Once you’ve put in the work to create an audiobook, the next big question is, “where do I sell it?”. With so many platforms out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Do you go for the biggest retailers? Try a direct-to-listener approach? Stick with exclusivity or go wide?

The right choice depends on your goals. If you want to maximize reach, you’ll need distribution to major retailers. If you want higher royalties, you might consider selling direct. Some platforms make things easier with built-in marketing tools, while others leave it entirely up to you.

Before deciding, let’s break down the best options available.

1. ACX (Audible, Amazon, and iTunes)

For many authors, ACX is the first stop when it comes to selling an audiobook. It’s the gateway to Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books, which means instant access to a massive audience.

If you choose exclusive distribution, ACX gives you 40% royalties but locks you into selling only through their platforms for seven years. If you go non-exclusive, you’ll earn 25% royalties but have the freedom to distribute elsewhere.

ACX is a solid option if you want the credibility and visibility of big-name retailers. But if you’re looking for flexibility or higher payouts, other options might be better.

2. Findaway Voices

If you want to go wide, Findaway Voices is one of the best ways to do it. Unlike ACX, there’s no exclusivity requirement, and they distribute to over 40 different audiobook retailers, including Apple Books, Google Play, Chirp, and even libraries. Of course, you may find yourself collecting less royalties than if you went direct to each audiobook retailer, however, you also only have to manager one platform.

One of Findaway’s biggest advantages is higher royalty rates. When you sell through their direct storefront, Authors Direct, you keep 80% of the sale price, which is significantly more than ACX’s exclusive 40%. However each retailer will give you around 40% royalties

Findaway Voices also integrates with Spotify’s audiobook platform, which is a huge deal as more people shift to streaming audio content.

3. Chirp (BookBub’s Audiobook Platform)

Chirp is an audiobook retailer that specializes in limited-time discounts. Unlike Audible, it doesn’t require a subscription, which makes it easier to reach price-sensitive listeners who might not want to commit to a monthly membership.

The real advantage of Chirp is its marketing power. It’s owned by BookBub, which means that when you run a Chirp deal, it can be promoted to millions of engaged readers. If your goal is to boost sales through discounts and promotions, Chirp is one of the best platforms to consider.

4. Google Play Audiobooks

Many authors overlook Google Play, but it’s a strong alternative to Audible because there’s no exclusivity requirementand the royalty rates are higher. Instead of ACX’s 40%, Google Play pays 52% on every sale.

Another advantage is search visibility. Since Google owns the platform, audiobooks listed there have a better chance of appearing in search results when people look for books in your genre.

5. Kobo Audiobooks

Kobo is a strong player in the audiobook market, particularly for international sales. They operate in over 190 countriesand offer authors 45% royalties on direct sales.

Kobo also has an audiobook subscription program, similar to Audible, where listeners pay a monthly fee and get access to a set number of books. This can be a great way to reach new readers who prefer a subscription model.

6. Selling Direct Through Your Own Website

If you want complete control over your audiobook sales, selling directly through your own website is an option worth considering. Platforms like Payhip, Shopify, and Gumroad make it easy to set up a store where listeners can buy and download your audiobook without a middleman.

The biggest benefit is keeping 90% or more of your earnings instead of giving away a percentage to a distributor. You also get direct access to your customers, which means you can build your email list and market future books to them.

The challenge here is discoverability. Unlike Audible or Google Play, your website doesn’t have built-in traffic, so you’ll need a solid marketing plan to drive listeners to your store.

So, Where Should You Sell Your Audiobook?

There’s no single best answer because every author has different goals. If you want maximum reach, Findaway Voices lets you distribute widely without exclusivity. If you want the biggest audience, ACX connects you to Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books. If you’re looking for higher royalties, selling direct or through platforms like Google Play and Chirp can be more profitable.

Some authors choose exclusivity with ACX because it’s simple and hands-off. Others go wide to have full control over their pricing and audience.

At Pinpoint Publishing, we help authors navigate the publishing process, including audiobooks. If you need guidance on where to sell your audiobook or how to format and produce one, we’d love to help.

Remember, The right platform is the one that works best for your book and your business. Choose wisely, and make sure your audiobook gets the audience it deserves.