How to Make Money on Audible
Are you an author or publisher looking to get your work heard? Or a narrator wants to make some extra cash? How about a content creator interested in audiobooks?
Audible is the most popular audio platform where anyone can listen to books and audio stories. With millions of listeners around the world, it can be a great place to reach your target audience and monetize your work.
We’ll break down exactly how to make money on Audible through the Audible Creator Program by examining the options available, potential earnings, and successful sharing tips.
By following our guidelines and tips, you can increase your earnings as well as maximize exposure for yourself or your business on Audible effortlessly.
What is Audible
Audible is an online audiobook platform that allows listeners to experience audio media from audiobooks, podcasts, audio drama, and other spoken word entertainment.
But it’s not just a platform for listeners. It’s a great way to make money as well. Audible has a program called ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) that allows you to create your own audio books and sell audio versions of other products or services.
Not only audio content but also professional narration on audiobooks is a popular demand to earn money on Audible too.
By doing so, you have the opportunity to earn money through royalties from the sales of your audiobooks or narrating audiobooks.
Table of Contents
4 Ways How to Make Money on Audible
Create Audiobooks as an Author
Steps to Create an Audiobook in Audible
With just a few simple steps, you can publish your own audiobook for millions of listeners on Audible.
First, ensure that your manuscript book is prepared and meets the formatting requirements outlined on Audible. Once you are ready to record, decide whether to narrate yourself or hire a professional narrator that fits your story.
Sign up on ACX as your audible platform to connect with narrators and distribute your audiobook. If you choose not to narrate, create a descriptive project of what your book is about to attract narrators or producers to voice your book.
After selecting a narrator, finalize an agreement on the narrating requirements, deadlines, and compensation. Keep monitoring the audiobook production for audio quality before approving it.
You are almost ready to sell once you approve the audio files. Set your sale price, choose your audiobook distributors then make money from your sales.
Author’s Earnings and Royalties
A few options an e-book author can choose for their audible book to receive payment:
Exclusive Distribution: Amazon, iTunes, and Audible offer 40% of the audiobook’s retail price for every sale to the author for only distribution on these three platforms on ACX.
Non-exclusive Distribution: If the author decides to have other audiobook distributors outside of ACX, the royalty rate is 25% of the audiobook’s retail price for every sale.
Subscription-based: The author can have their e-book be part of the Audible subscription service, where Audible membership subscribers pay a fixed monthly fee to listen to a selection of Audible media.
Authors will receive a royalty share of the subscription revenue based on the total listening time of their audiobooks relative to listening time across the catalog.
Tips on Creating a Successful Audiobook
- Optimize your manuscript for audiobooks where you may need to adjust the text by removing visual cues, shortening passages, or alternative dialogues.
- Invest in high-quality audio equipment and recording software if you are narrating or work with a professional producer to record your audiobook.
- Create a visually appealing book cover to capture viewers attention to discover what your audiobook is about.
- Input the audiobook’s metadata from the title, subtitle, and description to make it relevant and easier for listeners to search.
- Promote and market your audiobook with social media, email marketing, and other platforms to create awareness of your audible products.
As an author, you can utilize the Audible self publishing platform to release your audiobooks without the need to hire a publishing company. Over time, as you produce multiple audiobooks, you can generate a passive income stream.
Become an Audiobook Narrator
Steps to Be an Audiobook Narrator on Audible
It’s easier than you might think to have you set up as an audiobook narrator on ACX.
First, invest in high-quality recording equipment such as a microphone, audio interface, headphones, and pop filter. Additionally, have a quiet space to record in and audio editing software to add finishing touches.
You will want to start recording voice samples to create a voice profile showcasing your ability and helping potential clients if you are the right fit. Then you are ready to sign up for the audiobook creation exchange.
Browse through the available audiobook projects and audition for ones that interest you. When auditioning, take your time, speak clearly, and show off your best storytelling skills.
Once you’re selected for a project, communicate with your client about the project requirements, compensation, and agreements.
Now it’s time to record and read through the audiobook. Listen to the feedback the client gives and make the story come alive.
After completing projects, connect with clients asking for reviews and testimonials. It will help build your reputation as a professional narrator and make more money narrating books.
Narrator’s Earnings and Royalties
It will depend on the agreement between clients, but typically narrators earn money in two ways:
Pay-for-Production (PFH): A flat rate fee is set per finished hour basis for recording the audiobook. The payment rate for narrators varies based on their level of experience, skills, and the complexity of the project.
Beginning narrators can earn between $10 and $100 per hour, while experienced narrators typically earn more than $100 per hour. Payment will be received after the client approves the audiobook project.
Royalty Share: The narrator can agree not to receive upfront pay but ask for a percentage to split royalties on the audiobook. Negotiate with your client on the percentage then you will earn money based on the sales performance of the audiobook.
Royalty Share Plus: Another option is to accept a combination of PFH and Royalty Share payment. You will receive an initial upfront payment after finishing the project and a percentage of future royalties, albeit at a lower rate.
