How to Sell Audiobooks on Amazon Like a Pro?

Key Highlights

• Tap into a massive global audience on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes for long-term passive income with ACX’s seamless distribution process.
• Get your audiobook live in days with ACX by uploading your files, selecting distribution terms, and choosing royalty rates options (40% exclusive or 25% non-exclusive).
• Whether you record yourself, hire a professional narrator, or opt for full-service production, ACX provides options that fit every author’s needs.
• Amplify sales with social media teasers, influencer collaborations, Audible promo codes, giveaways, and targeted ads to generate buzz and early reviews.
• Leverage Amazon tools like Author Central, Whispersync, and Kindle MatchBook to cross-promote and increase audiobook visibility.
• Avoid file rejections, low-quality narration, and slow sales with better prep, professional help, and ACX support.
• Let beBOLD Digital supercharge your audiobook’s visibility with expert SEO, optimized listings, and data-driven ad strategies to boost conversions.

The audiobook industry is booming, and Amazon's Audible platform offers an incredible opportunity to reach millions of listeners worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned author or new to the world of audiobooks, this blog will walk you through everything you need to know to create, publish, and sell your audiobooks like a pro. From recording tips to optimizing your listings, we'll cover the essential steps to help you navigate Audible's platform, boost your sales, and cultivate a loyal audience. Ready to turn your voice into income? Let’s dive into how you can successfully sell audiobooks on Amazon.

Ways to Sell Your Own Audiobook

There are two easy ways to sell your Audiobook on Amazon, i.e., through Audible and Affiliate Links. Let's discuss them one by one.

1. Selling Your Own Audiobook through Audible (ACX)

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The Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX) is the platform where authors, narrators, and producers come together to create and distribute audiobooks. As the gateway to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes, ACX allows you to easily publish and sell your audiobook to millions of listeners worldwide.

Benefits of Selling Audiobooks on Amazon

Selling your audiobook through Amazon offers enormous advantages. This includes:

• Global Reach: Tap into millions of potential listeners through Amazon’s extensive platform.
• Passive Income: Earn ongoing royalties from your audiobook, similar to Kindle book sales.
• Cross-Promotion: ACX lets you promote your audiobook alongside your Kindle and print editions for more visibility and sales.

Who Can Use It?

ACX is available to anyone with audiobook content. This includes:

• Independent authors, publishers, and individuals looking to narrate or produce their own audiobooks.
• Whether you're self-publishing or working with a traditional publisher, ACX makes it easy for both creators and producers to get started.
• You just need a recorded audiobook or the right skills to create it, and you’re ready to publish on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.

2. Selling Audible Books Through Affiliate Links

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Turn your passion for audiobooks into passive income by promoting them through Amazon's Affiliate Program. Share your unique affiliate links for Audible books and earn commissions on each sale; there is no need to create your own content. It's a simple way to generate revenue while recommending your favorite audiobooks to others!

Sign up for the Amazon Associates Program

To get started, sign up for the Amazon Associates Program and receive your personalized affiliate links. Once you’re approved, you can begin promoting Audible books and earning commissions. For a complete guide on getting started with affiliate marketing, check out our comprehensive article on earning through affiliate links.

Steps to Create Your Audiobook for Amazon through ACX

Creating an audiobook for Amazon via ACX is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sign Up for an ACX Account

Visit the ACX website and log in with your Amazon account, or create a new one. Select “Rights Holder” if you own the audio rights. Then, set up your profile.

2. Start Your Audiobook

After submitting your registration, you’ll be presented with three options. Select “Start My Audiobook” to kick off the process. This is the first step in publishing your audiobook on ACX, and it allows you to move forward with the next stages of setting up your audiobook.

3. Find Your Book and Choose Your Option 

You’ll be directed to search the Amazon catalog for your existing book. Your book must already be available on Amazon as a print or eBook title. Once you find your book, select “This is my book”. You’ll then have two choices:

• Option A - I’m looking for someone to narrate and produce my audiobook.
• Option B - I already have audio files for this book, and I want to sell it. 

