Where can I distribute my audiobook?

The 3 Types of Audiobook Distribution Platforms

You’ve put in the hard work—taking your book from concept to manuscript to a fully produced audiobook. Now, it's time to get in front of as many listeners as possible by distributing your audiobook across a wide distribution network.

Author's Republic simplifies audiobook distribution by delivering your title to 50+ global platforms across three key categories:

• General Retailers: Platforms like Audible, Spotify, Chirp, Libro.fm, and Audiobooks.com
• Library Partners: Channels such as Hoopla, Overdrive (Libby), and Bibliotheca
• Music Streaming Services: Including YouTube Music and Apple Music

By distributing your audiobook across these diverse platforms, you increase your reach, maximize your royalties, and make your book accessible to different types of listeners. But how do these platforms differ? And which ones should you focus on? Let's break it down.

1. General Retailers: Traditional Audiobook Stores

General audiobook retailers offer a mix of subscription-based and à la carte purchasing models. Some platforms provide monthly credits for downloads, while others allow listeners to buy audiobooks individually.

Each retailer has a unique audience and approach. For example: 

• Chirp offers limited-time audiobook deals, making it a great platform for promotional boosts and increased sales.
• Libro.fm supports independent bookstores across North America, allowing audiobook purchases to contribute directly to local businesses.

Earning Royalties from Retail Sales

Revenue varies by retailer, depending on their pricing model and whether they sell at the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) you submit. Author's Republic negotiates the best possible royalty rates on your behalf, with an average payout of 50% of net sales. After the retailer takes its cut, you receive 80% of the remaining royalties, ensuring you keep the largest portion possible.

2. Library Distribution: High-Value Bulk Sales

Libraries provide an excellent opportunity for discoverability and increased earnings. While consumers can check out audiobooks for free, authors still get paid—often at a higher per-unit rate than retail sales.

Library partners use two primary licensing models:

• One Copy/One User (OC/OU): A single audiobook copy can only be checked out by one user at a time, leading to fewer checkouts but higher per-copy earnings.
• Cost Per Checkout (CPC): Multiple users can check out the audiobook simultaneously at a lower per-rental cost, but with the potential for higher overall revenue due to increased circulation.

With libraries buying in bulk, it’s not uncommon for authors to earn 4-6x more per sale than on retail platforms.

3. Music Streaming Services: Maximizing Revenue Through Plays

Unlike traditional audiobook retailers, music streaming services pay per track streamed, similar to how musicians earn royalties. To optimize revenue, Author's Republic ensures your audiobook is segmented into hundreds of tracks rather than just a few long chapters.

This means that if a listener completes your audiobook, you earn royalties on hundreds of track plays instead of just 10 or 15. Our expert team handles the segmentation process while ensuring a seamless listening experience.

Can I Choose Where My Audiobook Is Distributed?

Yes! While we recommend distributing to all platforms for maximum reach, you have control over where your audiobook is available. If you prefer to opt out of certain platforms, you can do so.

Additionally, each platform has its own acceptance criteria, meaning some distributors may not carry every audiobook. If your audiobook is rejected by a platform, we’ll inform you.

 

Where Should You Distribute Your Audiobook?

Different generations and audiences consume audiobooks in different ways:

• Library users span all age groups, making libraries a broad-reaching channel.
• Music streaming services tend to attract millennials and Gen Z listeners.
• Retail platforms capture a mix of traditional audiobook buyers and subscription users.

The best strategy? Distribute your audiobook everywhere and track which platforms generate the most revenue. You might be surprised where your audiobook performs best!

Want to see where your audiobook could be available? Check out our full list of partners here.