The audiobook market is booming, offering indie authors incredible opportunities to expand their reach and generate revenue. But when it comes to distribution, there’s a crucial question every author must answer: Should you go exclusive or wide?

Each option has its unique advantages and drawbacks, and the decision can have a significant impact on your audiobook’s success. Let’s break down the differences and explore how to determine which route best aligns with your goals as an author.

What Is Exclusive Distribution?

Exclusive distribution means making your audiobook available on a single platform, typically Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. When authors choose this path through platforms like ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange), they enter into an exclusivity agreement, often in exchange for higher royalty rates.

Advantages of Exclusive Distribution

Higher Royalties: With Audible’s exclusive agreement, you can earn up to 40% royalties compared to 25% for non-exclusive titles. This higher rate can be appealing for authors looking to maximize per-sale revenue.

Premium Placement: Exclusive audiobooks may receive better visibility on the Audible platform, increasing their chances of being discovered by new listeners.

Access to Audible Membership Credits: Many Audible listeners use membership credits to purchase books. Exclusive titles are often prioritized in this ecosystem, driving sales.

Drawbacks of Exclusive Distribution

Limited Reach: Your audiobook will only be available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes, which excludes other platforms like Google Play, Chirp, or subscription services like Scribd.

Long-Term Commitment: ACX’s exclusivity agreement typically lasts seven years, a significant commitment in a rapidly evolving industry.

What Is Wide Distribution?

Wide distribution involves making your audiobook available across multiple platforms, including Audible, but also reaching other services like Kobo, Scribd, Google Play, and smaller niche platforms. Aggregators like Findaway Voices help authors distribute widely with ease.

Advantages of Wide Distribution

Broader Audience Reach: By distributing your audiobook across multiple platforms, you can connect with diverse listener bases worldwide. This broader reach allows for greater exposure and the potential to attract new fans and listeners who may not have discovered your work otherwise. In order to maximize your reach, it’s important to employ effective audiobook marketing strategies such as leveraging social media, collaborating with influencers, and engaging in targeted advertising campaigns. These tactics can help to amplify your audiobook’s visibility and attract a wider audience, ultimately leading to increased sales and success.

Flexibility: Wide distribution gives you the freedom to market and promote your audiobook without restrictions, including offering discounts or bundling it with other works.

Revenue Diversification: With multiple streams of income from various platforms, you’re not solely reliant on Audible for sales.

Drawbacks of Wide Distribution

Lower Royalties on Audible: When you choose wide distribution, Audible reduces your royalty rate to 25%, which can impact overall earnings.

Complex Marketing: Reaching audiences across multiple platforms requires a more comprehensive marketing strategy to drive visibility and sales.

Key Factors to Consider

When deciding between exclusive and wide distribution, think about the following:

1. Your Audience

Do you know where your target readers prefer to listen to audiobooks? If your audience primarily uses Audible, an exclusive agreement may make sense. However, if they span multiple platforms, wide distribution ensures you don’t miss potential sales.

2. Your Marketing Strategy

Exclusive agreements with Audible can limit how you promote your audiobook. For example, you won’t be able to offer steep discounts or free promotions on other platforms. If you’re confident in your ability to market widely and independently, wide distribution could be the better choice.

3. Your Long-Term Goals

If maximizing initial royalties is your primary focus, exclusive distribution might align with your goals. However, if you’re building a long-term author brand and want your work available everywhere readers are, wide distribution provides more opportunities for growth.

4. The Seven-Year Rule

Audible’s exclusivity agreement is a significant time commitment. If you’re unsure about committing to one platform for that long, wide distribution offers more flexibility.

Popular Platforms for Exclusive and Wide Distribution

Exclusive Platforms

Audible/ACX: The dominant player in the audiobook industry, offering high royalties and access to millions of listeners. In addition to its market dominance, Audible/ACX also provides a variety of royalty models to accommodate different author and publisher needs. Whether it’s the standard royalty share or the “bounty” system for additional incentives, there are options for creators to maximize their earnings. This, combined with their vast reach and efficient distribution, makes Audible/ACX a go-to platform for audiobook publishing.

Wide Distribution Platforms

Findaway Voices: A user-friendly platform that distributes to 40+ global audiobook retailers, including Apple Books, Google Play, and Scribd.

Draft2Digital (via Smashwords): A comprehensive tool for authors distributing both ebooks and audiobooks widely.

Kobo Writing Life: Excellent for authors targeting non-Amazon listeners, particularly in Canada and Europe.

Making Your Decision

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to audiobook distribution. Consider these scenarios to help guide your choice:

Go Exclusive If:

Your audience primarily uses Audible.

You’re focused on maximizing initial earnings.

You’re comfortable committing to Audible for seven years.

Go Wide If:

You want to build a diverse, global audience.

You value flexibility in pricing and promotions.

You’re focused on long-term revenue and branding.

Hybrid Strategies: The Best of Both Worlds?

Some authors choose to experiment with a hybrid approach. For example, you might start with exclusive distribution for a few titles to take advantage of Audible’s higher royalties and visibility. Later, you can transition to wide distribution for other works, diversifying your income streams and audience reach.