Choose your preferred option and click “Continue” to proceed.

4. Prepare Your Manuscript for Audio

Make your manuscript narration-friendly by removing hyperlinks, images, and call-to-actions. Add opening credits (book title, author, narrator) and closing credits (“the end”). 

Each chapter should be a separate audio file. Listen to audiobooks in your genre to understand flow, credits, and chapter introductions. 

5. Prepare and Upload Your Audiobook Files

Follow these ACX’s audio requirements before uploading your audiobook files:

• MP3, 192 kbps or higher, 44.1 kHz sample rate
• RMS between -23dB and -18dB; peaks below -3dB; noise floor under -60dB
• One chapter per file, with the section name read at the start
• Include opening/closing credits and a 1–5 minute retail sample
• Use clear file names (e.g., “Chapter_01.mp3”)

Upload all files via the ACX dashboard.

6. Don’t Ignore Your Audiobook Cover Design and Size

Your cover is key to grabbing listeners. If you already have a print or eBook cover, simply resize it to fit audiobook standards. The cover must be square, at least 1400 x 1400 px, in JPG format, and under 5 MB.

Check out other covers in your genre for inspiration and ensure yours stands out.

7. Choose Distribution Territories and Terms

Pick your distribution from the options below:

• Exclusive: Only Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books (40% royalties)
• Non-Exclusive: Distribute elsewhere, too (25% royalties)

Exclusivity means more royalties but less reach. Non-exclusive, however, gives flexibility.

8. Submit for Review and Fill Tax Details

Submit your files for ACX review (up to 10 business days). Complete tax info (W-9 for U.S., W-8BEN for non-U.S.). Retailers will set pricing. Once approved, your audiobook goes live.

Production Options Available on Amazon

Amazon, through ACX, gives authors several flexible options for audiobook production, ranging from hiring professional narrators to recording yourself or outsourcing the entire process. Here’s how each path works:

1. Hiring Professional Narrators

ACX makes it simple to find professional narrators who can bring your story to life. Just post your project with a short audition script and review submissions from voice actors worldwide. You can pay per finished hour or choose a royalty share. A skilled narrator adds performance value, elevates audio quality, and can enhance listener engagement, credibility, and sales.

2. DIY Audiobook Recording

If you’d like to narrate your own book, recording it yourself can be a fulfilling choice. With a basic setup, a quality mic, some soundproofing, and a quiet room, you can get started. Tools like Audacity (free) or Adobe Audition (paid) help you edit and meet ACX standards. This hands-on method offers full creative control and a personal touch, though it does require time, focus, and a bit of technical learning.

3. Full-Service Production Solutions

If you prefer a hands-off approach, full-service production is your best bet. ACX works with professional recording studios and third-party teams to manage everything, from casting the right narrator to recording, editing, mastering, and uploading. It’s ideal for busy authors who want a polished, retail-ready finished audiobook without handling any of the technical or creative work.

Maximizing Sales Through Strategic Promotion

Want your audiobook to stand out on Amazon? Promotion is key. In the sections below, we will discuss how to make it happen fast.

1. Essential Marketing Techniques for Audiobooks

Using several marketing techniques for audiobooks can easily make it reach a wider audience. Here's everything to follow:

• Shout out your launch to your email list and social followers.
• Drop teaser audio clips on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to hook listeners; however, note that you can't directly sell it on the TikTok shop.
• Hand out Audible promo codes to snag early reviews; those stars matter!
• Team up with book influencers and podcasts for extra buzz.
• Run a launch-week giveaway or flash sale to drive excitement.
• Paid ads? Target audiobook lovers for the best return on investment.

2. Leveraging Amazon’s Promotional Tools

Another exciting yet rewarding way to reach your audience is by taking the help of Amazon's Promotional tools:

• Power up your Author Central page so fans see all your books.
• Use every Audible promo code to build reviews and momentum.
• Enable Whispersync so readers can seamlessly switch between reading and listening, making it super convenient!
• If Kindle MatchBook is available, bundle your formats for more sales.
• And don’t forget to polish your Amazon listing with sharp keywords, a killer description, and a must-hear audio sample. Do this, and watch your audiobook soar!

