Optimizing Your Audiobook Distribution

Where to Sell Audiobooks to Maximize Profits

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 it in front of as many listeners as possible. In this guide to audiobook distribution, we’ll dive into your options, including exclusive vs. non-exclusive agreements, the different types of audiobook retailers, and tips for making your audiobook distribution as successful as possible.

Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Audiobook Distribution Agreements

With Amazon/Audible owning more than 63% of the U.S. audiobook market (as of 2022), you may be tempted to sign an exclusive audiobook distribution agreement with ACX, Amazon’s audiobook platform, which publishes on Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books, and offers authors a 40% royalty. But if you want to build a wider network and expand your author brand presence, a non-exclusive distribution agreement is the way to go.

When you opt for non-exclusivity, you can still sell your book at Amazon, and Author’s Republic will help you sell your audiobook everywhere else, including a global network of more than 50 audiobook retailers, streaming platforms, and library partners. With this arrangement, you’ll get access to the excellent audiobook promotion tool, Chirp Audiobook Deals, and you’ll have the ability to set your own audiobook prices, which opens up a world of marketing options, including offering discounts, running promotions, and more.

The 3 Types of Audiobook Distribution Platforms

Partnering with Author’s Republic, you’ll be able to sell audiobooks everywhere, including the three main types of audiobook distribution platforms: general audiobook retailers, library channels, and streaming services. When you work with these three major audiobook distributor categories, you’ll reach millions of potential new fans, wherever they listen.

General Retailers: Includes platforms like Audible, Spotify, Chirp, Libro.fm, and Audiobooks.com
Library Partners: Includes channels such as Hoopla, Overdrive (Libby), and Bibliotheca
Audiobook Streaming Services: Includes music streaming platforms like YouTube Music and Apple Music

Let’s dive in and explore each of these audiobook distributors in more detail.

1. General Audiobook Retailers: Traditional Audiobook Stores

General audiobook sellers 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 Audiobook Retailers

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. Because libraries buy in bulk, it’s not uncommon for authors to earn 4-6x more per sale than they do from retail platforms.

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.

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.

Audiobook Distribution FAQs

Now that we’ve covered the different types of audiobook sellers and where to sell audiobooks to maximize your earnings, let’s explore some frequently asked questions about audiobook distribution.

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 by emailing our customer support team.

Where should I sell audiobooks?

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 for where to sell audiobooks is to cast a wide net across platforms and track which ones generate the most revenue. You might be surprised where your audiobook performs best!

If I sell audiobooks through Audible, can I use other audiobook distribution platforms?

Yes! As long as you have a non-exclusive agreement in place with Audible, you can sell your audiobook to any of our partner audiobook distribution platforms. When uploading your audiobook to the Author’s Republic platform, just be sure not to check the “Amazon/Audible” checkbox. If you do have an exclusivity agreement with Audible, you will need to contact them and request that your audiobook be distributed under a non-exclusive agreement. However, please note that this could affect your royalties with Audible.

Do I get to set my own audiobook price, or is it controlled by the distributor?

When working with Author’s Republic, you can enter your preferred MSRP when creating your audiobook project. The final retail price, however, is ultimately up to the audiobook distributor. Some use fixed pricing (like a flat price for a credit) or price books automatically based on length.

Who are your audio retailers and how much will I earn in royalties for each?

Currently, our audiobook distribution partners include more than 50 audiobook retailers, library channels, and music streaming services, such as Audible, Apple, Spotify, Hoopla, Overdrive, and more. You will receive 80% of earned royalties across these channels.

Have more questions about audiobook production? Learn more on our FAQ page.

Ready to maximize your audiobook sales? Get started here.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally written on May 19, 2021. It has been substantially revised as of November 14, 2025.