Audiobook Royalty Calculator
Your earnings per audiobook sale
Audiobook royalties work differently from ebooks, and the biggest choice is whether to go exclusive with Audible or distribute wide. This tool shows your earnings per sale at each royalty rate, so you can weigh the trade-off before committing.
How much do audiobooks pay per sale?
On ACX, exclusive distribution to Audible, Amazon and iTunes pays 40% of the sale price, while non-exclusive, which lets you sell elsewhere too, pays 25%. Audible sets the retail price, so on a title that sells for around $15, exclusive earns roughly $6 and non-exclusive about $3.75 per sale.
Should I go exclusive with Audible?
Exclusive pays a higher rate and includes bounties for new-member referrals, but locks you to Audible for seven years. Non-exclusive pays less per sale but lets you sell through Apple, Kobo, libraries and your own site. Wide distribution suits authors building a long-term catalogue; exclusive suits those relying on Audible's reach.
How do audiobook credits affect earnings?
Many Audible sales are made with member credits rather than cash, and the royalty is calculated on the price Audible attributes to that credit, which can differ from the sticker price. This is why real audiobook earnings vary, and why the per-sale figures here are estimates rather than guarantees.
Frequently asked questions
How much royalty do audiobooks pay?
On ACX, 40% exclusive to Audible or 25% non-exclusive. On a $15 title that is roughly $6 or $3.75 per sale.
Should I make my audiobook exclusive?
Exclusive pays more per sale but locks you to Audible for seven years. Wide pays less but reaches Apple, Kobo and libraries.
Who sets the audiobook price?
On ACX, Audible sets the retail price based on length, so you do not control it directly.
Is this free?
Yes, and it runs in your browser.