Imagine this: A person embarks on a road trip with only one thing to keep them company—your voice narrating a murder mystery novel. Your listener gasps as you reveal plot twists and leans into the speakers as you build suspense. With every listen, you earn royalties.
Audible makes this possible. Beyond access to a vast library of audiobooks, Audible offers opportunities to earn income.
Here’s how to make money with Audible.
What is Audible?
Audible is an audiobook platform by Amazon that allows users to purchase and download individual titles or subscribe to a membership plan. While its main focus is audiobooks, Audible features other types of audio content, like podcasts and Audible Originals (original books, courses, journalism, and plays only available on the platform).
Audible is accessible via desktop, mobile, tablet, smartwatch, or an Alexa device. It allows users to listen offline and sync audiobooks across multiple devices.
What is ACX?
ACX, or Audiobook Creation Exchange, is Audible’s online marketplace, where authors and publishers connect with narrators, engineers, and recording studios to create audiobooks. Think of ACX as a platform where book people meet audio people.
ACX can help authors find professional narrators or budding voice talent to create audiobooks. If you’re hoping to earn money as a narrator, you can apply to read written works for a fee or opt for a royalty-sharing agreement.
Ways to make money on Audible
Here are a few ways to make money on Audible:
Sell audiobooks
Audible makes creating and selling audiobooks accessible—particularly if you self-publish. Hire a narrator (called “producers” on the platform) to produce your own audiobook, and collaborate with them until it sounds perfect. Once the narrator records the final version of your audiobook, you can distribute it through Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
With ACX, you can earn passive income from your book sales, though your earnings will vary depending on a few factors. If your book is exclusively available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes, you’re eligible for 40% of royalties from the audiobook sales (if you pay your producer an upfront fee and no royalties). If you split royalties with your producer, you can earn 20% of sales. If you sell your book through other platforms, you can earn up to 25% of royalties.
Audible sets audiobook prices depending on the length of the work:
- Less than 1 hour: under $7
- 1 to 3 hours: $7 to $10
- 3 to 5 hours: $10 to $20
- 5 to 10 hours: $15 to $25
- 10 to 20 hours: $20 to $30
- More than 20 hours: $25 to $35
Narrate audiobooks
Whether you’re a professional voice artist looking for side gigs or an amateur with an enthralling voice, you can become an audiobook narrator. Audition for projects on ACX and make money on Audible reading books for authors and publishers.
Your payment model depends on negotiations with authors and publishers and can include:
- Upfront. Earn a flat rate per finished hour of audio knowing that one finished hour often requires more than an hour of work due to retakes and revisions.
- Royalty share. Split the audiobook sales 50/50 with the author or publisher. This option can be more lucrative if you’re narrating audiobooks that become popular.
- Royalty share plus. Audiobook narrators can combine upfront payments and royalties, based on your agreement with the author, publisher, or rights-holder.
Join Audible’s affiliate program
If you’re not an author or narrator with a golden voice, you can become an Audible affiliate. This performance-based marketing strategy rewards you for driving sales through your promotions.
To join the Audible affiliate program, create an account and get a unique affiliate link to share on your website, blog, or social media. When people click your link and sign up or make a purchase on Audible, you get a commission.
If someone clicks your link and signs up for a free trial, you earn $5, and if they sign up for a paid Audible Plus membership or Audible Premium Plus, you get $10. You can also earn 50¢ for each individual Audible book you sell via an affiliate link.
What you need to become an Audible narrator
You need a few things to successfully record Audible books:
- Professional equipment. For audiobook narration, top mics include the Rode NT1-A, Audio-Technica AT2020, Shure SM7B, and Blue Yeti, each of which offers varying levels of sound quality and affordability.
- A sound-dampened space. A closet works well because clothing absorbs sound waves, minimizing reverberations and echoes.
- A dynamic voice. To develop an engaging voice and create an immersive experience for the listener, vary your tone, pace, and emotion to match the narrative’s mood and characters’ personalities.
How to make money with Audible FAQ
Can you really make money on Audible?
Yes, there are a few ways to make money on Audible. You can sell an audiobook and earn royalties, narrate a book for a fee or part of the royalties, or promote Audible through its affiliate program.
Does Audible pay you to read books?
As an Audible narrator, you can earn money through ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange), which connects authors and publishers to narrators (a.k.a. producers). You can earn an upfront payment, royalties, or a combination of the two.
Can anyone become a narrator on Audible?
Yes, anyone can become an audiobook narrator on Audible, but professional equipment, a sound-dampened space, and a dynamic voice can help you impress clients.
