Audiobook Distribution Services for Wide Audio Reach

Audiobook distribution at The Author Publishing means we take your finished audiobook and get it listed in the stores and library services where listeners buy and borrow. We check your audio files, prepare the cover and listing, set up your accounts and submit the book to your chosen channels. You keep your rights, your royalties and your accounts.

Audiobook distribution is the process of delivering a finished audiobook to retailers, subscription services and libraries. The author or narrator records and produces the audio, and a distributor or direct upload sends it to places such as Audible, Apple Books, Google Play Books, Kobo, Spotify and library platforms. Each channel has its own technical standards, terms and payment rules. This service is part of our book distribution services. If your audiobook still needs recording and production, see our audiobook publishing service.

Audiobook distribution services: what we handle

• Audio file checks. We review your files against each retailer’s published technical standards, covering format, volume levels, noise and file structure.
• Cover and listing. We prepare a square audiobook cover and write the listing text, categories and keywords. See audiobook cover design.
• Account setup. We guide you through setting up your accounts in your name, so royalties go directly to you.
• Channel selection. We help you choose between exclusive and non-exclusive routes and between direct upload and a distributor.
• Submission and follow-up. We submit the files, respond to quality-check notes and confirm that each listing goes live.
• Library distribution. We explain how audiobooks reach public libraries and whether it suits your book.

Where audiobooks are sold

Audible and Amazon are the largest audiobook retailers, and most authors reach them through ACX or a distributor. Other major channels include Apple Books, Google Play Books, Kobo and Spotify, plus independent stores and library platforms. Wide distribution means reaching listeners wherever they prefer to buy, while an exclusive arrangement can bring higher royalties from one platform in return for giving up the others. We explain current terms before you decide, since platform rules and royalty rates change. See our ACX audiobook publishing page.

Exclusive or wide: choosing a route

In an exclusive route, you grant one retailer the sole right to sell the audiobook for a set term, often in return for a higher royalty rate and extra promotion. A non-exclusive or wide route lets you sell the same audiobook in many places, which can bring broader reach but usually a lower rate on individual sales. Neither suits every author. A new author with a small audience may value reach, while an author with a strong Amazon following may value the higher exclusive rate. Contract terms can include limits on the length of the term, so we recommend you read every agreement carefully and, where needed, take independent advice.

How this service works, step by step

1. Plan. You share your finished audio and your goals, and we agree the channels, the schedule and a fixed price.
2. Check the audio. We test the files against each channel’s standards and tell you what needs to change.
3. Prepare the listing. We create the cover, write the description and choose categories and keywords.
4. Set up accounts. We guide you through registering your accounts and agreeing the terms you choose.
5. Submit. We upload the audiobook and handle any quality-check feedback.
6. Go live. We confirm that every listing is live, check the details and hand over your files and account information.

Narration, rights and ownership

Before distribution, check that you hold the audio rights to your book and that your narrator agreement covers the channels you choose. If you used a narrator, make sure the contract is clear on ownership, payment and credit. If your book was published by someone else, your original contract may limit the audio rights. We do not give legal advice, but we can point out where to check.

After your audiobook is live

An audiobook needs readers to find it. We can connect it with your eBook and print editions, and with your wider marketing. See our Amazon book marketing and book launch strategy pages.

Who this service is for

• Authors with a finished audiobook who want to reach more listeners
• Authors who recorded their own book and need help with technical standards
• Authors who want to compare exclusive and wide routes
• Authors adding an audiobook to an existing eBook and print edition

What affects the timeline and cost

Once the audio is final, setting up and submitting an audiobook typically takes a few weeks, and retailers then run their own quality checks, which can add several days or more. Your quote sets out the scope, the schedule and a fixed price for our work before it starts. The main factors are:

• The condition of your audio files and how much correction they need
• The number of channels and whether you go exclusive or wide
• Whether you need a new audiobook cover and listing text
• The number of retailer feedback rounds
• Whether you also want library distribution

See our packages and pricing or ask for a free quote. We reply within 24 hours.

Your rights and what you receive

You own your audiobook, your accounts and your royalties. At the end of the project you receive your final audio files, cover, listing text and account details, so you can update or move the audiobook later. We do not guarantee sales, rankings or reviews. Read more about how our process works or browse our frequently asked questions.

Related services

• Book distribution services
• Audiobook publishing
• ACX audiobook publishing
• Audiobook cover design
• eBook distribution