How To Get Paid By Audible

Setting up your Audible account

Welcome to the world of audiobooks! If you’re ready to get paid by Audible for your narration skills, the first step is to set up your Audible account. Follow these simple steps to get started:

Create an Audible account: Visit the Audible website and click on the “Sign In” button. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you’ll need to create one. Once you’ve signed in or created your account, you’ll be ready to move to the next step.
Set up your profile: Once you’re logged in to your Audible account, navigate to your profile settings. Here, you can provide your personal details, including your name, bio, profile picture, and any other information you want to showcase to listeners.
Link your Amazon and Audible accounts: If you have an existing Amazon account, it can be linked to your Audible account to make it easier to manage both. This will allow you to use the same login credentials for both platforms and streamline your payment process.
Add your payment information: To receive your payments, you’ll need to set up your payment details. This typically includes providing your bank account information for direct deposit. Audible ensures the security of your financial information, so you can rest assured that your payments will be processed safely.
Verify your tax information: To comply with tax regulations, Audible requires you to provide your tax details. This includes your taxpayer identification number (such as Social Security number or Employer Identification Number) and any other required documentation. Audible uses this information solely for tax reporting purposes.
Agree to the Terms of Service: Before you can start earning money by narrating audiobooks, you must agree to Audible’s Terms of Service. Take the time to read through the terms carefully to ensure you understand the guidelines and responsibilities as an audiobook narrator.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up your Audible account and completed the initial steps towards getting paid for your audiobook narration. Now, you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of ACX, where you’ll upload your audiobook, set its price, and market it to reach a wider audience.

Understanding the different options for getting paid by Audible

As an audiobook narrator on Audible, you have several options for getting paid for your hard work. Let’s explore the different payment methods Audible offers:

Royalty Share: If you collaborate with a rights holder or author, the royalty share option allows you to split the earnings from the sales of your audiobook. This means that you will receive a percentage of the royalties, typically 50%, while the other party also receives their share.
Pay for Production: Under this option, the rights holder or author pays you a predetermined amount upfront for your narration services. With this method, you are not entitled to any royalties from the audiobook’s sales, but you are compensated immediately for your work.
Hybrid Model: The hybrid model combines elements of both royalty share and pay for production. In this case, you receive a reduced upfront payment in addition to a lower royalty percentage. This option provides a balance between immediate compensation and potential long-term royalties.
Promotional Codes: Another way to earn money on Audible is through promotional codes. Audible may provide you with unique codes that you can distribute to potential listeners. When these codes are redeemed, you earn a predetermined amount for each redeemed audiobook.

It’s important to understand the specific payment options available to you for each audiobook project. This can vary depending on the rights holder or author you are working with and the terms of your agreement. Take the time to discuss and negotiate payment terms before finalizing any project to ensure you are comfortable with the arrangement.

Remember, getting paid by Audible is not just about earning money for your hard work, but also about establishing yourself as a professional audiobook narrator and building your reputation in the industry. So, consider each payment option carefully and choose the one that aligns with your goals and preferences.

Creating your ACX account

ACX is the platform owned by Audible that allows you to upload and distribute your audiobooks. To get started with earning money through ACX, follow these steps to create your account:

Visit the ACX website: Go to the ACX website and click on the “Get Started” button. If you’re already logged into your Audible account, you can use the same login credentials for ACX.
Set up your profile: Once you’re logged in, you’ll be prompted to set up your ACX profile. This includes providing information about your narration experience, your preferred genres, and any additional skills or qualifications you want to highlight. A compelling profile will help attract rights holders and authors looking for narrators.
Browse available projects: After setting up your profile, you can browse the available projects on ACX. You may find audiobooks that are in need of a narrator or authors seeking a voice for their work. Take your time to explore different projects and find one that resonates with your interests and voice.
Submit auditions: If you come across a project that interests you, you can submit an audition. The audition typically involves narrating a small sample of the book to give the rights holder or author an idea of your narrating style and suitability for the project. Make sure to follow any specific instructions provided by the rights holder or author when submitting your audition.
Negotiate and agree on terms: If the rights holder or author likes your audition, they may offer you the opportunity to narrate the full audiobook. At this stage, you will need to discuss and negotiate the terms of the project, including payment options, deadlines, and any other relevant details. ACX provides a platform for communication and agreement between narrators and rights holders.
Sign the agreement: Once you and the rights holder or author have agreed on the terms of the project, you will need to sign the official agreement provided by ACX. This contract outlines the responsibilities and rights of both parties involved in the production and distribution of the audiobook.
Start narrating: With the agreement in place, it’s time to start narrating the audiobook! Set up your recording space, ensure you have the necessary equipment, and follow ACX’s technical standards for formatting and quality. Take your time to deliver a captivating narration that brings the story to life.

