How to Make Money from Audible: A Comprehensive Guide

Audible, the world’s largest producer and provider of audiobooks and other spoken-word entertainment, has skyrocketed in global popularity since its launch in 1995 as a startup. It was eventually acquired by Amazon and is now an essential part of the e-commerce giant’s offerings. But Audible has also opened up opportunities for individuals to make money as audiobook narrators, reviewers, editors, marketers, and even product sellers. In this article, we will explore multiple ways to make money from Audible.

Selling Audiobooks

One of the most straightforward ways to make money from Audible is by creating and selling your audiobooks. Audible has an Audible Creation Exchange (ACX) platform that allows both independent authors and publishers to produce and distribute their audiobooks on Audible.

As an author, follow these tips to create and sell successful audiobooks:

Invest in proper equipment like a good microphone and audio software to ensure quality recordings.
Choose the right narrator that fits your audiobook’s genre and style.
Ensure your audiobook meets Audible’s specifications regarding audio format, metadata, and length.
Create a compelling cover art design that attracts potential listeners.

To market your audiobooks, you can leverage Audible’s promotional tools like author pages, submitting your audiobooks to Audible’s Daily Deals, using Audible’s social media handles, and creating book trailers. You can also promote your audiobooks on other social media platforms, book review blogs, and author websites.

Audiobook Reviews

Another way to make money from Audible is through audiobook reviews. Audible has a wide selection of audiobooks, and potential customers often rely on reviews before purchasing them. You can monetize your audiobook reviews through affiliate marketing by signing up for Audible’s affiliate program.

To write successful audiobook reviews, follow these tips:

Be honest and thorough in your critique of the audiobook’s plot, characters, narration, and overall production.
Post your reviews on various platforms such as Goodreads, Amazon, your blog, and Audible’s website.
Link to the audiobooks you’ve reviewed using your affiliate links.
Join online book review communities to grow your audience and support other fellow reviewers.

There are also resources and tools you can use to promote your audiobook reviews and earn commissions. Websites such as Audiobook Boom and Audiobook Jukebox offer free audiobooks in exchange for honest reviews, while BookSirens and NetGalley provide advanced reader copies of audiobooks to review.

Narrating Audiobooks

Becoming an audiobook narrator is another way to make money from Audible. ACX allows narrators to audition and apply for available audiobook narration gigs. You can also search for independent authors who are looking for narrators to produce their audiobooks.

To become a successful audiobook narrator, follow these tips:

Develop your voice acting skills, vocal range, and narration styles. Take classes, workshops, or online courses to improve.
Choose audiobook genres that suit your voice and style.
Set up a home studio with quiet and professional equipment and software.
Create a demo that showcases your narration abilities and versatility.

To improve your chances of landing audiobook narration gigs, make sure you have a professional resume and portfolio, be reliable and communicative with authors and publishers, and follow through on deadlines.

Audiobook Editing

If you have editing skills, you can offer audiobook editing services on Audible. ACX allows editors to sign up and provide post-production services such as noise reduction, equalization, and mastering.

To offer audiobook editing services, follow these tips:

Price your services competitively by researching other audiobook editors’ rates.
Create a portfolio of your work that showcases your editing skills.
Promote your services on various platforms such as LinkedIn, Upwork, and your website.
Provide samples of your audio editing work to interested authors or publishers.

You can also offer additional post-production services such as music composition, sound effects, and audiobook formatting to enhance your audiobooks and attract clients.

Sell Audiobook-Related Products

Starting an online store selling audiobook-related products is another way to make money from Audible. You can create custom products such as bookmarks, tote bags, t-shirts, and posters that feature audiobook quotes, author names, and genre motifs.

Follow these tips to create and market custom products:

Research your target audience and what types of audiobook-related products they are interested in purchasing.
Choose a fulfillment service such as Printful, Redbubble, or Zazzle to print and ship your customized products.
Create a website or online store that showcases your products and engages your audience.
Promote your products through social media, book review blogs, and audiobook-related events and conferences.

Successful case studies of audiobook-related products include The Storiarts Company that creates literary-themed scarves and gloves and Novel Grounds that delivers monthly boxes of customized audiobook-themed coffee and tea products.

Audiobook Podcasts and YouTube Channel

Starting a podcast or YouTube channel that focuses on audiobooks is another way to make money from Audible. You can create engaging content such as audiobook reviews, author interviews, narrators showcase, and listener discussions.

To create and grow your audiobook podcast or YouTube channel, follow these tips:

Research audiobook genres and authors that are popular and likely to attract listeners.
Focus on creating high-quality audio and video recording and editing.
Engage with your listeners through social media, emails, and other platforms.
Monetize through sponsorship deals with audiobook publishers, product promotion, and advertising.

Audiobook Affiliate Marketing

Joining Audible’s affiliate program is a straightforward way to earn commissions by promoting Audible’s audiobook offerings. As an affiliate, you can earn a commission for every new Audible membership sign-up you refer and for each audiobook purchase made using your referral link.

To start earning commissions through audiobook affiliate marketing, follow these tips:

Join Audible’s affiliate program and learn how to generate affiliate links.
Promote Audible’s offerings through your blog, YouTube channel, social media, website, and other platforms.
Create compelling content that showcases Audible’s audiobooks and membership benefits.
Compare commission rates and benefits from other audiobook platforms like Kobo, Google Play Books, and Apple Books.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are multiple ways to make money from Audible. You can create and sell audiobooks, monetize your audiobook reviews through affiliate marketing, become an audiobook narrator, offer audiobook editing services, sell audiobook-related products, start an audiobook podcast or YouTube channel, or join Audible’s affiliate program.

Whatever your interest and skills, Audible provides numerous opportunities to make money while enjoying and promoting audiobooks to listeners worldwide.