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.

But in reality, the decision is fairly straightforward once you understand what those options actually mean - and more importantly, what they mean for your book.

So let’s simplify it.

What Does “Exclusive” Actually Mean?

In audiobook terms, exclusive distribution usually means your audiobook is only available through Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books for a set period of time.

This is most commonly done through ACX.

The main reason authors choose exclusivity is usually: higher royalties

This means you may earn a larger percentage per sale through Audible if you agree not to distribute your audiobook elsewhere during the agreement period.

For some authors, that works perfectly well.

Especially if:

• most of their audience already uses Audible

• simplicity is important

• they don’t want to manage multiple platforms

• they’re focusing heavily on Amazon as an ecosystem

  
  

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that approach.

What Does “Going Wide” Mean?

“Going wide” simply means making your audiobook available across multiple retailers and library services instead of keeping it exclusive to Audible.

That can include:

• Spotify

• Apple Books

• Kobo

• Google Play

• Chirp

• library platforms like Hoopla and Libby

  
  

This is usually done through a distributor such as INaudio (as Findaway Voices in no longer - more on that on another blog).

Instead of relying on one platform, your audiobook becomes available in more places for listeners to discover.

So… Which Option Makes More Money?

This is usually the first thing authors want to know.

And frustratingly, there isn’t one universal answer.

Some authors do very well with Audible exclusivity. Others earn more overall by distributing widely.

A lot depends on:

• your genre

• your audience

• your marketing

• whether you already have an established readership

• where your listeners prefer buying audiobooks

  
  

For example:

• romance listeners may heavily use Audible

• library listeners may discover books completely differently

• some audiences increasingly use Spotify

  
  

This is why blanket advice rarely works well.

The Advantages of Exclusive Distribution

For the right author, exclusivity can make things feel simpler and more focused.

Potential benefits include:

• higher royalty percentages through ACX

• easier setup

• direct connection to Audible

• simpler management for first-time authors

  
  

If most of your audience already lives within the Amazon/Audible world, exclusivity may genuinely suit your goals.

And for some authors, keeping things straightforward initially is absolutely the right call.

The Advantages of Going Wide

Wide distribution appeals to authors who want flexibility and broader reach.

Potential benefits include:

• reaching listeners outside Audible (including Audible itself)

• access to library audiences

• multiple discovery platforms

• less reliance on a single retailer

• greater long-term flexibility

  
  

Some authors also simply prefer not having all their audiobook income tied to one company.

Again, entirely reasonable.

Libraries Are More Important Than Many Authors Realise

One thing newer authors often overlook is library distribution.

Library listeners can become incredibly loyal readers, particularly for:

• series fiction

• crime and thriller

• fantasy

• romance

• nonfiction

  
  

Wide distribution often gives authors access to those library systems in a way exclusivity does not.

And importantly, library discovery can introduce your work to listeners who may never have found you otherwise.

There Isn’t a “Correct” Choice

This is personal choice for you and your audiobook. You’re simply choosing the route that makes the most sense for your current and future goals.

Some authors start exclusive and later move wide. Some stay wide from the beginning. Some experiment book by book.

That flexibility is one of the good things about the modern audiobook market.

The internet loves turning publishing decisions into dramatic all-or-nothing debates, but most of the time, the reality is far simpler.

Whatever You Choose, Production Quality Still Matters

Whether your audiobook ends up:

• exclusively on Audible

• across every retailer possible

• in libraries

• on Spotify

• or all of the above…

  
  

…the thing listeners will ultimately remember is the listening experience itself.

Strong narration, professional editing, good pacing, and polished mastering matter far more than many first-time authors initially realise.

A professionally produced audiobook gives your work the best possible chance of connecting with listeners wherever they discover it.

Need Help Figuring Out the Best Route for Your Audiobook?

You don’t need to understand every corner of the audiobook industry before getting started.

If you’d like help choosing the right narrator or getting a clearer idea of the production process, we’re happy to help.

You can browse narrator samples, request custom auditions, or make an enquiry here:

Indie Audiobook Productions