23 Aug 2023

ACX Audiobooks: 10 Cool Tips for Ultimate Listening!

Richard Lowe

Writing

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ACX Audiobooks: 10 Cool Tips for Ultimate Listening!

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The world of literature has seen a paradigm shift over the last decade. Gone are the days when books were solely consumed through printed words on pages. Now, audiobooks have emerged as a popular alternative, catering to modern readers who seek engaging content that can be consumed on the move. With the advent of smartphones and smart devices, the audiobook industry has boomed, offering a plethora of options for both authors and readers.

Enter ACX – the Audiobook Creation Exchange. Founded by the global e-commerce giant, Amazon, ACX has quickly risen to become a prominent figure in the audiobook landscape. It serves as a nexus, connecting authors, narrators, and publishers, thereby creating a unique ecosystem that ensures quality content delivery. This platform not only offers unmatched audio quality and an extensive range of genres but also provides unparalleled opportunities for budding authors and narrators.

For readers, the allure of ACX audiobooks lies in their convenience and vast collection. Whether it’s a thrilling fiction novel or an enlightening non-fiction guide, ACX has it all. On the other hand, for authors, it’s a golden opportunity to broaden their reach and connect with audiences globally. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the intricate world of ACX audiobooks, shedding light on its nuances, benefits, and the immense potential it holds for the future of storytelling.

My ACX Audiobook Recommendations

Sales Dominance: I’ve observed a notable trend in my sales: I consistently sell more audiobooks than Kindle, paperbacks, and hardcovers combined. This suggests a shifting preference among readers towards the auditory experience.
Increased Visibility: Think of every book format as a funnel. An audiobook adds another layer to this funnel, ensuring a broader spectrum of avenues for readers to stumble upon your work. The more formats available, the greater the chance of reaching a diverse audience.
Ease of Production: Producing audiobooks is simpler than many might believe. Given their rising popularity, there’s no tangible reason to forgo creating one.
Cover Designing for Audiobooks: If you’re procuring a cover for your Kindle or paperback, consider including the audiobook cover. It has a distinctive square shape with particular requirements. Many designers, realizing its importance, often offer to design it either for free or at a significant discount.
Royalty Decisions: A word of caution – I opted for a royalty split with an ACX video artist and found some limitations. You might find yourself relinquishing certain rights for around 7 years, so consider this method carefully.
Exploring Publishing Platforms: While ACX has its merits, many have suggested publishing audiobooks through Draft2Digital. I’ve earmarked this platform for my subsequent book.
Investment in Voice Artists: For one of my books, I employed a voice artist at a rate of roughly $200 per spoken hour, amounting to 8 hours in total. This investment granted me complete rights, allowing full autonomy over the audiobook.
Voice Artist Selection: It’s crucial to be meticulous when selecting a voice artist. I’ve previously rushed this decision and faced regret. Always allocate sufficient time to scrutinize auditions.
DIY Audiobook Creation: If you’re blessed with a pleasant voice and can convey your story compellingly, contemplate narrating your audiobook. Remember, a quality microphone is essential for this venture.
Navigating ACX Quality Checks: ACX upholds strict quality parameters before they approve any audiobook for publishing. My journey witnessed rejections for each audiobook, but the issues were invariably rectified by the voice artists at no extra expense.
Ghostwriting and Audiobooks: I consistently advise my ghostwriting clientele to consider an audiobook adaptation of their work. Those who heeded this advice narrated their books personally, adding an intimate touch.

The Rise of Audiobooks and Their Unprecedented Popularity

Audiobooks have been on the scene for longer than one might expect, with their origins tracing back to the first phonograph recordings in the late 19th century. However, their true surge in popularity has been a fairly recent phenomenon. With the increasing pace of life in the 21st century, people began seeking flexible means of consuming literature. Audiobooks filled this void perfectly, offering an alternative for those who had the desire to read but lacked the time.

This convenience was further boosted by technological advancements. As smartphones became ubiquitous, so did the accessibility to a myriad of audiobook platforms. No longer did one have to carry bulky cassette players or CDs; entire libraries could be stored in a device that fits into one’s pocket. This ease of accessibility played a pivotal role in propelling audiobooks to mainstream popularity.

ACX audiobooks, in particular, stood out due to their integration with Amazon’s vast ecosystem. With Kindle and Audible under its wing, Amazon ensured that readers could effortlessly switch between reading and listening, enhancing the overall user experience. Such integration was unprecedented and marked a significant turning point in the audiobook industry.

