ACX Royalty Rates 2025: How Much Can You Earn from Audiobooks

Hey there! If you're curious about how ACX royalty rates will shake out in 2025, you're not alone. Many authors and narrators worry about how much they'll actually earn from their audiobooks, especially with changes happening on the horizon.

Stick with me, and I’ll give you the lowdown on what to expect, how the rates work, and ways to boost your earnings. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of how to make the most of your audiobooks on ACX next year.

Let’s get started—your next earnings boost could be just a few lines away!

What are the 2025 ACX Royalty Rates for Audiobooks?

In 2025, ACX has introduced a new structure for audiobook royalties that favors exclusive distribution. The standard royalty rate for exclusive titles now stands at 50% for each sale, a notable increase from previous years. This means that if you publish your audiobook exclusively through ACX, you could earn half of the net sale price, which is quite a boost.

For non-exclusive titles, the royalty rate has risen to 30%. So, if you choose to distribute your audiobook on multiple platforms, ACX now offers a more generous share than before. This updated rate encourages authors to consider exclusive rights for higher earnings.

It's worth pointing out that some audiobooks still qualify for a royalty rate of 50% under special agreements or promotional deals, especially for a la carte sales of exclusive titles. This newer model was designed to give exclusive authors a bigger piece of the pie.

Additionally, there are other ways to earn from audiobooks, like royalty sharing or per finished hour payments to narrators, but the main takeaway for authors is the increased royalty percentages for direct sales and exclusives in 2025. If you want to maximize your income, opting for exclusive rights could be more profitable this year.

How Do ACX Royalty Rates Work in 2025?

Royalty calculations on ACX depend heavily on whether your audiobook is exclusive or non-exclusive. For exclusive titles, you earn a fixed percentage of the sale, which is now 50% for a la carte purchases. This means that for a typical ebook priced at around $19.95, you would earn approximately $9.98 per sale.

If your title is non-exclusive, the royalty drops to 30%, giving you about $5.99 on the same $19.95 audiobook. While lower, non-exclusive rights let you distribute across multiple platforms, broadening your reach.

ACX also sets the list price based on the length of your audiobook, not the author. For example, a 6-hour book might be priced around $19.95, and your earnings will be a percentage of this price. So, understanding the rate structure helps in planning how many sales you need to hit your income goals.

Some authors choose royalty share agreements, splitting earnings with narrators—typically 20% for the author and 20% for the narrator—based on a set price. However, these deals usually provide upfront costs rather than royalties. To get the most from ACX, keep in mind that newer rates favor exclusive distribution, especially if you can produce quality content consistently.

Comparison of ACX Royalties With Other Amazon Publishing Royalties in 2025

While ACX’s audiobook royalties are specific to audio content, Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)handles ebooks, with royalty rates generally at 60% of the list price for sales in select regions or 70% for certain price ranges. But unlike ACX, KDP doesn't offer exclusive options for audiobooks, so these platforms operate separately.

Interestingly, for print books, Amazon’s standard royalty is 60% of the list price minus printing costs, which differs quite a bit from audiobook rates. In 2025, there are no major changes to Amazon's ebook or print royalties, but the ACX audiobook rates now favor exclusive creators with higher percentages.

To truly maximize earnings, authors might consider the combined approach—using ACX for exclusive audiobooks to boost per-sale income, while distribution of ebooks remains on Amazon KDP. Balancing the two can help optimize overall royalties from your catalog.

Factors That Affect Your Royalty Earnings on ACX in 2025

Several elements influence how much you can earn from ACX in 2025. The first is whether your audiobook is exclusive or non-exclusive—exclusives earn more per sale.

Next, your chosen pricing is crucial. Since ACX sets the list price based on audiobook length, longer titles tend to sell for more, increasing your potential earnings. For example, a 10-hour audiobook listed at $25 yields more per sale than a shorter one.

Sales volume also plays a role—more sales equal more revenue, but marketing, quality of narration, and cover appeal affect sales significantly.

Platform-specific factors matter as well: sales through Audible tend to convert better, but other platforms may have different payout structures or subscription models that can lower per-sale royalties.

Finally, timing and promotional deals can impact royalties—running discounts or free promotions might boost overall sales but temporarily reduce per-sale earnings. Learning to balance these strategies can help boost your Royalty Income in 2025.

Tips to Increase Your ACX Royalty Income in 2025

Boosting your royalty earnings with ACX in 2025? The key is to focus on producing high-quality content and choosing the right distribution option.
Start by considering exclusive distribution if you want to maximize per-sale earnings, since that offers a 50% royalty rate on a la carte sales.
Invest in a professional narrator and editing service to ensure your audiobook sounds top-notch—this can help increase sales and positive reviews.
Pricing smartly based on your audiobook length can also impact your earnings. Use ACX’s recommended price ranges to stay competitive but profitable.
Promoting your audiobook through social media, author websites, and mailing lists can lead to more sales.
Combine discounts and free promotions strategically to boost visibility without sacrificing too much per-sale income.
Experiment with different categories and keywords to improve discoverability on Audible and Amazon.
Finally, consider creating a series or multiple titles; building a back catalog means more consistent income over time.

Other Changes in 2025 Publishing Royalties to Know

2025 brings several updates across the publishing world, aside from audiobooks.
Most notably, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) still offers 60% royalties on ebooks, but now authors have more options for distribution and pricing.
Print royalties remain at around 60%, minus printing costs, making print sales a steady revenue stream if managed well.
Subscription services like Kindle Unlimited continue to pay authors based on pages read rather than per sale, providing a different earning model.
Meanwhile, royalty calculations for audiobooks have shifted significantly, with ACX increasing rates for exclusives and non-exclusives.
It's also worth noting that the move towards more flexible rights and licensing options is making it easier for authors to distribute across multiple platforms while retaining control.
Understanding these changes can help you plan a balanced, diversified publishing strategy that fits your goals and maximizes income.

What Authors Should Do Next to Maximize Royalties in 2025

If you’re serious about growing your income in 2025, start by reviewing your current distribution setup.
Decide whether going exclusive on ACX makes sense for your titles; the higher royalty rate could be worth it if you can produce quality audiobooks consistently.
Update your pricing strategy based on the typical list prices ACX sets for your audiobook length—don’t leave money on the table.
Focus on quality—hiring professional narrators and editors can make your audiobooks more appealing and drive higher sales.
Use tools like Amazon’s keyword research to improve your book’s visibility, especially around popular categories.
Build an email list or social media presence to promote new releases or discounts.
Consider creating bundled offers or series to increase your overall title sales.
And finally, stay informed about industry updates—sign up for newsletters or join author groups to keep up with the latest changes in royalties and publishing options.

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