ACX Audiobook Royalty Calculator
Calculate your Audible audiobook earnings. Compare exclusive vs non-exclusive distribution and see how royalty share affects your income.
ACX Audiobook Royalty Calculator
Calculate your Audible audiobook earnings for all distribution options
Understanding ACX Royalties
ACX offers two main distribution options and a royalty share program. Your choice significantly impacts earnings.
Royalty Share
Split royalties 50/50 with narrator
Your Audiobook Royalties
Royalty Per Sale
$9.98
(40% rate)
Sales to Break Even
151
sales
Monthly at 50 sales
$499.00
10 sales
$99.80
50 sales
$499.00
100 sales
$998.00
Bounty Program
Earn $75 bonus when new Audible members buy your book as their first purchase.
Tips for Audiobook Success
- •Exclusive distribution (40%) usually earns more due to higher Audible traffic
- •Royalty share eliminates upfront costs but halves your long-term earnings
- •PFH rates for narrators typically range from $50-$400 depending on experience
- •Longer audiobooks can command higher list prices
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ACX Distribution Options Explained
ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) is Amazon's platform for creating and distributing audiobooks through Audible. Understanding the distribution options is crucial for maximizing your earnings.
Exclusive
Distribution
- ✓ Higher royalty rate
- ✓ Access to bounty ($75)
- ✓ Best for Audible focus
- ✗ 7-year exclusivity
Non-Exclusive
Distribution
- ✓ Sell anywhere
- ✓ No lock-in period
- ✓ Use other distributors
- ✗ Lower royalty rate
📊 The ACX Royalty Formulas
Understanding Royalty Share
Royalty Share is an attractive option for authors who want to create audiobooks without upfront investment. Here's how it works:
No Upfront Cost
Narrator covers production
50/50 Split
Share royalties equally
7-Year Commitment
Split lasts 7 years
Exclusive Only
Requires exclusive distribution
⚠️ Important: With Royalty Share + Exclusive, your effective royalty rate is 20% (40% × 50%). Over time, this can cost significantly more than paying upfront if your audiobook sells well.
Production Cost Breakdown (PFH Rates)
Per Finished Hour (PFH) is the standard payment model for audiobook narration:
| Narrator Level | PFH Rate | 8-Hour Book |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning Narrator | $50-$100 | $400-$800 |
| Experienced Narrator | $150-$250 | $1,200-$2,000 |
| Premium Narrator | $300-$500+ | $2,400-$4,000+ |
| AI Narration | $10-$50 | $80-$400 |
📈 Break-Even Analysis: Royalty Share vs PFH
Comparing both options for a $24.95 audiobook with exclusive distribution:
💵Pay Upfront ($1,600)
🤝Royalty Share
💡 Insight: Paying upfront becomes more profitable after 320 sales. If you expect significant sales, upfront payment is usually better long-term.
🎁 The ACX Bounty Program
Exclusive distribution audiobooks qualify for ACX's bounty program:
Bonus when a new Audible member's first purchase is your audiobook
Paid in addition to regular royalties
Can significantly boost earnings for bestsellers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ACX exclusive and non-exclusive distribution?
Exclusive distribution pays 40% royalties but limits your audiobook to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes only for 7 years. Non-exclusive distribution pays 25% royalties but allows you to sell your audiobook anywhere, including your own website, Google Play, Findaway Voices, and other platforms.
What is ACX Royalty Share?
Royalty Share is an ACX program where you pay no upfront production costs. Instead, you split royalties 50/50 with the narrator/producer for 7 years. For exclusive distribution, this means 20% each (half of 40%). It's ideal for authors who can't afford upfront production costs.
How much does audiobook production cost?
Audiobook production is typically charged Per Finished Hour (PFH). Rates range from $50-$100 for newer narrators, $150-$250 for experienced narrators, and $300-$500+ for premium talent. A 10-hour audiobook at $200 PFH would cost $2,000. AI narration services offer lower costs but may sacrifice quality.
What is the ACX Bounty Program?
The ACX Bounty Program pays you a $75 bonus when a new Audible member purchases your audiobook as their first purchase. This is in addition to your regular royalty. Bounties are only available for exclusive distribution books and can significantly boost earnings for popular titles.
Should I choose exclusive or non-exclusive distribution?
Exclusive is best if: 1) Your audience primarily uses Audible, 2) You want higher per-sale royalties, 3) You want access to bounties. Non-exclusive is better if: 1) You want maximum flexibility, 2) You have established audiences on other platforms, 3) You plan to sell directly to readers.
How are ACX audiobook royalties calculated?
ACX royalties are calculated as: List Price × Royalty Rate (40% exclusive or 25% non-exclusive). If using Royalty Share, multiply by 50% (your share). For example, a $24.95 audiobook with exclusive distribution earns $9.98 per sale, or $4.99 with Royalty Share.
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📌 Quick Reference
🎙️ AI Narration
AI narration is now accepted on ACX at a fraction of the cost.
Cost: $10-$50/hour vs $150-$300/hour for human narrators
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