Creating your ACX account is the gateway to getting paid for your audiobook narration. Treat each step with care and attention to detail, as it will contribute to your success as a narrator and the quality of the audiobooks you produce.

Uploading your audiobook to ACX

Once you’ve finished narrating and editing your audiobook, it’s time to upload it to ACX for distribution. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful upload process:

Prepare your audiobook files: Before uploading, make sure your audiobook files are in the required format. ACX accepts uncompressed WAV or AIFF files with a sample rate of 44.1 kHz and a bit depth of 16 bits. Ensure that each chapter is a separate file and labeled correctly for easy organization.
Create a new project on ACX: Log in to your ACX account and navigate to the “My Projects” section. Click on “Create a New Project” and provide the necessary details, including the book title, author name, and any other relevant information requested by ACX.
Upload your audiobook files: In the project dashboard, you’ll find an option to upload your audiobook files. Follow the prompts to select the files from your computer and upload them to ACX. Make sure to double-check that all files are successfully uploaded and organized according to the chapter order.
Enter metadata and set release date: Metadata refers to the information that describes your audiobook, such as the genre, keywords, and book summary. Enter this information accurately and thoughtfully to optimize discoverability for potential listeners. Additionally, set a release date for your audiobook, specifying when you want it to be available for purchase on Audible.
Review your audiobook: ACX provides a preview option that allows you to listen to your audiobook before making it available to listeners. Take this opportunity to review your narration for any errors or inconsistencies. If necessary, make adjustments or re-record sections to ensure a quality listening experience.
Approve the audiobook: Once you’re satisfied with the quality and accuracy of your audiobook, give it final approval on the ACX platform. This action confirms that you’re ready for your audiobook to go live on Audible and allows ACX to begin the distribution process.
Wait for the review process: After approving your audiobook, it will go through a review process by the ACX team. This process ensures that your audiobook meets their technical standards and content guidelines. The review typically takes a few business days, so be patient during this period.
Publish your audiobook: Once your audiobook passes the review process, ACX will make it available for purchase on Audible. You’ll receive an email notification confirming its availability, and you can start promoting your audiobook to attract listeners.

Uploading your audiobook to ACX is the final step in making it accessible to a wide audience on Audible. Ensure that you follow the guidelines and pay attention to details during the upload process to provide a seamless and engaging listening experience for your audience.

Setting your audiobook’s price on ACX

One of the important decisions you’ll make as an audiobook narrator on ACX is setting the price for your audiobook. Here’s what you need to know about pricing your audiobook on ACX:

Evaluate the market: Before setting the price, research the market to understand the typical prices for audiobooks in your genre and length category. Take into consideration factors like the popularity of the author, the demand for the genre, and the overall length of the audiobook.
Consider your goals: Determine your overarching goals for your audiobook. Are you primarily interested in maximizing sales and exposure or achieving higher royalties per sale? This will influence your pricing strategy.
ACX pricing tiers: ACX offers three main pricing tiers: under $7, between $7 and $19.99, and over $19.99. Each tier has different royalty rates and durations. Analyze the pros and cons of each tier based on your goals and audiobook specifications.
Royalty rates: The royalty rates for each price tier range from 25% to 40%. Consider your royalty percentage options carefully, as higher rates might lead to lower overall earnings per sale, but potentially higher sales volumes.
Production costs: If you received payment upfront for your audiobook production, keep in mind the production costs when setting the price. Ensure that your pricing allows you to cover your expenses and still make a profit.
Value proposition: Consider the perceived value of your audiobook. Factors that contribute to this include the quality of your narration, the popularity of the book or author, and any additional unique or bonus content provided with the audiobook. These elements can justify a higher price point.
Competitive analysis: Take a look at other audiobooks in your genre and analyze their pricing strategies. This will help you gauge where you stand in the market and make informed decisions about setting a competitive price for your audiobook.
Flexibility: Keep in mind that ACX allows you to adjust the pricing of your audiobook over time. If you’re not seeing the desired results, you can experiment with different price points to find the sweet spot that maximizes sales and royalties.
Marketing promotions: ACX offers the option to run promotional pricing campaigns, such as discounted pricing or free giveaways. These promotions can help boost visibility and attract new listeners, but make sure to carefully evaluate the impact on your earnings and long-term marketing strategy.

