Platform Comparison: Where to Publish Your Audiobook in 2025

# Audiobook Publishing Platforms Comparison 2025

Let’s create a comprehensive overview of current audiobook publishing options.

## Platforms to Compare

### Audible/ACX

1. **Royalty structure:** 40% if exclusive, 25% if non-exclusive
   
2. **Exclusivity requirements:** 7-year contract if choosing exclusive option
   
3. **Distribution reach:** Amazon, Audible, iTunes
   
4. **Payment timeline:** Monthly, 60 days after the end of the month
   
5. **Quality requirements:** Strict technical specifications (-23dB to -18dB RMS, -3dB peak, etc.)
   
6. **Pros/cons:** Largest market share but restrictive terms; marketing opportunities through Audible promotions and codes

### Findaway Voices


7. **Royalty structure:** 80% across most platforms (they take 20%)
   
8. **Exclusivity requirements:** None
   
9. **Distribution reach:** 45+ platforms including Apple Books, Google Play, Scribd, libraries
   
10. **Payment timeline:** Monthly, 30-60 days after the end of the month (varies by retailer)
    
11. **Quality requirements:** Similar to ACX but slightly more flexible
    
12. **Pros/cons:** Wide distribution but fragmented sales reporting; less promotional opportunities but better royalty rates

### Apple Books


13. **Royalty structure:** 70% royalty
    
14. **Exclusivity requirements:** None
    
15. **Distribution reach:** Apple Books platform only
    
16. **Payment timeline:** Monthly, 30 days after month’s end
    
17. **Quality requirements:** Less stringent than ACX
    
18. **Pros/cons:** Growing platform with quality listeners; limited to Apple ecosystem; direct upload option now available

### Direct Publishing


19. **Royalty structure:** 100% (minus payment processing fees)
    
20. **Technical requirements:** Need to handle hosting, delivery, DRM
    
21. **Marketing challenges/benefits:** Complete control but must drive all traffic yourself
    
22. **Payment processing:** Various options (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
    
23. **Pros/cons:** Maximum profit per sale but requires technical expertise and significant marketing effort

Please share your experiences with different platforms!