ACX Narrators: How to Negotiate Royalty Share and Pay-for-Production Deals
Hiring an audiobook narrator? Learn the pros and cons of ACX Royalty Share vs. Pay-for-Production (PFH) contracts.
Julian Thorne
Senior Managing Editor
"Producing an audiobook requires hiring voice talent. Negotiating narrator contracts on ACX involves choosing between royalty splits and per-finished-hour rates."
Core Key Takeaways
- Comparing Royalty Share vs. PFH Payment Models
- Reviewing ACX Audition Files and Portfolios
- Writing Clear Audio Rights Agreements
1. Comparing Royalty Share vs. PFH Payment Models
Royalty Share splits audiobook profits 50/50 with the narrator, reducing upfront costs. Pay-for-Production (PFH) pays a flat fee per hour, allowing you to keep all future royalties.
- Royalty Share: Zero upfront cost, ideal for authors with small budgets.
- PFH (Per Finished Hour): Flat fee based on recording length; keep 100% of royalties.
- Confirm distribution terms are locked in before signing ACX deals.
2. Reviewing ACX Audition Files and Portfolios
Listen to narrator portfolios to check voice range and recording quality. Check for consistent pacing and clear acoustics in audio samples.
From Manuscript to Global Bookstores & Libraries
Get developmental CMOS editing, bespoke cover design, multi-format distribution, and launch marketing tailored for ambitious authors.
3. Writing Clear Audio Rights Agreements
Draft agreements detailing the correction process, narration deadlines, and ownership of the final audio files.
The Takeaway
Audiobooks expand your audience. The production team at Golden Ivory Publishing manages auditions and narrator casting for independent authors.
From Manuscript to Global Bookstores & Libraries
Get developmental CMOS editing, bespoke cover design, multi-format distribution, and launch marketing tailored for ambitious authors.
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