Setting the price for your audiobook requires careful consideration of market trends, your goals, and the value you bring to the table as a narrator. Analyze these factors, experiment with different pricing strategies, and stay flexible to optimize your earnings and reach a wider audience.

Marketing and promoting your audiobook

Now that your audiobook is available on Audible, it’s time to focus on marketing and promotion to reach a wider audience. Here are some effective strategies to help you market and promote your audiobook:

Leverage your existing network: Start by reaching out to your personal and professional network. Let your friends, family, colleagues, and social media connections know about your audiobook. Encourage them to support you by purchasing and reviewing your audiobook.
Create a compelling author website: Build a professional author website that features your audiobook. Include an engaging book description, sample audio clips, and links to purchase the audiobook. Make sure your website is user-friendly and visually appealing to capture visitors’ attention.
Utilize social media: Leverage social media platforms to promote your audiobook. Share updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and sneak peeks. Engage with your followers by conducting giveaways, hosting Q&A sessions, or sharing interesting content related to your audiobook’s genre or themes.
Seek reviews and endorsements: Contact book bloggers, podcasters, and influencers in your genre and ask if they would be interested in reviewing or featuring your audiobook. Positive reviews and endorsements can significantly boost your audiobook’s visibility and credibility.
Run targeted advertising campaigns: Consider running targeted advertising campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Google Ads. Set specific parameters to reach your target audience, such as readers interested in your audiobook’s genre or fans of similar authors.
Collaborate with other authors and narrators: Team up with other authors and narrators in your genre to cross-promote each other’s work. Guest appearances on podcasts, joint giveaways, or co-marketing initiatives can help expand your reach and introduce your audiobook to new audiences.
Engage with your listeners: Interact with your listeners by responding to reviews, comments, and messages. Show appreciation for their support and incorporate their feedback into future projects. Building a genuine connection can lead to loyal fans who will help spread the word about your audiobook.
Create captivating promotional materials: Design eye-catching promotional graphics and videos to share on social media platforms. Use quotes from your audiobook, stunning visuals, and strategic call-to-actions to entice potential listeners to purchase and share your audiobook.
Participate in audiobook-related events: Attend virtual or in-person conferences, seminars, and book festivals focused on audiobooks. Network with industry professionals, attend panel discussions, and showcase your audiobook to get it noticed by agents, publishers, and fellow authors.

Keep in mind that marketing and promotion require consistent effort and patience. Experiment with different strategies, track your results, and adapt your marketing tactics accordingly. By actively promoting your audiobook and connecting with your target audience, you can significantly increase its visibility and listener base.

Tracking your audiobook’s performance on Audible

Monitoring and understanding your audiobook’s performance on Audible is crucial for making informed decisions and optimizing your marketing efforts. Here are some important ways to track your audiobook’s performance on Audible:

Sales and royalties: Audible provides detailed sales and royalty reports that give you insights into how your audiobook is performing financially. These reports show you the number of units sold, the revenue generated, and the royalties earned. Evaluate these reports regularly to understand your audiobook’s sales trends and revenue streams.
Listener reviews and ratings: Pay close attention to listener reviews and ratings on Audible. These reviews provide valuable feedback from your audience, allowing you to gauge their reception, identify areas for improvement, and highlight positive aspects of your audiobook. Engage with your listeners and respond to their reviews to build rapport and demonstrate your appreciation.
Bestseller rankings: Audible includes bestseller rankings for different genres and categories. Keep an eye on these rankings to see how your audiobook is performing compared to other titles in your genre. Achieving a high ranking can boost your visibility and attract more listeners.
Keywords and search rankings: Audible uses keywords to categorize and recommend audiobooks to potential listeners. Analyze the keywords associated with your audiobook and track its search rankings for those keywords. This will help you understand how easily your audiobook can be discovered by listeners searching for a specific genre or topic.
Listener feedback and engagement: Actively engage with your listeners through social media, your website, or mailing lists. Pay attention to their comments, messages, and mentions of your audiobook. By listening to your audience, you can gather valuable insights and adapt your marketing and content strategies to better meet their expectations.
Marketing campaign results: Track the impact of your marketing campaigns, such as advertising, promotions, or collaborations. Monitor the increase in sales, website traffic, or social media engagement during and after these marketing initiatives. This will help you assess the effectiveness of your marketing efforts and make data-driven decisions for future campaigns.
Demographic data: Audible provides demographic data about your listeners, including their age range, gender, and location. This information can help you understand your target audience better and tailor your marketing messages and strategies to resonate with their specific interests and preferences.
Listener retention: Consider tracking listener retention by analyzing how many listeners complete your audiobook. This metric can give you insights into the effectiveness of your storytelling, narration, and overall listener satisfaction. It can also help you identify areas where listeners may lose interest or disengage.
Competition analysis: Keep an eye on the performance of other audiobooks in your genre. Track their sales rankings, ratings, and listener reviews to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Analyzing your competition can help you identify opportunities and strategies to differentiate your audiobook and attract more listeners.