Tips on Narrating Audiobooks
- Invest in training and practice your voice in narrating. You’ll discover your unique style on how to project your voice that’s different from other professional narrators.
- Besides investing in your voice, also in high-quality audio equipment and make your own audio content for your voice portfolio.
- Look to network with narrators, authors, or right holders. They can help give feedback on your narration and opportunities to narrate audiobooks.
- As with authors, you can promote your narration skills with social media and other platforms. You may find opportunities outside of the audiobook industry.
Narrating can be a rewarding and fulfilling role as you use your voice to give life to stories. With Audible, you can connect with clients in search of the perfect voice and earn income while pursuing your passion.
Be an Audiobook Publisher
Steps to Publish on Audible
Similar steps to creating an audiobook as an author, you will want to learn about the audiobook market to look for opportunities, then acquire audiobook rights by talking with authors and negotiating an agreement.
Decide if you will produce audiobooks in-house or outsource the work to professionals. In-house will require you to hire narrators and audio producers to collaborate in making your own audiobooks.
Once you finish recording and editing the audio versions for Audible, you are ready to create an account on ACX. Fill out the details of the audiobooks to help listeners find you and promote the audiobook.
Publisher’s Earnings and Royalties
It will depend on the agreements between the author but will follow the same ways as how authors are paid on the Audible platform:
Exclusive Distribution: Amazon, iTunes, and Audible offer 40% of the audiobook’s retail price for every sale to the author for only distribution on these three platforms on ACX.
Non-exclusive Distribution: If the author decides to have other audiobook distributors outside of ACX, the royalty rate is 25% of the audiobook’s retail price for every sale.
Tips on Publishing Audiobooks
- Pick a niche that is within your area of interest and expertise to stand out competitively and find the right listeners.
- Produce high-quality audiobooks by selecting well-written book rights, working with professional narrators, and investing in quality audio equipment if producing in-house.
- Grow your audience by promoting audiobooks fresh releases and engaging with the community to keep up to date with the audiobook industry.
Audible is an excellent platform for publishers to tap into new markets and increase their earnings. The increasing demand for audiobooks in today’s fast-paced world means publishers can cater to busy listeners by transforming their written works into engaging audio experiences.
Audible Affiliate Program
How to Make Money as an Audible Affiliate
Besides selling audiobooks and professional narration on Audible, you can promote it by signing up for the Audible affiliate program and making money online.
You earn a commission for every new customer you bring to Audible who signs up for the Audible free trial, pay for an Audible subscription membership, or purchases an audiobook through a unique affiliate link.
Promote it on your websites, social media, and other platforms. Those who sign up through the affiliate link will have an Audible free trial, plus a free audiobook or two and access to the Audible original.
Audible Affiliate Program Earnings and Payout
Those that click on the affiliate link and accomplish the following action:
- Sign up for Audible paid membership – $10.00
- Sign up for the Audible free trial – $5.00
- Purchase an Audible audiobook – $0.50
24-hour cookie after someone clicks on the affiliate link to do any of these actions to receive a payout.
Affiliate Commission’s payout is approximately 60 days after the end of the month. Choose from either payment as direct bank deposit, check, or Amazon gift card.
Tips on Publishing Audiobooks
- Pick a niche that is within your area of interest and expertise to stand out competitively and find the right listeners.
- Produce high-quality audiobooks by selecting well-written book rights, working with professional narrators, and investing in quality audio equipment if producing in-house.
- Grow your audience by promoting audiobooks fresh releases and engaging with the community to keep up to date with the audiobook industry.
Audible is an excellent platform for publishers to tap into new markets and increase their earnings. The increasing demand for audiobooks in today’s fast-paced world means publishers can cater to busy listeners by transforming their written works into engaging audio experiences.
FAQs
How Much Do Audible Narrators Get Paid?
According to reports, a beginner narrator can expect to earn around $10-$100 per finished hour, while a more experienced narrator can make upwards of $100-$500 per finished hour.
With the increasing popularity of audiobooks, the demand for talented narrators who can bring a story to life uniquely and engagingly is higher than ever.
So, if you’re considering a career reading audiobooks as a narrator, there’s no time like the present to start honing your skills and perfecting your craft.
How Much Can You Make in Audible?
With Audible, authors and publishers can earn royalties on their audiobooks, and narrators can earn royalties, a finished rate agreement, or a mix of both.
The amount you can make varies depending on factors such as the length of the audiobook, sales of audiobooks, and the percentage of royalties agreed upon with Audible.
So, whether you’re an author, narrator, or publisher, Audible is a great platform for earning money while sharing your stories with the world.
Closing Thoughts
Making money on Audible is a viable option for anyone wanting to monetize their voice or writing skills!
You can choose to create and sell audiobooks as an author, utilize your voice as a narrator, publish audiobooks for others, or promote Audible through the Audible Affiliate Program.
Take the time to research each of these options and hone in on what works best for you to maximize the way you make money on Audible.
