Audiobooks are more popular than ever now. So, maybe you’ve wondered if you should release an audiobook version of your book. But taking the leap will likely depend on your budget, and more. It will also depend on your goals, your genre, your marketing skills, and a few other factors. We’ll go over some of the things to consider before deciding if you should make your book available in audio format.
When Do Audiobooks Do Well? What Genres are Popular in Audio Format?
Yes, audiobooks are big right now. And their popularity is growing, along with their availability. According to a Publishers Weekly article, U.S. audiobook sales grew 9% in 2025 alone to reach a total of $2.43 Billion! Maybe you’re thinking you want a piece of that pie? Or perhaps you don’t see why you should release an audiobook when production costs are so high? The truth is, it’s more nuanced.
First, because of the potential time and costs involved in releasing an audiobook version of your book, it’s best to consider this option only if you already have good sales numbers and a solid marketing plan. A good indicator of how well your audiobook would do are your eBook sales numbers, specifically.
Of course, you can also decide to make an audiobook available just to expand your reach and grow your reader base. So, as with everything in the realm of self-publishing, it will depend on your goals and your budget.
As far as popularity, many fiction genres do really well. So do self-help and business books. But the subgenres of sci-fi, romance and mystery/thriller are particularly popular as audiobooks. This shouldn’t be too much of a surprise because all of the above are popular in any format.
If You Decide to Release an Audiobook, It Needs to Be Up to Professional Standards
As with all formats of your book, your audiobook will need to follow high production standards and the narration needs to be the right voice for your genre. Professional standards still matter, no matter the format. This is all something to consider when it comes to your budget, but we’ll cover more of that below.
How Much Does it Really Cost to Release an Audiobook?
As with everything related to self-publishing, how you’ll produce and release an audiobook will depend on your budget. But you may be surprised to know there is a range of options out there.
After recording fees, you’ll also need to factor in distribution costs. There are aggregators that will distribute your audiobook across platforms for a cut. There is also the option to keep it on a single platform like Audible. You could choose to make it available exclusively on your platforms (like your website) and use a service like BookFunnel to handle the logistics and data load.
Producing an audiobook can run anywhere from under $500 up to $5,000. Distribution can run from 50% of retail sales to only 3%.
Options for Recording an Audiobook Vary in Price and Quality
There are options available for almost any budget but it will all depend on your skill set, the work you’re willing to put in, and quality expectations.
The DIY Approach is Budget Friendly, But it’s Not for Everyone
If you want to release an audiobook on a budget you can take the DIY approach and record it yourself. This will still cost around $200-$500 for equipment and you’ll need technical skills, an excellent recording voice and a lot of patience. It could take up to 50 hours of actual work. Of course, you could also book studio time to ensure sound quality, but the studio time required to record and release an audiobook runs anywhere from $150 for a half day to $300 plus for a full day. You’ll need to go in prepared to stay budget friendly. Time is money.
Hiring a Pro is A Good Choice for the Budget Conscious Who Still Have Quality Concerns
You could hire a freelancer and negotiate the hourly fee, or even royalty shares. This can range from $1,000 to $4,000 and you’ll need to do the research to find the right narrator. You can even possibly negotiate an upfront fee plus royalty share to save on out-of-pocket costs. But be prepared for an equal royalty split. This could work out well if you get high sales numbers from your book. Yet it also cuts into potential income from every future sale.
A Studio or Agency is the Premium Option if You Want to Release a Quality Audiobook
Finally, if you have the budget you can pay a studio or agency to do all the work of recording your audiobook. This will cost you the most. But you’ll also have a completely hands-off experience and the quality will be top notch. Many platforms that distribute audiobooks have quality standards, and hiring a studio or agency will guarantee wide distribution options. But, as you may have guessed, you’ll pay for this. Total costs will range anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000, or possibly more.
There are Also Options for Audiobook Distribution
- Aggregators: These allow distribution to multiple retailers, apps and networks. They generally take 20%-30% of the retail price. But your audiobook will be widely available on platforms where readers are looking.
- Single/exclusive platforms: Your audiobook will be available on their platform for their subscribers. Though distribution options can vary, like with Audible’s ACX, as will fee structures. Again, there is more of a built-in audience with this option.
- Direct-to-Consumer: You will retain 100% rights and control and sell your audiobook from your platforms, but will almost certainly need to use a service such as BookFunnel which integrates with your website or e-commerce store so that the audiobook sale and download run smoothly. They take the smallest percentage fees, but you’ll have to put more work into marketing.
Some Viable Reasons to Release an Audiobook Beyond Sales Numbers
Yes, releasing an audiobook can boost your sales numbers. Of course, depending on how much you spend, your return on investment may not come directly in the form of audiobook sales and gains may not be instant. Though that is entirely possible, especially if other formats of your book are selling well. But there are other reasons, besides increasing sales revenue, to consider releasing an audiobook.
- A book in every available format can be a sales boost for your title, and higher overall sales numbers can generate interest in your backlog.
- Audio format is accessible, therefore opening up a larger audience with less competition. An audiobook is the only option for some readers.
- The audiobook format offers wide and instant distribution–like an eBook.
- They are growing in popularity, and audiobooks are a first option for many.
- Audiobooks are still eligible for book awards, which can offer a big marketing boost!
- And finally, if you choose to release an audiobook, making it available to libraries can grow your reader base by increasing your discoverability.
Ultimately, if you want to release an audiobook version of your book, it is not out of reach. Doing so will assist in your long-term brand building and discoverability. If it aligns with your budget and goals it can totally be worth it, even if your return on investment doesn’t come in instant sales. Just make sure it’s produced to professional standards and you have a plan to market it first. Like everything else in self-publishing, releasing an audiobook is about long-term effort and not overnight success.
Are you a fan of audiobooks? Are you considering an audiobook version of your book? Let us know in the comments!
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