Information for Indie Authors
This guide shares an overview of my audiobook production process and payment information. It also offers some insight into producing and distributing audiobooks, especially for those exploring audio for the first time.
If you already have a project booked with me or want a deeper look into my process, find my Audiobook Production Guide here:
If you are interested in working together, please reach out so we can connect and further discuss your project!
Overview of the Production Process:
(you can find a more detailed look into my process in my Author Info Packet)
Script Preparation
The first full read-through, with detailed notes and prep work.
Production
The performance and recording of the audiobook.
Post-Production
The editing, mastering, and proofing of the audiobook.
The Final Product
The delivery of the finished audiobook.
Payment Options:
Per-Finished-Hour Rate (PFH): The author pays the narrator/producer a fixed amount per each finished hour of audiobook. This is considered the industry standard method of payment. The SAG-AFTRA standard minimum rate is $250 PFH and you can expect to pay anywhere from $250-$400 for a professional, high-quality audiobook.
Please note: If we are contracting directly (direct file delivery outside of ACX), I ask for a deposit after approving the first checkpoint, and will invoice you the remaining balance at the end of production. The retail sample and end credits will be withheld until final payment is made.
To make audiobook production more accessible for indie authors, I do try to offer flexible payment options. Please reach out directly to discuss your project!
Royalty-Share and Royalty-Share Plus: This option is offered for ACX (Audible) productions. In royalty-share agreements, the author does not pay the narrator upfront and instead splits royalties with them. In royalty-share plus agreements, the author agrees to a flat rate or PFH rate at a lesser amount than a standard PFH agreement, commonly around half of what would be charged for a standard PFH rate, in addition to split royalties. For example, if a narrator normally charges $250 PFH, you can expect to pay around $150, along with split royalties.
Please note: I only accept royalty-share agreements through ACX. These projects are considered on a limited basis and subject to my current availability and may require more flexibility in production time.
Producing and Distributing Audiobooks:
Below you will find an overview of some common methods used by independent authors to produce and distribute audiobooks.
ACX (Audible)
A platform where authors can connect with professional audiobook narrators. The audiobook/producer handles the delivery of final audio files, uploaded through the platform. You can pay narrators upfront per finished hour or royalty-share.
You have the option of exclusive and non-exclusive distribution:
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Exclusive distribution: You cannot sell or distribute your audiobook anywhere outside of Audible and earn a 40% royalty. Audible distributes the audiobook to Apple Books and Amazon.
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Non-exclusive distribution: You can sell your audiobook outside of Audible with independent distribution outside of ACX, earning a 25% royalty.
Audible holds the right to distribute your audiobook for 7 years. You can request to change the exclusivity rights after 90 days from the date your audiobook is published. You can choose to terminate the agreement after 90 days as well.
Many independent authors choose to produce an audiobook through ACX with exclusive distribution for the initial launch, for at least the first 90 days. Both authors and narrators receive free promo codes for reviews and promotion.
After the first 90 days, you may choose to wide-distribute your audiobook and request the change to non-exclusive distribution. You then hold the rights to distribute the audiobook through other distributors.
If you have a royalty-share agreement, you cannot choose to terminate your contract prior to the full 7-year term without the narrator's consent. To end distribution early, you will need to receive the narrator's consent for termination and typically buy out their share.
NOTE: I am also on Author’s Republic. This platform has a similar structure to ACX; it offers non-exclusive distribution to a wide range of retailers while connecting authors to narrators.
Voices by INaudio (previously Findaway Voices):
INaudio works with independent authors and publishers to distribute their audiobooks, offering non-exclusive distribution through their network of partners. This is for authors who want to self-distribute. They can receive finished audio files directly from the narrator and distribute themselves.
Some of their partners include: Audible, Google Play Books, Apple Books, Kobo, Chirp, Hoopla, Everand, and more. Authors using INaudio generally receive 80% royalties.
Voices by INaudio does not offer distribution through Spotify. Publishing to Spotify can be done through Spotify for Authors.
DIRECT OUTREACH: