Understanding the Audible Platform
Before diving into the world of making money as an Audible narrator, it’s crucial to understand the platform itself. Audible is an audiobook subscription service owned by Amazon. It offers a vast library of audiobooks, including original content, and provides listeners with the opportunity to access these titles through a monthly subscription.
Types of Audiobooks on Audible
Audible hosts a variety of audiobooks, including fiction, non-fiction, educational, and even children’s books. Understanding the different genres and types of audiobooks can help you decide which ones you’re most interested in narrating.
How to Get Started as an Audible Narrator
1. Sign Up for ACX: Audible’s narrator platform is called ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange). To get started, you need to create an account on ACX and upload a sample of your narration. This sample should showcase your voice, style, and the type of books you’re interested in narrating.2. Build Your Profile: Once you have an ACX account, you’ll need to build a professional profile. This includes a headshot, bio, and a list of your experience and skills. Highlight any relevant experience you have, such as acting, voiceover work, or previous audiobook narration.3. Search for Projects: On ACX, you can search for projects that match your interests and skills. These projects are submitted by authors and publishers looking for narrators. You can apply to narrate these books by submitting a custom audition.4. Record Your Audition: When you find a project you’re interested in, you’ll need to record a custom audition. This is your chance to showcase your voice and style to the author or publisher. Make sure to follow the guidelines provided by the project owner and submit your audition within the specified time frame.
How to Make Money on Audible
1. Get Hired: If your audition is selected, you’ll be hired to narrate the audiobook. The payment structure varies depending on the project. Some projects offer a flat fee, while others pay per finished hour of narration.2. Royalties: In addition to the upfront payment, you may also earn royalties on the audiobook sales. Audible pays royalties based on the number of units sold, and these royalties can continue to be paid for years after the audiobook is released.3. Building a Reputation: As you complete more projects and receive positive feedback from authors and listeners, your reputation as a narrator will grow. This can lead to more opportunities and higher-paying projects in the future.
Improving Your Skills
1. Practice Regularly: Like any skill, narration requires regular practice. Work on different genres and styles to improve your versatility as a narrator.2. Seek Feedback: Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from authors, publishers, and other narrators. Constructive criticism can help you grow and improve your skills.3. Stay Updated: The audiobook industry is constantly evolving. Stay informed about new technologies, trends, and best practices in narration.
Table: Payment Structure on ACX
| Payment Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Flat Fee | A one-time payment for narrating the audiobook. |
| Per Hour | A payment based on the number of hours spent narrating the audiobook. |
| Royalties | A percentage of the audiobook sales, paid out over time. |
Conclusion
Becoming a successful Audible narrator requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn. By understanding the platform, building a strong profile, and continuously improving your skills, you can make a meaningful income narrating audiobooks. Good luck on your journey!