audiobook – Success Strategies

Top 8 Audiobook Publishers You Should Know

Listening to the dulcet tones of a familiar voice is an appealing way to work our way through those books we’ve always meant to get around to, but haven’t.– Clare Thorp

You have written your book! Took it a step further and did the audiobook. Now what do you do? How do you get it into the hands of listeners? The options listed may help.

1. Audible (an Amazon company)

What they do: Industry leader in audiobook publishing and distribution.
Also produces: Audible Originals (exclusive content).
Website: audible.com

2. Tantor Media

What they do: Full-service audiobook publisher with a wide range of genres.
Known for: High-quality production and professional narration.
Website: tantor.com

3. Podium Audio

Focus: Sci-fi, fantasy, and thriller genres.
Notable for: Discovering and promoting indie authors with huge success (e.g., The Martian by Andy Weir).
Website: podiumaudio.com

4. RBmedia

What they do: One of the largest audiobook publishers globally.
Imprints include: Recorded Books, HighBridge Audio, Tantor Media, and more.
Website: rbmediaglobal.com

5. Dreamscape Media

What they do: Audiobook production and publishing for libraries, retail, and direct sales.
Also handles: Distribution to major platforms like Audible, Hoopla, OverDrive.
Website: dreamscapepublishing.com

🧰 Self-Publishing & Hybrid Options

6. ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)

Owned by: Amazon (works with Audible and iTunes).
For: Authors and publishers to create and distribute audiobooks.
Website: acx.com

7. Findaway Voices (by Spotify)

What they do: Allows authors to produce and distribute audiobooks across 40+ platforms (including Audible, Apple Books, Google, etc.).
Website: findawayvoices.com

8. Author’s Republic

What they do: Distribute audiobooks globally with easy access for self-published authors.
Website: authorsrepublic.com

Questions to Consider

Consider these questions before you make your selection.

Is the audiobook already recorded, or do you need help with narration/production? (e.g., voice talent, editing, mastering, etc.)
Are you looking to self-publish, or are you open to working with a publisher?
What is your target audience and platform preference? e.g., Audible, Spotify, Apple Books, libraries, global reach, etc.)
Do you want control over pricing and rights, or are you okay with royalty splits?
What’s the genre or focus of the content?
(e.g., business, leadership, fiction, memoir, etc.)

The Writing Process…

No one is going to come rescue you—you only have yourself. The good news, it turns out, is that you are all you need.
Arnold Schwarzenegger

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER tale of reading his audiobook. Intrigued by his story. Here I share in his own words

I could tell you I am fantastic at everything, but I’d be lying.

I just finished recording my audiobook, Be Useful. It comes out October 10. I could tell you how amazing it was to sit down and record my own words, but the truth is, I was absolutely dreading it.

Here’s my secret: I’m a terrible reader. They didn’t talk about learning disabilities in Austria in the 1950s, so most of the time, when I was asked to read out loud in class, it was just a disaster, and I got smacked with a ruler. But now I know that I’m dyslexic.

When I prepare for a movie, I read the script over and over for months until I’ve memorized every line. I need time and reps to get my mind around the words.

They told me authors ready their books in 2 or 3 days at the studio. I asked for the recording equipment at home and told them I’d do 20-30 pages a day. That way I could log in with the director and producer twice a day for shorter sessions and I could practice non-stop in between.

In this process, I used my own lessons.

I let myself dread it and complain for a minute, but then I forced myself to get moving, because denial wasn’t going to get it recorded.
I did so many reps I couldn’t count. I broke it up into small pieces, knowing that small wins build up into big victories, or in this case, a whole book.
I had the help of a fantastic team. My own team, but also the producers and directors Nithya, Danny, and Kris, and Eric who set up the equipment. All of us need help; none of us are self made.

To Read Or Not To Read The AudioBook Way? 5 Benefits…

The book club. It was the first. The apologies came in droves. Oh I started but couldn’t finish. It was the kids, the husband, household chores and so much more. Who has time to read anyway?

My secret and I remained silent. I had ordered the required paperback to be read by the time the group met. But delivery time would be a few days before the meeting. For sure I would have barely started much less finished reading.

Audiobook Rescue

Then the idea came to me. Why not order the audiobook version online and start listening immediately? Then by the time the paperback arrived I could finish my reading with the hard copy. And that I did.

So as the group complained they finally asked and I told them what I did. The envy on their faces grew like a fiery furnace.

I shared that experience to acknowledge that audiobooks work. As an author of several books on Success, leadership, and career development, my last book was different. It was more inspirational. The book GreenLight is filled with anecdotes, uplifting short stories, prayers and exhortations. Readers share it’s encouraging benefits. Many inquired of its audio format. So I complied.