the process for selling audiobooks on Amazon and Audible?
Audible and Amazon are two of the largest audiobook platforms, attracting millions of subscribers worldwide. They are both part of the Amazon ecosystem. Amazon operates Audible, while ACX is an Amazon platform where audiobook publishers can distribute their works to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
These are the steps to selling audiobooks for the first time on Amazon and Audible:
- To start selling audiobooks, you first need an Amazon account.
- Then, you can use ACX.com to upload your audiobook.
- As the rights holder, you can set up a title profile for your book, specifying details like the table of contents, book cover, and a description.
- Once your profile is set, you can start the process of audiobook production.
- Upon completion of your audio files, you can upload them to ACX, ensuring that they meet the ACX Audio Submission Requirements.
- After submission, ACX will review your audiobook, which typically takes about 30 business days.
- Once approved, your audiobook will be available for sale on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Costs and potential earnings for selling audiobooks on Amazon and Audible
When it comes to costs, ACX operates on a royalty share system or a pay upfront model. With a royalty share deal, you and the narrator split your earned royalties 50/50, while the pay upfront model allows you to keep all the royalties after paying the narrator their fee.
The money you can make selling audiobooks on Amazon and Audible largely depends on the success of your audiobook sales. Royalty rates can range from 20% to 40% based on whether you choose exclusive or non-exclusive distribution through ACX. Exclusive distribution means your audiobook is only sold through Audible, Amazon, and iTunes, whereas non-exclusive allows you to distribute through other retailers like Google Play, Kobo, or Author’s Republic.
Given the popularity of audiobooks, this can be a lucrative venture, providing a form of passive income for authors. Bestsellers certainly earn a substantial amount, but even lesser-known indie authors can generate a decent income if they effectively market their audiobooks.
Selling your own audiobook on Amazon and Audible is a viable way to capitalize on the growing audiobook industry. It's not without its costs and considerations, but with a well-produced audiobook, strategic use of platforms like ACX, and effective marketing strategies—from promoting on social media to offering Kindle book and audiobook bundles—it can be a rewarding venture. Remember, understanding your audience and the workings of the platforms is crucial for your success as an audiobook author.
Create high-quality narration with Speechify Voice Over Studio
If you’re interesting in self-publishing your own audiobook, we recommend using Speechify Voice Over Studio. Not only is it more affordable than hiring voice actors, but you can also customize the narration to be exactly how you want it to sound. Speechify Voice Over Studio features over 120 natural-sounding voices in more than 20 different languages and accents to choose from, all of which can be fine-tuned for pronunciation, pauses, pitch, and more. The platform also comes with 100 hours of voice generation per year, unlimited uploads and downloads, commercial usage rights, fast audio editing and processing, and 24/7 customer support.
Turn your writing into an audiobook with Speechify Voice Over Studio.
