Audiobook publishing means getting your recorded book on platforms where listeners can find, buy, or stream it. The best place depends on your goals, budget, and how much control you want. Some platforms pay higher royalties but require exclusivity, while others give you wider reach with more freedom.
According to the Audio Publishers Association Sales Survey, audiobook sales revenue reached USD 2.22 billion in 2024, a 13% increase over the previous year. Digital audiobooks accounted for 99% of that revenue.
If you are planning your next step after editing, you may also like our guide How to Edit an Audiobook for Professional Sound Quality. It connects well with this stage.
Now let’s talk about real options.
Where to Publish Your Audiobook Without Confusion
There is no single “best” platform for everyone. It depends on what you want. More money per sale, or more reach? Full control, or simple setup?
Let’s break down the main audiobook publishing platforms in a clear way.
ACX and Audible - the Most Popular Choice
If you are thinking to publish audiobook on audible, this is where most authors start.
ACX connects directly with Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It is one of the biggest audiobook market platforms right now.
How It Works
You upload your audiobook, set pricing indirectly, and choose between exclusive or non exclusive distribution.
Royalty Model
Exclusive deal gives around 40 percent royalty Non exclusive drops to about 25 percent
Pros
Huge audience reach
Easy setup
Strong brand trust
Cons
Exclusive deal locks you in for 7 years
Less control over pricing
Best for
New authors who want exposure fast and don’t mind exclusivity.
Findaway Voices - More Control And Wider Reach
If you want flexibility, this is a strong option among audiobook distribution platforms.
How It Works
You upload once, and they distribute to dozens of stores like Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, and libraries.
Royalty Model
You keep about 80 percent of what retailers pay, but each store has its own cut.
Pros
Non exclusive distribution
Access to global audiobook sales platforms
Control over pricing
Cons
Can feel a bit complex for beginners
No direct control over all storefront promotions
Best for
Authors who want wide digital audio distribution without being locked in.
Google Play Books - Simple And Direct
This one is often ignored, but it’s useful.
How It Works
You upload directly and sell through Google Play.
Royalty Model
Around 52 percent share, no exclusivity needed
Pros
Simple system
No middleman
Good for global reach
Cons
Smaller audience compared to Audible
Less marketing support
Best for
Authors who want direct control and simple setup.
Apple Books - Premium Audience Feel
Apple Books is known for quality and a different type of audience.
How It Works
You need an aggregator like Findaway or a production partner.
Royalty Model
Usually around 45 percent
Pros
Strong brand value
Good listener base
Better pricing control
Cons
No direct upload for most authors
Approval process can take time
Best for
Authors targeting premium listeners.
Kobo Audiobook - Growing Platform Quietly
Kobo is not as big as Audible, but it is growing.
How It Works
Usually through distributors.
Pros
Less competition
Global presence
Library access
Cons
Smaller market share
Lower visibility
Best for
Authors who want to expand reach beyond Amazon.
Spotify Audiobooks - A Newer Player
Spotify has started entering the audiobook space.
How It Works
Through selected distributors.
Pros
Huge existing user base
Discovery potential
Cons
Still evolving
Unclear long term royalty patterns
Best for
Authors who want early presence on new platforms.
Quick Comparison to Make Things Easier
Here’s a simple view to help you decide faster:
Platform | Royalty Rate | Exclusivity | Best For |
ACX - Audible | 40% exclusive / 25% non-exclusive | Optional 7 year lock if exclusive | Maximum reach and fast exposure |
Findaway Voices | ~80% of retailer payment | Non-exclusive | Wide distribution and full control |
Google Play Books | ~52% | Non-exclusive | Simple direct setup |
Apple Books | ~45% | Non-exclusive | Premium listener audience |
Kobo Audiobooks | Varies by distributor | Non-exclusive | Extra global reach |
Spotify Audiobooks | Evolving | Non-exclusive | Early presence on growing platform |
What Really Matters Before Choosing a Platform
Now you may be thinking, okay but how do I choose?
Here are a few things that actually matter:
Your goal, fast reach or long term control
Your budget and expected audiobook monetization methods
Whether you are okay with exclusive distribution rights
Your marketing plan
Some authors even use a mix strategy. Start exclusive, then move to wide distribution later.
Understanding the Audiobook Publishing Process Steps
Let’s keep this simple. The audio publishing process usually follows this flow:
Before distribution begins, your audiobook needs to be properly recorded, edited, and prepared. If you are still at the production stage, see our guide on How to Create an Audiobook.
Record your audiobook
Edit and master it properly
Choose a platform
Upload files and metadata
Set pricing and rights
Publish and promote
That’s the full audiobook distribution journey.
Small Mistakes Authors Make at This Stage
Many authors rush here. That creates problems later.
Some common mistakes:
Uploading poor quality audio Choosing exclusivity without understanding it Ignoring metadata like title and keywords Not planning marketing
Take your time. This step decides how your audiobook performs.
A Quick Word About Pine Book Publishing
If you want help with both production and distribution, Pine Book Publishing can support authors with audiobook production services, including editing, mastering, and preparing final files for distribution.
So, which platform is best for you?
There is no one answer. But here is a simple way to think:
If you want fast exposure, go with ACX If you want freedom, go with Findaway If you want control, try direct platforms
Your audiobook can succeed on any of these, as long as your content is strong and your release is planned well.
Final Thoughts
Audiobook publishing is not just about uploading a file. It’s about choosing the right path for your book.
Some authors focus only on royalties. Others focus on reach. The best choice is the one that matches your goals.
So, start simple. Learn as you go. And improve with your next release.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where should I publish my audiobook for maximum reach? Platforms like ACX and Findaway Voices offer wide reach, but ACX gives faster access to a large audience.
Can I self-publish an audiobook without exclusivity? Yes, many platforms allow non-exclusive distribution so you can sell in multiple places.
How do audiobook distribution platforms pay authors? They use different royalty models based on platform, pricing, and exclusivity choices.
Is audiobook publishing worth it for new authors? Yes, the market is growing, and many listeners prefer audio over reading now, making it a strong option.