The financial numbers also tell a compelling story. According to the Audio Publishers Association, the US alone witnessed over 1.2 billion dollars in audiobook sales in 2019. This figure is a testament to their skyrocketing popularity and the vast untapped potential that still remains. As we move forward, audiobooks are poised to command an even larger share of the literary market, driven by platforms like ACX.

Why ACX Audiobooks are a Game Changer for Authors

For authors, traditional publishing pathways can often be convoluted and challenging. Getting a book deal, ensuring distribution, and then navigating the promotional circuit can be daunting tasks. ACX audiobooks introduced a transformative solution to these challenges. By simplifying the audiobook creation and distribution process, ACX has democratized access to a once elusive market for countless authors.

One of the standout features of ACX is its royalty model. Unlike traditional publishers who often take significant cuts, ACX offers a more lucrative deal for authors. Depending on the distribution choice, authors can earn between 25% to 40% in royalties. This model incentivizes authors to produce quality content, as higher sales directly translate to increased earnings.

Furthermore, ACX provides a robust platform for authors to collaborate directly with narrators and producers. This direct line of communication ensures that the final audiobook product remains true to the author’s vision. Such collaboration was previously restricted to elite authors or those with significant industry connections. Now, even a first-time author can access a vast pool of talented professionals ready to bring their story to life in audio format.

Lastly, the sheer reach of ACX cannot be overstated. By leveraging Amazon’s global presence, ACX audiobooks are available to millions of listeners across numerous countries. This widespread distribution allows authors to tap into international markets, fostering a global fanbase and opening doors to opportunities that were once deemed unattainable. With ACX, the world truly becomes an author’s oyster.

Recommended Article: 3 Publishing Types to Boost Your Book’s Success

Harnessing the Power of Multiple Book Formats

The literary world is vast and multifaceted, catering to readers who consume content in various forms. For a book to achieve its maximum reach, it’s essential to tap into multiple formats – be it Kindle, paperbacks, hardcovers, or audiobooks. This multi-format approach isn’t just about maximizing profits, but also about ensuring inclusivity for diverse reader preferences.

Kindle, for instance, caters to the tech-savvy generation. The allure of having thousands of books at one’s fingertips, the ability to change font sizes, and the convenience of reading in the dark make e-books a preferred choice for many. Conversely, traditionalists might lean towards hardcovers and paperbacks, drawn to the tactile experience and the unmistakable scent of printed pages. Yet, even with these formats readily available, there’s a burgeoning market segment that’s captivated by audiobooks.

Audiobooks serve multiple purposes. They’re a boon for those with visual impairments, individuals with busy lifestyles, or even those who simply want to give their eyes a break. By adding audiobooks to their repertoire, authors create an additional funnel for potential readers. This format might be the initial touchpoint, enticing listeners to explore the author’s other works, be it in Kindle or print. In essence, diversifying formats amplifies a book’s visibility, ensuring it reaches the broadest audience possible.

Designing for Audiobooks – More Than Just Sound

When one thinks of audiobooks, it’s natural to focus on the auditory aspects. However, there’s a crucial visual component that often gets overlooked: the cover design. While an audiobook does not have physical pages, its cover plays a pivotal role in capturing potential listeners’ attention in digital libraries.

Traditionally, book covers were designed with a vertical orientation, optimized for print formats. But audiobooks, especially on platforms like ACX, necessitate a square design. This deviation might seem trivial, but it’s essential to ensure that the primary elements – title, author’s name, and key artwork – are not lost or distorted in the transition.

Many authors, aiming for cost efficiency, might be tempted to simply crop their existing covers. This approach can be detrimental. A poorly adapted cover can misrepresent the book’s essence or even deter potential listeners. Thus, it’s advisable to engage a professional designer familiar with audiobook specifications. Some designers, recognizing the rising popularity of audiobooks, offer bundled services, crafting covers for both print and audio formats.

Ultimately, an audiobook’s cover is its storefront. In digital libraries, amidst thousands of titles, a captivating cover can make all the difference, drawing a listener in and prompting them to hit ‘play’.

Navigating the ACX Royalty Landscape

Venturing into the world of ACX audiobooks, authors are often intrigued and, at times, perplexed by the royalty options available. ACX’s model is distinct, presenting a break from traditional publishing norms. While the platform promises enhanced profitability, it’s vital for authors to understand the nuances to make informed decisions.

At its core, ACX offers two primary royalty pathways: a royalty split with the narrator or an upfront payment. The former sees the book’s profits divided between the author and narrator, usually a 50-50 split. This option might be appealing to new authors or those on a tight budget, as it requires no initial investment. However, the trade-off is a commitment to share profits over an extended period, often for seven years, restricting the author’s control over pricing and promotional strategies.

