In the world of publishing, audiobooks have gained a lot of popularity, which is not only easy to follow for the listeners but are now also getting attracted by the readers as well.
When it comes to publishing any audiobook, ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) is one of the most demanding and useful platforms for a lot of publishers. But there are also a lot of publishers who seek different audiobook platforms.
So in this blog, we are going to explore alternative platforms for ACX for those authors who are looking for other platforms to self-publish their audiobook.
Why are Authors looking for Alternatives to ACX?
ACX is a very popular platform among authors who want to self-publish their audiobooks. This is because ACX is connected with Audible Publishing, Amazon, iTunes, and more.
However, some authors take help from audiobook publishing services and also do not prefer ACX because of some challenges they face, like royalty plans, difficulty in getting accepted to the program, and more. When the authors choose other platforms then they have more hold over their audiobooks.
How Can I Convert My Book To Audiobook?
Converting your book into an audiobook might take several steps. Firstly, you have to decide on the audiobook production approach then you need to prepare a manuscript. After this, the process of recording and editing comes.
When you are done with this, start looking for different audiobook production platforms. There is also an option for the authors to get help from audiobook publishing services.
Now, plan for distribution and at the same time, make sure to plan for a strategy for marketing, and when your book is published, then you have to keep track of the sales and reviews.
You can add more steps to it, like additional formats or legal considerations, but these are the basic steps you need to follow up with.
How to Submit My Audiobook to Amazon?
If you are willing to submit your audiobook to Amazon, then you will need to use ACX, which Amazon uses to manage its audiobook distributions. Let’s have a look at the steps to submit your audiobook to Amazon. If you want help, then you can get help from audiobook publishing services.
- Create your ACX account.
- Find the “Add Your Title” section.
- Fill in the required details of your audiobook.
- Now, you need to upload a sample of your audiobook.
- You will now get the option to select promotion and distribution options.
- If you are not narrating your book by yourself, then you can find one on ACX.
- When your book is produced, then review it before releasing it.
- After following all the above steps, you can now publish your book.
- You can also promote your audiobook.
Can You Publish An Audiobook On Amazon Without Publishing A Book Or eBook First?
Yes, you can easily publish your audiobook on Amazon without publishing a book or e-book. You can easily follow the above steps to publish your audiobook on Amazon. Audiobook publishing services are also the best option for the authors.
7 Alternatives of ACX for Self-Publish Authors
There are a lot of alternatives to ACX for authors who want to self-publish their audiobook. Let’s have a look at each of them so you can choose the one which fulfills your requirements.
1. Findaway Voices
Findaway Voices is one of the most popular platforms for audiobook distribution. It also offers a non-exclusive model that attracts many independent writers.
Authors who are publishing their books through this platform will have the authority to choose distribution channels like Audible. Not only that, the author will also have control over the pricing.
Findaway Voices also offers big distributing platforms to publish your audiobook which makes it as good as ACX.
How to Start with Findaway Voices?
- Create your account.
- Upload your audiobook.
- Choose the distribution channel.
- Set your price for the audiobook.
- Plan the distribution & royalties.
2. Author’s Republic
Author’s Republic offers a user-friendly platform for all authors who are willing to self-publish their books globally. It helps the author to grow and also provides access to big retailers and libraries which will allow your audiobook to reach a big audience. Author’s Republic also provides crystal clear royalty checks and competitive distributions.
How to Start with Author’s Republic?
- Create your account.
- Upload your audiobook.
- Select your desired platforms and retailers.
- Set the price and let Author’s Republic handle the distribution.
- Keep track of the sales and the royalty.
3. Smashwords
Smashwords is usually known for eBook distributions and can be used as an alternative for ACX. But now it has expanded its services, and now you can also publish your audiobook here.
Smashwords give the authors a chance to self-publish their books to big retailers. You can say this platform is a one-stop shop for the best audiobooks and eBooks.
How to Start with Smashwords?
- If you don’t have an account here, then create one.
- Follow the guidelines given by the websites and prepare your audiobook files.
- Go to the dashboard and publish your audiobook.
- Here, the website handles the distribution process, and you will get the sales percentage.
4. Librivox
If we talk about Librivox, it has a unique approach to audiobook publishing. Not only that, but it also has volunteer narrators. It not only focuses on public domain words but also creates a great opportunity for authors who want to contribute to the free distribution of audiobooks. There are a lot of platforms that offer audiobook publishing services for the authors.
How to Start with Librivox?
- First, select a book that is in the public domain.
- You can volunteer to narrate to record chapters of the chosen book.
- Now, you can upload your recorded chapters on Librivox.
- Once your narration is accepted, you can distribute your audiobook for free on different platforms.
5. Gumroad
A well-known versatile platform that is known as Gumroad allows the creators to sell digital products, audiobooks, eBooks, and more directly to the audience.
This platform might not be a dedicated audiobook-distributed platform, but it will allow the authors with flexibility of selling and distributing their audiobooks independently.
How to Start with Gumroad?
- Sign up for the Gumroad.
- Then, upload your audiobook files.
- Promote or market the audience.
- Publish your audiobook.
- Keep track of the sales and reviews for future projects.
6. Audiobooks Unleashed
Audiobooks Unleashed is one of the most popular platforms that have many services available. It allows the authors to publish their book via major retailers and then directly to the audience.
So if you are an author who is looking for a hassle-free way for publishing then this is the perfect place.
How to Start with Audiobooks Unleashed?
- Sign up if you don’t have an account here.
- If you don’t have a narrator yet, then you can select one here.
- If you already completed the narration part, then you can submit your audiobook.
- Set the price and distribute your book!
7. Draft2Digital
Draft2Digital is mostly known for its eBook distributions but now it has expanded its services, now it is also offering audiobooks.
Publishing your audiobooks is not that hard. They have a very easy way for the authors to publish their audiobooks on different platforms.
How to Start with Draft2Digital?
- Make your account if you don’t have one here.
- Upload your audiobook for submission.
- Select your desired platforms for publishing.
- Set the price of your audiobook.
- Distribute your audiobook.
- Keep tracking reviews and sales for upcoming projects.
How To Choose The Right Option?
Well, this is a tricky question and there is no clear answer. The right choice may vary for each customer and while some may enjoy the pros of one platform, another may prefer a completely different option.
One of the most popular options for customers is Audiobook Publishing Services. It’s an all in one solution for customers looking to start an audiobook project. Their customized solutions and customer-centric approach has made them the top choice for authors around the world.
Bottom Line
All things considered, when we talk about ACX and Audible, they seem to be very same top audiobook publishers. But at the same time, they have a lot of differences.
ACX and Audible have different purposes, different right holds, distribution rules, and even different production models for the authors. Authors should go with the option that suits them and their book in the best possible manner.
Get Your Audiobook Published with Audiobook Publishing Services
