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The Indie Audiobook Productions Blog


Should You Distribute Your Audiobook Exclusively or Go Wide?
At some point during audiobook production, one of the considerations for indie authors is: “Should I go exclusive… or wide?” Terms like 'exclusive' don’t exactly help, and make this sound more complicated than it needs to be.
“Exclusive.”“Wide distribution.”“Royalty structures.”“Platform agreements.”
It all sounds very serious and slightly threatening.
So let's simplify it for you.
Jun 113 min read


Why Audiobook Platforms Ask for Tax Information - And What Authors Need to Know
Many Indie Authors at some point in the publishing process, run into a request for tax information. This can be an intimidating barrier to publishing. Let's untangle this unnecessary complication for you.
Jun 114 min read


How Long Does Audiobook Production Take?
“How long does the whole audiobook production process actually take?” And the best answer is: usually longer than people initially expect… but for good reason. A professionally produced audiobook involves far more than simply recording someone reading a book aloud. And each stage plays an important role in making sure listeners end up with a polished, immersive experience. So let’s break down what affects audiobook timelines and what authors can realistically expect.
May 213 min read


Audible’s New Royalty Model Explained for Indie Authors and Narrators
Concerned about Audible’s new royalty model? Some creators are describing it as a positive step forward. Others are deeply worried about what it means for long-term audiobook income, especially for indie authors and narrators working under royalty share agreements. So what’s actually changing? What does Audible says the benefits are? Why are some creators are concerned?What indie authors should realistically think about before jumping into royalty share deals.
May 214 min read


Why Some Indie Authors Can’t Publish Through ACX - And What To Do Instead
Have you discovered that not every Indie Authors' country can publish directly through ACX?
Don't panic! The important thing to know is that not being eligible for ACX does not mean you can’t publish your audiobook to Audible or other retailers.
It simply means you may need a slightly different distribution route.
So let’s simplify what’s actually happening and what your options are.
May 213 min read


ACX vs Voices by INaudio vs Spotify Audiobooks - Which Distribution Path Is Best for Indie Authors?
Once indie authors decide to produce an audiobook, the next question is usually: “Right… where exactly do I publish it?”
And this is normally the point where things become confusing. You’ll be seeing names and terms like:
ACX
Audible
Voices by INaudio
Spotify
Kobo
aggregators
exclusive distribution
wide distribution
…and before long it can feel like you accidentally enrolled in a publishing law degree.
The good news? The basics are actually fairly simple once the jargon
May 214 min read


The Audiobook Industry Has Changed - Here’s What Indie Authors Need to Know
The audiobook industry has changed significantly over the last few years - not just in how audiobooks are distributed, but in how they’re produced, discovered, and listened to. New platforms have entered the market, AI narration has arrived, Spotify has become a major player, and authors now have more choices than ever before.
That sounds like good news - and in many ways, it is.
But it’s also left a lot of authors understandably confused.
May 214 min read


The Original Audiobook and How It All Began
How two young publishers convinced Dylan Thomas to record in 1952, launching Caedmon Records and the original audiobook - and what indie authors can learn from that bold first step.
Nov 12, 20253 min read


Audiobooks Are Booming - Here's Why That Matters for Authors
Audiobooks are surging, with digital sales and new listeners driving rapid growth. Here’s what this audiobook market growth means for indie authors, which genres are winning, and the practical steps to take now to reach more readers and maximise sales.
Nov 5, 20252 min read


What It’s Like to Create an Audiobook With Indie Audiobook Productions
Discover how to create an audiobook with ease - free narrator samples, simple steps, and no strings attached.
Jun 26, 20252 min read


Audiobook Production Pricing – Why Our Rates Are Reasonable (But Not Cheap)
We break down how our audiobook production pricing stays fair and transparent - with no hidden fees, no stress, and no compromises on quality.
Jun 19, 20253 min read


Spotify’s Short Audiobook Programme - A Win for Indies, but Can AI Voices Truly Connect?
Spotify’s new short audiobook programme opens the door for indie authors - but can AI voices really deliver the emotional punch listeners love?
Jun 12, 20253 min read


Duet vs Dual Narration in Audiobooks: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for Your Book?
Confused about duet vs dual narration in audiobooks? Here’s what each one means, how they differ, and how to know which style is right for your book.
Jun 5, 20253 min read


Spotify Audiobooks for Indie Authors: What You Need to Know in 2025
Spotify is transforming the audiobook space - and indie authors are finally in the spotlight. From global reach to AI narration and discoverability tools, here’s how Spotify audiobooks for indie authors are opening doors in 2025.
May 29, 20253 min read


What an AI Writing Survey Reveals About Indie Authors
Is AI changing the way authors write? A new survey of over 1,200 writers suggests the publishing world is divided. While nearly half are using AI tools to support their work - from research to marketing - others remain cautious, raising ethical and creative concerns.
In this post, we explore what the data reveals, where authors stand, and why at Indie Audiobook Productions we believe the human voice is still at the heart of every great story.
May 22, 20252 min read


Audible’s AI Audiobook Productions: Innovation or Erosion?
Audible has launched a fully AI-powered audiobook production service - no humans involved. What does this mean for narrators, editors, authors, and listeners? Here’s why it matters - and why we’re standing by the human voice.
May 15, 20252 min read


How Audiobooks Help Indie Authors Reach New Readers (and Listeners!)
Audiobooks aren’t just for readers - they’re for listeners too. Discover how indie authors can expand their reach, connect with new audiences, and bring their stories to life through the power of audiobooks.
May 8, 20253 min read


Celebrating Crime Thriller Audiobook Narration: Richard Armitage in Joy Ellis’s DI Jackman & DS Evans Series
Richard Armitage’s narration brings all 11 DI Jackman & DS Evans crime thrillers by Joy Ellis to life for audiobook fans and authors.
May 1, 20253 min read


How Audiobook Narration Elevates Character-Driven Fiction: The Other Black Girl
Joniece Abbott-Pratt brings The Other Black Girl to life with nuance and control - a standout in character-driven audiobook narration.
Apr 24, 20252 min read


Human Audiobook Narration vs AI: Samantha Norbury on #HumanVoicesOnly
Samantha Norbury on why human audiobook narration matters – and why the #HumanVoicesOnly movement is gaining momentum.
Apr 17, 20253 min read
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