I credit my early interest in audiobook production to ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange). The platform afforded the ideal means for me to publish so many of my stories what with its generous stipend program and its ample supply of promotional coupons for free audiobooks (for which ACX fully compensated rights holders and producers as an incentive to work hard getting the word out to potential listeners). That is to say nothing of the bounty programs, escalating royalties based on sales volume, and its top-notch customer service. Those were the days. With such an advantageous alliance, the 7-year exclusive contract requirement seemed a minor concession.
Alas, things changed, and in ways I dare not cite here. Where my audiobook rights are concerned, I am now in complete control of my own destiny. ACX recently released me from all my contracts with the platform. So now I can do whatever I want with my titles—sell them everywhere audiobooks are sold, make them available to libraries, price them however I want. Oh, the possibilities!
While exclusive with ACX, my audiobooks were only available at Audible, Apple, and Amazon. Here’s where they’re available as I continue the process of moving everything to the new distributor(s), including ACX.
Source: Findaway.com
With twenty-two titles, the audiobook migration process will take some time but is well worth the effort. In fact, I am reaping the benefits already. For example, To Refuse Such a Man (the first audiobook I re-launched) was selected for a highly sought-after featured deal beginning in late April. Hooray!
I’m also taking the time to refresh select audiobook covers and blurbs as part of my wide-distribution strategy. Here’s a first look at the revamped covers for the next relaunches in store:
Coming soon to audiobook sellers and libraries worldwide!
I’ve been an ardent audiobook advocate for nearly a decade. And now that I am in a better position to take advantage of the industry’s ever-expanding opportunities, my passion for audiobooks will surely grow.
What say you? Are you an audiobook lover too? If not, are you totally resolved against audiobooks, or are you still on the fence?
Happy News!
All my eBooks are available to read for FREE with a SCRIBD membership. Now my audiobooks will be available for FREE too. Here’s what’s available to date. Other titles are coming soon!
Initially I was hesitant to try audiobooks but once I did, it quickly became my preferred format as I enjoy listening on my commute.
Thanks! I’m so glad you started listening to and enjoying audiobooks! They’re always my first choice of late. 🙂
I LOVE audiobooks and have been listening since the very earliest Books on Tape. Duvall Hecht recently died – he was the man who founded the original Books On Tape company. (Look up his obit – he had many careers, including working at a stock brokerage firm where I was also employed in the ’70s!) I remember getting the cassettes by mail, listening during my commute to work or while folding clothes, doing dishes, etc. Then mailing them back. When they changed to the CD format, it prompted me to buy my first CD player. I read the entire Outlander series (so far) and then listened to it read by Davina Porter. Heavenly to have these books read with genuine English, Scots, French, etc accents. Same with Harry Potter books. So this is my long-winded way of saying I love both formats.
Memories! I can recall listening to audiobooks on cassette during daily commutes as well. Thanks for sharing how much you love audiobooks too. 🙂
I know audiobooks are popular but I don’t have them. In my youth I could easily multitask, do my homework while watching TV and eating! But now I’m like Jeanne in that I can just about manage to breathe while reading! I also like to reread passages as I go along so I’ll stick to reading for myself thank you. Good luck with all you do.
Thanks so much for your kind wishes! 🙂
I can’t do audiobooks . I have By Reason ,By Reflection By Everything and I love it!
Thanks, Cindie! I’m so glad you love the story. 🙂
Unfortunately, I am one of those people who can’t walk across the floor and chew gum at the same time. I can’t seem to do two things at once like listen to a book while attempting to do something else. I’d cut my finger off if I was cooking and something exciting or shocking happened. Or I’d drive off the road when a reveal happened as I gasped or reacted to the shock. No, I better read the story for myself rather than have someone do an audio version. Many of my friends listen to audiobooks so I know they are popular. Blessings on all your hard work and I wish you all manner of success as you plan out your audio future.
Thank you so much. I appreciate your kind wishes. You have such a wonderful way with words. I had to pick myself off the floor after reading the cooking reference. You’ve made the strongest case I’ve ever read for not listening to audiobooks. Shhh! I love it! 🙂
You sound like a master at this. Very impressive.
I haven’t explored audio books yet, as a reader or writer. But I often think that I’d like myself to do that.
Thank you, Kirstin. I like having my stories in as many formats as possible. I haven’t published as many audiobooks as I wanted of late—it’s such a costly undertaking.
The more I learn about the advantages of non-exclusivity, the more I want to start publishing new titles again. Best of luck should you decide to publish audiobooks too. I think you’ll enjoy it. 🙂
I prefer to read something over someone reading to me.
Good luck with the new strategy / market!
Thanks for your kind words, Linda. I don’t know what I’d do without having materials read to me. I wish I had more patience. I’m so bad I’ve started asking Alexa to read my eBooks. 🙂
Congrats on this new undertaking! It sounds so exciting for you!
Thanks for your kind words, Jean. It’s an exciting time indeed. 🙂