How To Distribute Audiobooks In 10 Simple Steps

Getting your audiobook out into the world can feel a little tricky—especially when you’ve got a finished recording sitting on your computer and you’re wondering, “Okay… where do I even sell this?” I’ve been there. Distribution sounds technical until you actually do it, and then you realize it’s mostly a checklist (with a few gotchas).

So here’s what I’ll do: I’ll walk you through the whole process in 10 steps, from choosing a distribution platform to checking your sales afterward. No fluff. Just the stuff you’ll actually need to make it live.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Choose an Audiobook Distribution Platform

The first decision is picking the right platform. And yes, it can feel overwhelming—there are a lot of options. But I usually narrow it down by asking one simple question: “Where are my listeners most likely to buy right now?”

Audible, Google Play Books, and Apple Books are the big consumer storefronts. The reason people use distributors like ACX and Findaway Voices is because they handle the boring parts—getting your audiobook into multiple stores without you manually uploading everywhere.

Here’s what I noticed when I was comparing options: fiction tends to do really well on Audible because a lot of their listeners are actively hunting for novels. Fiction is a huge slice of audiobook consumption (more than 65% of audiobook sales worldwide). Nonfiction is growing too (around 27.5% growth annually), so don’t ignore it—just match your platform to your audience.

Royalties matter just as much. For example, Audible can offer up to 75% royalties with their exclusive program (Audible Originals). If that’s an option for you, it’s worth comparing against what you’ll earn through non-exclusive distribution. Don’t just look at the headline number, though—also check how long it takes to get approved and how easy it is to manage updates later.

Step 2: Prepare Your Audiobook Files for Distribution

Before you upload anything, double-check your technical specs. This is the step that most people rush—and it’s also the step that can cause the most delays.

Different platforms have different requirements, but with ACX/Audible, a common standard is MP3 files with consistent audio levels (often in the -23 dB to -18 dB RMS range) and no weird background noise that makes the listener want to stop. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “It sounded fine in my editing software.” That’s not the same as passing a distributor’s loudness and noise checks.

Use tools like Audacity if you need to normalize levels, trim silence, or clean up audio. If you’re doing this yourself, a good workflow is: export a chapter, play it end-to-end on different devices (phone speaker included), then fix issues before you ever upload.

Now for metadata—this is where your audiobook gets discovered. Make sure your title, narrator name, genre tags, cover image, and description are all correct. Cover art typically needs to be square, and many platforms want something like 2400×2400 pixels. Also, be consistent: if your narrator is credited one way on the book cover, don’t credit them differently in the description.

If you want help tightening up the text, you can use these resources on how to title a book effectively and best fonts for designing attractive book covers. Small improvements here can make a difference, especially when people are browsing quickly.

Step 3: Create an Account on Your Selected Distributor

Once your files and metadata are ready, set up your account. This part is usually pretty straightforward: create the account, fill out the forms, and confirm your details.

But do yourself a favor—have the important stuff ready first. I mean banking info for royalty payments, tax information, and a ready-to-paste author or publisher bio. If you don’t, you’ll end up doing extra back-and-forth while you’re trying to stay organized. And honestly, that’s when mistakes happen.

If your bio is a struggle, grab some inspiration from short author bios for inspiration. Short doesn’t mean bland. It just means readers can actually finish it.

Also, some platforms require verification steps like email or phone confirmation. Knock those out quickly so you can move straight into uploading without waiting around.

Step 4: Upload Your Audiobook Files to the Distributor

Uploading is usually the “easy” part—until you hit a snag. So while it’s simple, you still want to pay attention.

Most distributors have a dashboard where you can upload chapters individually or upload the full audiobook (depending on the platform). If you’re uploading chapter files, label them clearly with chapter numbers. I’ve seen mix-ups where Chapter 7 ends up in Chapter 6’s slot. It’s fixable, but it’s annoying—and it can delay approval.

Platforms like Findaway Voices and ACX typically let you upload directly through your browser. Just remember: audiobook files are big. If your connection is slow, it can take a while.

Here’s the practical tip I always follow: wait until the upload fully finishes before you click away or refresh. Nothing is worse than realizing halfway through that the last few chapters didn’t actually upload.

Step 5: Set the Price and Availability of Your Audiobook

Pricing isn’t rocket science, but it is strategy. I treat it like this: you’re trying to find the sweet spot between “easy to buy” and “worth it for you.”

Most platforms either let you set the price or use pricing rules based on length. Either way, I recommend doing a quick competitor check: find a few audiobooks in your genre with similar length and vibe, then compare what they’re charging.

