Distribution
Once your audiobook is complete it needs to reach your listeners. Audiobook distribution can seem overwhelming.
- Who to choose?
- Which countries will my title sell in?
- Do I have control over pricing?
- How much money will I make?
Once your audiobook is complete it needs to reach your listeners.
Audiobook distribution can seem overwhelming.
- Who to choose?
- Which countries will my title sell in?
- Do I have control over pricing?
- How much money will I make?
Don’t worry – Raconteurs will guide you through the process and help you make a decision you’re happy with.
It can seem there are as many distributors as there are publishers. Who to sell through and the choice of contract can both have a large impact on your sales. We’ve developed our ABCD guide – Audiobook Chart of Distribution – to give you a brief overview of some of the different distribution options.
In North America over 41% of audiobook sales are through Audible. Audible offers two distribution options:
- Exclusive distribution: Your audiobook is only available on Audible and its affiliated partners. The Royalty payment to authors is slightly higher for this option (40% net*), but you forfeit the ability to distribute through other platforms or sell on your own site.
- Global distribution: Non-exclusive option – your audiobook is released simultaneously across additional platforms, (eg; Google Play, Spotify, Apple Play, Kobo and more, including your own website.) Your royalties will be lower, but you can sell through other platforms, your own site, etc.
The remaining sales are split between other distributors; including Apple, Kobo, Google play, Findaway, Author’s Republic and more.
We will discuss all these options with you in detail before we begin recording your audiobook.
*Source: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201014330
ABCD guide to audiobook distribution
A helpful guide to give you a rundown of the differences between some of the major distributors
Get in touch
We’d love to chat to you about the different distribution options, help demystify the process and give you all the information you need to make informed choices. We love nothing more than talking about audiobooks and are more than happy to email, chat on the phone or schedule a zoom meeting to answer any questions you may have.