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Struggling with your audiobook journey? These quick fixes can help you bounce back and boost results:

• File Rejection: ACX has strict audio requirements; double-check levels, spacing, and formatting before uploading a separate audio file to avoid delays.
• Poor Narration Quality: A flat or noisy narration can tank your book; invest in better equipment or hire a vetted professional on ACX.
• Low Sales: A weak cover design, title, or metadata can hinder your book's visibility. Optimize listings and promote through your network or Amazon ads to boost sales.
• Royalties Confusion: Royalty splits and reporting can be tricky; monitor your dashboard regularly and reach out to ACX for clarification.

What’s the difference between ACX and Amazon KDP?

If you’re deciding how to publish your book, here’s a quick breakdown of how ACX and Amazon KDP differ in format, audience, and purpose:

Quick Tip:

Think of KDP as your print and digital hub, and ACX as your audio amplifier.

Amplify Your Audiobook Sales with beBOLD Digital

Publishing your audiobook on Amazon and Audible is just the first step; standing out in a crowded marketplace takes strategy and expertise. That’s where beBOLD Digital shines. With proven experience in Amazon SEO, listing optimization, and targeted advertising, beBOLD helps authors and publishers boost discoverability and turn listeners into loyal fans.

From crafting keyword-rich product pages and eye-catching visuals to running data-driven ad campaigns, beBOLD’s team ensures your audiobook gets noticed and sells. So, don’t let your story get lost in the noise; partner with beBOLD Digital and watch your audiobook reach its full sales potential. Ready to grow? Contact us now!

Conclusion: Tips for Long-Term Success in Audiobook Sales

Sustained success in audiobook sales, especially for beginners, isn’t just about publishing; it’s about positioning. Combine high-quality production with smart marketing: build your brand on social media, collaborate with influencers in your genre, and always keep your listeners engaged.

Utilize platforms like ACX to maximize reach and royalties, but don’t stop there; optimize your titles, covers, and descriptions as you would for a bestseller. Listen to audience feedback, evolve with trends, and treat every audiobook as part of a long-term portfolio.

With consistency, quality, and strategy, you’re not just selling audiobooks; you’re building a lasting revenue stream.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the profit margin for audiobooks on Amazon?

The profit margin for audiobooks on Amazon through ACX depends on your distribution choice. With exclusive distribution, you earn 40% of the retail price per sale, while with non-exclusive distribution, it’s 25%. For example, if your audiobook is priced at $20, you’d earn $8 for exclusive and $5 for non-exclusive.

How long does it take for an audiobook to be approved on Amazon?

The approval process for an audiobook on Amazon usually takes between 10 and 14 business days. Factors such as content quality and adherence to the rules can impact the duration. During this time, please keep an eye on your email for updates and stay informed.

Do I need to be a published author to sell on Audible?

No, you do not need to be a published author to sell on Audible. Anyone can record and sell their audiobooks on the platform. You can use your own stories or work with other authors. This gives more people the chance to be part of Audible. Both new narrators and producers can get started and try out their skills.

Can I use AI narration for Audible audiobooks?

Yes, you can use AI for Audible narration. However, you need to follow Audible’s rules and maintain their high quality. AI has come a long way, and it can help. Still, professional narrators bring more feelings and interest. Many people enjoy listening to a real person read a book. If you create an audiobook, strive for high-quality production.

How long does it take to get published on Audible?

The process of getting your book published on Audible typically takes a few days to two weeks. This depends on the quality of your audio files, the length of your book, and whether any issues arise during the review process. If you ensure your audio is of high quality, it can significantly speed up this entire process.

Can I sell Audible books if I didn’t narrate them myself?

Yes, you can sell audible books even if you didn't record them yourself. You will be able to work with professional narrators or use do-it-yourself audiobook recording. This way, you can focus on the content of your audible books. At the same time, ensure that your audience receives a high-quality audiobook.

Unlock Your Audiobook’s Sales Potential; Reach out to beBold Digital now!