There’s also a market backdrop worth remembering—audience demand keeps growing. Audiobook sales are expected to reach between USD 17.18 billion to USD 35.47 billion by 2030. That’s a big range, but it basically means one thing: people are buying more audio, so you’re not too late to the party.

When you first publish, consider promotional discounts if the platform allows them. In my experience, a limited-time promo can help you get early traction. Just don’t run discounts forever—eventually you want your price to reflect the value of the work.

Step 6: Choose Between Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Distribution

This is the decision that can make or break your launch plan, so don’t rush it.

Exclusive distribution usually means you sell through one platform (like Audible). In return, you may get higher royalties—up to 75% in some exclusive setups. The tradeoff is obvious: you’re limiting where people can buy your audiobook.

Non-exclusive distribution lets you distribute across multiple platforms (Audible, Spotify, and more depending on the distributor). That can boost reach and help you get in front of listeners who don’t use one single app. Royalties are often lower per sale, but the bigger audience can sometimes compensate.

One reason I like non-exclusive for certain authors is that audiobooks are spreading across regions and services. For example, Spotify has audiobooks available in multiple countries (US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia). If you want global visibility, non-exclusive can be the simpler path.

So what should you choose? If your marketing is strongest on one platform and you’re confident you can drive traffic there, exclusive might be worth it. If you want more “shots on goal” and you’re okay with slightly lower royalties, non-exclusive is usually the safer bet.

Step 7: Review and Publish Your Audiobook

This is where you slow down. Uploading and pricing is exciting, but publishing mistakes are the kind you only notice after buyers start asking questions.

Most distributors include a preview or sample. Listen to it like a real customer would. Can you hear pops, clicks, or distracting background noise? Does the narration sound consistent chapter to chapter? Those small issues stand out fast in audio.

Then re-check the description and bios. Make sure your narration credit is correct, your genre tags match the actual content, and your metadata is consistent across fields. Discoverability often comes down to these details.

Once everything looks good, submit it. Then—yes, celebrate. You’ve officially moved from “I finished it” to “people can actually buy it.”

Step 8: Distribute Directly to Additional Platforms

Distribution services are great, but you don’t have to stop there. If you want more control, direct distribution can be a smart add-on.

Many authors upload audiobooks directly to their own websites and offer downloads as premium products. That gives you more control over pricing, branding, and customer experience. Plus, you can capture emails if you run it the right way.

You can also explore specialized audiobook services or target foreign markets. Europe’s audiobook consumption has been growing at about 18.6% annually until 2025, and Asia-Pacific is expected to grow as smartphone adoption keeps rising. Even if you don’t translate right away, keeping an eye on these markets can help you plan future releases.

Just be honest with yourself: direct distribution takes more work—file hosting, payment handling, customer support. If you’re ready for that, the control can be worth it.

Step 9: Market Your Audiobook for Increased Sales

If uploading automatically generated sales, everyone would be rich off one audiobook. It doesn’t work like that. Marketing is what gets people to notice you.

Start with short, engaging snippets. Grab a 20–45 second excerpt where the story hooks you. Post it on social media and on your author website. And don’t just share the audio—share context. Why is this moment important? What can the listener expect?

Another approach that works well is building an email list. Offer a free sample, a bonus short story, or even a “behind the scenes” piece. Then use that list to announce your release, share new clips, and remind people when you run promotions.

You can also run targeted ads aimed at audiobook listeners. I’ve seen these work best when you pair them with a strong cover image and a clear blurb (not a vague “my book is out!” post).

And yes—creative promotions matter. Giveaways, contests, and reviewer outreach can bring new listeners in fast. If you want ideas for storytelling that fits your promo content, check out realistic fiction writing prompts and use them to create themed clips or bonus content.

Step 10: Track Sales Performance and Adjust Your Strategy

Once your audiobook is live, the real work starts: tracking performance. I know, numbers aren’t everyone’s favorite. But if you don’t look at the data, you’re basically guessing.

Most distributors provide analytics dashboards. You can usually see sales trends, listener behavior, and ratings. What I look for is patterns. Are sales spiking right after a promo? Are ratings improving after a cover/description tweak? Are there chapters where listeners drop off hard?

For example, if you notice a big drop after chapter five, that’s a sign you should review pacing, narration consistency, or even whether chapter five starts too slowly. If you see strong performance in certain regions (like Europe), you may want to shift your promotion effort toward that audience.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s iteration. Average results can become solid results once you start adjusting based on what’s actually happening.

If you’re planning to expand beyond audiobooks, print can complement your strategy too. This guide on how to get a book published without an agent may help you think through the next step.

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