On the other hand, the upfront payment model involves paying the narrator a predetermined rate per finished hour of audio. This approach demands a more significant initial investment but ensures that the author retains full rights to the audiobook and its subsequent earnings. It’s a path that offers greater autonomy and, in the long run, can be more lucrative for authors who believe in their book’s potential.

Making the right choice hinges on an author’s financial situation, their confidence in the book’s success, and their long-term plans. Both models have their merits, but understanding their intricacies ensures authors can capitalize on their audiobook venture fully.

The DIY Route – Narrating Your Own Audiobook

The rise of indie publishing has empowered many authors to take the reins, not just in writing, but also in narrating their audiobooks. This self-narration trend isn’t simply about cost-saving; it’s also a powerful means of truly bringing one’s words to life. When authors lend their voice to their creations, they can infuse genuine emotion and nuances that might be lost with an external narrator.

However, narrating isn’t a task to be undertaken lightly. It requires a combination of clear diction, effective pacing, and emotive reading. Moreover, the technical side of recording can be daunting. A quiet environment is paramount, free from the hum of appliances or the distant chirping of birds. Investing in quality equipment, especially a professional microphone, can significantly elevate the final product’s quality.

For those who might be apprehensive, there’s a wealth of online resources dedicated to assisting budding narrators. From tutorials on voice modulation to tips on setting up a makeshift home studio, the indie author community is rich with shared knowledge. Yet, even with the best resources at hand, practice is key. Regular reading sessions, perhaps even enlisting friends or family for feedback, can hone an author’s narration skills.

Taking the DIY route is undoubtedly demanding. Still, for those who embark on this journey, the rewards are plentiful. Not only can it lead to cost savings, but it also offers an unmatched sense of fulfillment. Authors get to present their story exactly as they envisioned, making the listening experience deeply personal and authentic for their audience.

Overcoming ACX Hurdles – Quality Checks & Rejections

The road to publishing an audiobook on ACX isn’t always smooth. The platform maintains stringent quality checks to ensure that listeners receive a top-notch auditory experience. As a result, many authors, especially first-timers, face the daunting reality of rejections. However, these rejections aren’t a commentary on the content but usually pertain to technical specifications.

Understanding ACX’s requirements is the first step in avoiding these pitfalls. The platform provides comprehensive guidelines, addressing everything from file formats to volume levels. While it might be tempting to skim through these details, a meticulous review can save authors from the heartbreak of rejections.

Yet, even with thorough preparations, rejections can happen. It’s crucial not to get disheartened. Instead, view these setbacks as an opportunity to learn and refine. Most rejections come with feedback, which can be invaluable in pinpointing issues. Whether it’s a background hiss or inconsistent pauses, these insights can guide corrections.

Engaging with the ACX community can also be beneficial. Many seasoned authors share their experiences, offering insights into common rejection reasons and solutions. By pooling knowledge and seeking support, authors can navigate these hurdles with greater confidence. After all, every rejection is one step closer to the final, polished product that will captivate listeners.

Conclusion: The Audiobook Revolution – Embracing the Sound of Success

In the digital age, where content consumption is continually evolving, audiobooks have carved a niche for themselves. They cater to the multitaskers, the visually impaired, and those simply looking to immerse themselves in a story without flipping pages. For authors, delving into the world of audiobooks is more than just a revenue stream; it’s a testament to their adaptability and their commitment to reaching a broader audience.

The journey, from understanding ACX’s nuances to possibly narrating one’s own book, is laden with challenges. However, with every hurdle overcome, authors fortify their skill set, ensuring their stories resonate across multiple platforms. Collaboration, be it with narrators or cover designers, also becomes a cornerstone, elevating the final product’s quality.

As with any venture, success in audiobooks hinges on research, preparation, and resilience. The landscape might seem daunting initially, but with resources and community support, any author can thrive. In the end, the sound of one’s words, echoing in a listener’s ears, narrating tales of distant worlds or profound insights, is a reward unparalleled. The audiobook revolution is here, and it’s time for authors everywhere to lend their voice to the chorus.

Takeaways: Navigating the world of audiobooks, particularly with platforms like ACX, offers authors an invaluable avenue to reach a wider audience. While the journey encompasses various steps, from selecting a narration method to overcoming technical rejections, the resultant benefits are manifold. Audiobooks cater to today’s multi-tasking society, providing authors with not just an additional revenue stream but an opportunity to connect with listeners on a profound, auditory level.

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Richard Lowe

Owner & Senior Writer at The Writing King

Richard is the Owner and Senior Writer for The Writing King, a bestselling author, and ghostwriter. He's written and published 63 books, ghostwritten 48+ books, as well as hundreds of blog articles.