Tracking your audiobook’s performance on Audible provides you with important data and insights that can guide your marketing and content decisions. Regularly review these metrics and adjust your approach based on the feedback and trends you observe, ultimately improving the success and reach of your audiobook.

Receiving payments from Audible

As an audiobook narrator on Audible, receiving timely and accurate payments for your work is essential. Here’s what you need to know about receiving payments from Audible:

Payment schedule: Audible has a consistent payment schedule that outlines when you can expect to receive your earnings. Payments are typically issued on a monthly basis, with a delay of 30 to 60 days from the end of the month in which the sales were made. Familiarize yourself with Audible’s payment schedule to plan your finances accordingly.
Minimum payment threshold: Audible has a minimum payment threshold that must be met before they issue a payment. This minimum amount is set to ensure that transaction fees and administrative costs are reasonable. Be aware of this threshold and track your earnings to ensure you surpass the minimum payment amount.
Payment method: Audible provides multiple payment options, including direct deposit (Electronic Funds Transfer or EFT) and paper checks. Direct deposit is the preferred method as it is faster, more secure, and eliminates the risk of lost or stolen checks. Set up your payment method in your Audible account to ensure smooth and efficient payments.
Tax deductions: Keep in mind that you are responsible for calculating and paying any applicable taxes on your earnings from Audible. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand your tax obligations and ensure compliance with tax regulations in your jurisdiction. Keep track of your earnings and any related expenses for accurate reporting.
Payment reports and statements: Audible provides detailed payment reports and statements that outline your earnings and royalties. These reports are typically available in your account dashboard and provide a breakdown of sales, royalties, and any deductions. Review these reports regularly to reconcile your earnings and ensure accuracy.
Payment support: In the event of any payment-related issues or concerns, Audible offers customer support to assist you. If you encounter any discrepancies or delays in receiving your payments, reach out to Audible’s support team for prompt resolution. Make sure to provide them with any relevant information, such as payment references or transaction details.
Payment terms in agreements: When entering into agreements with rights holders or authors through ACX, ensure that the payment terms are clearly outlined and agreed upon. This includes details on the payment method, royalty split, and any other financial considerations. Review and negotiate these terms before finalizing any agreements to protect your interests.
Monitor sales and royalties: Keep a close eye on your sales and royalty reports to track your earnings and ensure they align with your expectations. Regularly reviewing these reports will help you detect any discrepancies or anomalies in your payments and take appropriate action if necessary.

Receiving payments from Audible is a crucial aspect of your audiobook narration career. Stay informed about Audible’s payment processes, communicate any payment issues promptly, and maintain a clear record of your earnings. By doing so, you can ensure a smooth and reliable flow of income from Audible.

Understanding Audible’s payment schedule

As an audiobook narrator on Audible, it’s important to understand the payment schedule to effectively manage your earnings. Here’s what you need to know about Audible’s payment schedule:

Audible follows a consistent payment schedule that dictates when you can expect to receive your earnings from your audiobook sales. The payment schedule typically involves a delay of 30 to 60 days from the end of the month in which the sales were made.

For example, if your audiobook generates sales in the month of January, you can expect to receive payment for those sales by the end of March or April, depending on the payment cycle. Audible uses this delay to account for any potential returns, refunds, or changes in sales numbers during the processing period.

It’s important to note that Audible has a minimum payment threshold, which is the minimum amount you need to earn before they issue a payment. This threshold is in place to ensure that transaction fees and administrative costs are reasonable. The specific minimum payment threshold may vary depending on your location or agreement with Audible.

Audible offers multiple payment methods, including direct deposit (Electronic Funds Transfer or EFT) and paper checks. Direct deposit is the preferred method as it reduces processing time, ensures security, and eliminates the risk of lost or stolen checks. Setting up direct deposit in your Audible account can expedite the payment process and provide you with faster access to your earnings.

