Audiobook Distribution: ACX Exclusivity vs. Going Wide
Audiobook distribution check: Compare ACX Exclusive (40% royalty) vs. Going Wide (25% royalty) to Find Your Match.
Julian Thorne
Senior Managing Editor
"Deciding whether to distribute your audiobook exclusively through Audible/ACX or go wide to Spotify and Apple Books involves balancing royalties and platform reach."
Core Key Takeaways
- The Royalties: ACX Exclusive vs. Wide Models
- Reaching Libraries and Subscription Platforms
- Pricing Strategies for Audiobook Outlets
1. The Royalties: ACX Exclusive vs. Wide Models
ACX Exclusive pays a 40% royalty but limits sales to Audible and iTunes. Going Wide pays a 25% royalty but lets you distribute to Spotify, Google, and libraries.
- ACX Exclusive: 40% royalty, limited to Amazon, Audible, and iTunes.
- Going Wide: 25% royalty, sell to Spotify, Apple Books, and libraries.
- Confirm your rights settings before launching audiobooks.
2. Reaching Libraries and Subscription Platforms
Wide distribution services (like Findaway Voices) get your audiobooks into global libraries and subscription networks.
3. Pricing Strategies for Audiobook Outlets
Audible sets prices automatically, but wide distributors allow you to set custom prices and run discounts.
The Takeaway
Wide distribution increases your reach. Golden Ivory Publishing manages audiobook production and distribution registries for authors.
Bring Your Manuscript to Life with Golden Ivory
Schedule a 1-on-1 publishing consultation to discuss your editorial, formatting, design, and distribution roadmap.