Imagine this: A person embarks on a road trip with only one thing to keep them company: your voice narrating a murder mystery novel. Your listener gasps as you reveal plot twists and leans into the speakers as you build suspense. By the time you read the final line of the novel, that listener is already searching for more audiobooks—not only books written by that author, but books narrated by your voice.
Believe it or not, this is how to make money with Audible: Every time an Audible member listens to your audiobook, you earn royalties.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to earn money with audiobooks on Audible, including the different types of revenue streams you can access through the platform and how to get started.
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Table of contents
What is Audible?
Audible is an audiobook platform by Amazon that allows users to purchase and download individual titles or subscribe to a membership plan. While its main focus is audiobooks, Audible features other types of audio content, like podcasts and Audible Originals (original books, courses, journalism, and plays only available on the platform).
Audible is accessible via desktop, mobile, tablet, smartwatch, or an Alexa device. It allows users to listen offline and sync audiobooks across multiple devices.
Beyond access to a vast library of audiobooks, Audible also offers opportunities to earn income when you sell audiobooks online through the platform or become a partner of the Audible affiliate program.
What is ACX?
ACX, or Audiobook Creation Exchange, is Audible’s online marketplace, where authors and publishers connect with narrators, engineers, and recording studios to create audiobooks for profit. Think of ACX as a platform where book people meet audio people.
ACX can help authors find professional narrators or budding voice talent to create audiobooks. If you’re hoping to earn money as a narrator, you can apply to read written works for a fee or opt for a royalty-sharing agreement.
4 ways to make money with Audible
- Sell audiobooks
- Narrate audiobooks
- Join Audible’s affiliate program
- Offer audiobook production services
There are a few ways to make money on Audible. Each type involves different skill sets, so you may find yourself more suited toward some over others.
1. Sell audiobooks
Audible makes creating and selling audiobooks online accessible—particularly if you self-publish. Hire a narrator (called “producers” on the platform) to record your audiobook, and collaborate with them until it sounds perfect. Once the narrator records the final version of your audiobook, you can distribute it through Audible, Amazon, and Apple.
With ACX, you can earn passive income from Audible, although your earnings will vary depending on a few factors. If your book is exclusively available on Audible, Amazon, and Apple, you’re eligible for 40% of royalties from the audiobook sales (if you pay your producer an upfront fee and no royalties).
If you split royalties with your producer, you can earn 20% of sales. If you want to maintain the right to also sell your book through other platforms, you can earn up to 25% of royalties.
Audible sets audiobook prices that depend on the length of the work:
- Less than 1 hour: under $7
- 1 to 3 hours: $7 to $10
- 3 to 5 hours: $10 to $20
- 5 to 10 hours: $15 to $25
- 10 to 20 hours: $20 to $30
- More than 20 hours: $25 to $35
2. Narrate audiobooks
Whether you’re a professional voice artist looking for side gigs or an amateur with an enthralling voice, you can become an audiobook narrator. Audition for projects on ACX and make money on Audible reading books for authors and publishers.
Your payment model depends on negotiations with authors and publishers and can include:
- Upfront. Earn a flat rate per finished hour of audio. Keep in mind: One finished hour requires more than an hour of work due to retakes and revisions.
- Royalty share. Split the audiobook sales 50/50 with the author or publisher. This option can be more lucrative if you’re narrating audiobooks that become popular.
- Royalty share plus. Audiobook narrators can combine upfront payments and royalties, based on your agreement with the author, publisher, or rights-holder.
3. Join Audible’s affiliate program
If you’re not an author or narrator with a golden voice, you can become an Audible affiliate. This performance-based marketing strategy rewards you for driving audiobook sales through your promotions.
To join the Audible affiliate program, create an account and get a unique affiliate link to share on your website, blog, or social media. When people click your link and sign up or make a purchase on Audible, you get a commission.
If someone clicks your link and signs up for a free trial, you earn $5, and if they sign up for a paid Audible Gold Digital Membership, you get $10. You can also earn 50¢ for each individual Audible book you sell via an affiliate link.
If you’re a podcaster, you can sign up for the Audible Creator Program. Provide your listeners with a 30-day free trial of Audible and earn $15 for each person who signs up. Each listener will also get one free audiobook.
4. Offer audiobook production services
Producing audiobooks is another way you can make money with Audible. Audiobook producers are in charge of the entire audiobook creation experience.
They are responsible for things like:
- Matching, selecting, and casting narrators for each book
- Directing the entire process, which means ensuring proper pronunciation for all words, marking down mistakes or misreads, providing voice over actors with feedback, and more
- Overseeing post production edits and mixing
- Ensuring that the narration meets the author’s vision for their book and aligns with its tone
If you’re looking to offer audiobook production services on your own, you can start by building a home studio. You will likely need to invest in audio equipment and recording tools like Audacity or Pro Tools. Then, you might contract out services like narration, sound mixing, and proofing or QA tools.
You could also operate under a full-service model, where you’re behind the scenes and provide your clients access to a network of voice actors, directors, sound engineers, and even digital marketers once the audiobook is complete.
To get started as an audiobook producer, start with smaller projects like working with authors who want to self-publish audiobooks to gain experience. Then, once you have a strong portfolio with at least 25 titles, you can apply to become an ACX Approved Producer.
What you need to become an Audible narrator
You need a few things to successfully record Audible books:
- Professional equipment. For audiobook narration, top mics include the Rode NT1-A, Audio-Technica AT2020, Shure SM7B, and Blue Yeti, each of which offers varying levels of sound quality and affordability.
- A sound-dampened space. A closet works well because clothing absorbs sound waves, minimizing reverberations and echoes.
- A dynamic voice. To develop an engaging voice and create an immersive experience for the listener, vary your tone, pace, and emotion to match the narrative’s mood and characters’ personalities.
How to make money with Audible FAQ
How much does Audible pay narrators?
As an Audible narrator, you can earn money through ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange), which connects authors and publishers to narrators (a.k.a. producers). You can earn an upfront payment, royalties, or a combination of the two. Narrators are often paid per finished hour (PFH). The take-home pay for narrators varies, but generally as a beginner you can expect around $50 to $100 PFH. As an experienced narrator you could earn $200 to $400 PFH.
How do I promote my audiobooks?
To promote your audiobooks effectively, start by appearing on podcasts relevant to your audience and genre. Share free chapters or samples through email campaigns, social media, or partnerships with influencers in your niche. Host virtual events like Q&A sessions or author readings to build connections with your audience. Run paid advertising campaigns on platforms like Facebook or Instagram to boost visibility. Finally, consider bundling your audiobook with its print or ebook versions and giving shoppers who buy it a deal.