It’s essential to monitor your sales and royalties using Audible’s reporting tools. By regularly reviewing your payment reports and statements, you can track your earnings, identify trends, and reconcile any discrepancies. These reports provide a breakdown of your audiobook sales, royalties earned, and any deductions or adjustments. They serve as valuable resources for financial analysis and accountability.

If you encounter any payment-related issues or concerns, Audible offers customer support to assist you. Reach out to their support team for prompt resolution, providing them with any relevant details such as payment references or transaction information. Prompt communication can help address any discrepancies or delays in the payment process.

Setting up direct deposit for faster payments

If you want to receive your earnings from Audible in a quicker and more convenient manner, setting up direct deposit is the way to go. Direct deposit, also known as Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), ensures that your payments are securely and directly transferred to your bank account. Here’s how to set up direct deposit for faster payments:

Log in to your Audible account: Access your Audible account using your login credentials.
Navigate to payment settings: Once logged in, go to your account settings or payment settings page. Look for the option to update your payment information.
Select direct deposit as your payment method: Within the payment settings, choose direct deposit (EFT) as your preferred payment method. This option should be available alongside other payment methods such as paper checks.
Enter your bank account details: Provide the necessary information for your bank account, including the account holder’s name, the bank name, the account number, and the bank’s routing number. Be sure to double-check the accuracy of this information to ensure successful transfers.
Confirm and save your changes: After entering the relevant details, review your information one last time to ensure accuracy. Once confirmed, save your changes to your payment settings.
Verify and test the direct deposit: Audible may require you to verify your direct deposit information to ensure it is set up correctly. This may involve a small test deposit made to your bank account, which you will need to verify by checking your bank statement or online banking. Follow the instructions provided by Audible to complete the verification process.
Receive faster and secure payments: Once your direct deposit is set up and verified, you can expect your earnings from Audible to be directly deposited into your bank account on the scheduled payment dates. This eliminates the need to wait for physical checks and provides more efficiency and security in receiving your payments.

Setting up direct deposit for faster payments offers several benefits. It saves time by bypassing the process of physical checks and eliminates the risk of lost or stolen payments. Furthermore, it ensures that your earnings are deposited directly into your bank account, allowing for convenient access and efficient financial management.

Keep in mind that while direct deposit offers faster payment processing, the timing of payments is still subject to Audible’s payment schedule and any applicable minimum payment thresholds. By setting up direct deposit, you can enjoy the convenience of faster and secure payment delivery from Audible.

Troubleshooting payment issues with Audible

While Audible strives to ensure smooth and accurate payments for audiobook narrators, there may be instances where you encounter payment issues. Here are some common payment issues that may arise and steps to troubleshoot them:

Delayed payments: If you notice that your payment is delayed beyond the usual payment schedule, first check your account dashboard to see if there are any notifications or updates regarding the delay. If no information is provided, reach out to Audible’s customer support for assistance. They can help investigate the delay and provide an update on the status of your payment.
Missing or incorrect payments: In some cases, payments may not reflect the expected amount or may be entirely missing from your payment reports. Before assuming an error, ensure that you have exceeded the minimum payment threshold required for a payment to be issued. If you meet the threshold and there is still a discrepancy, contact Audible’s support team to address the issue promptly.
Payment discrepancies: If you notice discrepancies between the sales and royalties reported by Audible and your own records, carefully review your sales and royalty reports for any details that may explain the differences. It’s possible that returns, referrals, or other factors may impact the numbers. If the discrepancy persists or is significant, contact Audible’s customer support to seek clarification and resolution.
Bank account or payment method changes: If you’ve recently updated your bank account information or payment method, double-check that the changes have been accurately reflected in your account settings. Mistakes in the account details can lead to payment issues. If you suspect an error, reach out to Audible’s support team to update your payment information promptly.
Tax-related concerns: If you have any questions or concerns regarding taxes related to your earnings from Audible, consult with a tax professional who can guide you based on your specific situation. They can provide advice on tax reporting, deductions, and any other tax-related considerations you need to be aware of as an audiobook narrator.
Communication and documentation: When contacting Audible’s customer support with any payment issues, ensure that you provide them with specific details, such as payment references or transaction information. Clear and concise communication, along with any necessary documentation, can help expedite the troubleshooting process and lead to a faster resolution.

Remember, Audible’s customer support is there to assist you with any payment issues you encounter. Be proactive in reaching out to them when necessary and provide them with the information they need to address your concerns effectively. By working together, you can troubleshoot and resolve any payment issues, ensuring a smooth and reliable payment experience as an audiobook narrator on Audible.