In the ever-expanding landscape of audiobook distribution, authors are faced with a multitude of options for reaching their audience and distributing their work. Two prominent platforms that authors often consider are Author’s Republic and Audible’s exclusive distribution program. In this blog post, we’ll compare the features, benefits, and considerations of distributing audiobooks through Author’s Republic versus opting for exclusive distribution with Audible, empowering authors to make informed decisions about how to best reach their audience and maximize their audiobook sales.
Author’s Republic:
Wide Distribution Network:
Author’s Republic boasts a wide distribution network, offering authors access to multiple retail and library channels (nearly 60), including Audible, Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play, Barnes & Noble, Spotify, and more. By distributing through Author’s Republic, authors can reach a diverse audience across various platforms and increase their audiobook sales potential.
Non-Exclusive Distribution:
One of the key advantages of Author’s Republic is its non-exclusive distribution model, which allows authors to retain control over their audiobook rights and distribute their work through multiple channels simultaneously. This flexibility enables authors to maximize their reach and revenue by leveraging multiple distribution platforms. Author’s will have the freedom to sell their audiobook directly from their website.
Royalty Rates:
Author’s Republic offers competitive royalty rates for authors, allowing them to earn a percentage of each audiobook sale. While royalty rates may vary depending on the distribution channel and pricing model, Author’s Republic provides authors with transparency and flexibility in earning potential. If you work with Scribe Media to produce your audiobook, Author’s Republic will offer you an 85% royalty rate. You’ll receive a 70% royalty rate if you produce your audiobook independently and select them for distribution. To be clear, this isn’t 85% or 70% of retail. This is 85% or 70% of what your audiobook earns. Here’s an example of how this works: Author’s Republic has a 50/50 split with most of the platforms they distribute to. If your audiobook is priced at $20, the retail platform will keep $10. Author’s Republic will pay you 85%, or 70%, of the other $10. They keep the remaining 15% or 30%. If you worked with Scribe to produce your audiobook, you’d earn $8.50. If you went to Author’s Republic independently, you’d earn $7.00.
Promotion:
Author’s Republic can provide promo codes from audiobooks.com, which can be shared with audiobook reviewers to help generate interest. The codes can also be offered to select readers for giveaways.
Audible’s Exclusive Distribution:
Largest Audiobook Retailer:
As the largest audiobook retailer in the U.S. (with approximately 65% of the market) and the world, Audible offers authors unparalleled visibility and reach within the audiobook market. With millions of active subscribers and a vast customer base, Audible provides authors with access to a large and dedicated audience of audiobook enthusiasts.
Enhanced Discoverability:
Audible’s exclusive distribution program offers authors enhanced discoverability and visibility within the Audible platform. Through features such as Audible credits, personalized recommendations, and curated collections, authors can increase their audiobook sales and attract new listeners to their work.
ACX Production and Distribution Platform:
Audible’s exclusive distribution program is facilitated through ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange), a platform that streamlines the audiobook production and distribution process. Authors can connect with professional narrators, producers, and audio engineers through ACX to create their audiobooks.
Royalty Rates and Bonus Programs:
With an exclusive distribution agreement with Audible, you’ll get 40% of net sales. If you distribute non-exclusively with Audible, that drops to 25% of net sales. Authors can benefit from bonus programs and incentives offered exclusively to Audible authors. These bonus programs can include promotional opportunities and marketing support to help authors maximize their earnings and visibility.
Considerations for Authors:
- Distribution Strategy: Authors should consider their distribution strategy and goals when choosing between Author’s Republic and Audible’s exclusive distribution program. If reaching a wide audience across multiple channels is a priority, Author’s Republic may be the preferred option. However, if maximizing visibility and sales within the Audible ecosystem is the primary objective, exclusive distribution with Audible may be more suitable.
- Royalty Rates and Earnings: Authors should carefully evaluate the royalty rates and earnings potential offered by each platform. While Author’s Republic may offer non-exclusive distribution benefits, Audible’s exclusive distribution program provides a better royalty rate on a dominant platform.
- Marketing and Promotion: Authors should consider the marketing and promotional support for their audiobooks. While both platforms here offer some marketing and promotion services, neither offers a comprehensive marketing plan for your audiobook.
Both Author’s Republic and Audible’s exclusive distribution programs offer unique benefits and considerations for authors seeking to distribute their audiobooks. Authors should carefully evaluate their distribution goals, royalty rates, marketing support, and audience reach when choosing between these two platforms. By selecting the platform that best aligns with their needs and objectives, authors can maximize their audiobook sales and reach a broader audience of listeners.
Scribe Media is committed to helping authors navigate the audiobook distribution landscape. Contact us today to learn more about our audiobook services and how we can help you.
This blog post provides a comprehensive comparison of Author’s Republic and Audible’s exclusive distribution program, empowering authors to make informed decisions about how to best distribute their audiobooks and reach their audience. Through an exploration of key features, benefits, and considerations, readers gain insight into the strengths and opportunities offered by each platform
