ACX, the Audiobook Creation Exchange, is Amazon’s platform for producing and selling audiobooks on Audible, Amazon and Apple Books. Authors can narrate their own books or hire narrators, either paying per finished hour or sharing royalties. Narrators can also use ACX to find paid work. In May 2026 ACX opened a new royalty model paying 50% for exclusive titles and 30% for non-exclusive ones.
At a glance
| What it is | Audiobook production and distribution marketplace |
| Owned by | Amazon (Audible) |
| Stores | Audible, Amazon, Apple Books |
| New model royalty | 50% exclusive; 30% non-exclusive |
| Legacy royalty | 40% / 25%, ending at the end of 2026 |
| Production deals | Pay for Production, Royalty Share, Royalty Share Plus |
| Narrators | Earn per finished hour or royalty share |
How it works
You claim your book on ACX, choose a production deal and either narrate it yourself or audition narrators. Once the audiobook is approved, ACX distributes it. You choose exclusive distribution, which pays more but limits you to ACX’s stores, or non-exclusive, which lets you sell elsewhere.
The 2026 royalty model
From 26 May 2026, new titles and those that enrol earn 50% exclusive or 30% non-exclusive. The legacy 40% and 25% rates end at the end of 2026, so existing titles must enrol to stay on Audible. Royalty Share titles keep paying narrators their share.
For narrators
ACX is also a side hustle for voice talent. Narrators audition for books and earn a fee per finished hour, a royalty share, or both. Royalty Share deals run for seven years.
What you can realistically earn
Audiobook earnings vary widely. Royalty Share removes upfront costs, but you split income with the narrator. Exclusive distribution suits authors who expect most sales on Audible.
Getting started
Check that your book is published on Amazon, choose a production model and listen carefully to auditions. Decide on exclusivity before approving.
Common mistakes
Some authors choose exclusive distribution without considering other audio stores. Others accept the first Royalty Share audition without checking quality. A third mistake is ignoring the end of the legacy model and risking removal from Audible.
Pay for Production or Royalty Share?
With Pay for Production, you pay the narrator a fee per finished hour and keep all royalties. With Royalty Share, you pay nothing upfront and split royalties for seven years. Royalty Share Plus combines a reduced fee with a royalty split. The right choice depends on your budget and expected sales.
Keeping track
ACX reports sales and royalties monthly. Watch how much comes from membership listening compared with cash purchases, since they are calculated differently.
Is it worth it?
For authors whose readers use Audible, yes. For narrators, it is a real way to build paid work.
Before you start
Your book must already be published on Amazon to claim it on ACX. Decide your budget, whether you’ll narrate, and whether you want exclusive or non-exclusive distribution before posting the title.
Final tip
Ask narrators for a custom audition from a tricky passage, such as dialogue with several characters, so you can judge their range.
Self-narration
Some authors narrate their own books, especially nonfiction. It saves costs and can build a personal connection with listeners, but it takes good equipment and editing.
Who earns most here
Authors of long genre series, such as fantasy, thrillers and romance, often do well, since Audible members listen to series back to back.
Owen’s take
ACX is still the main route to Audible listeners. Weigh the higher exclusive rate against selling audio on other platforms.
Who it suits
It suits authors with books on Amazon and narrators building a career. It suits less well authors who want to sell audio everywhere at their own prices.
Similar options
- Apple Books for Authors offers free digital narration.
- Kobo Writing Life sells audiobooks too.
- Kindle Direct Publishing publishes the ebook first.
- Draft2Digital distributes ebooks wide.
More options are in Self-Publishing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Access to Audible’s audience
- Royalty Share with no upfront cost
- Higher rates under the new model
Cons
- Exclusivity for the best rate
- You can’t set the price
- Legacy model ends in 2026
FAQ
What royalty does ACX pay in 2026?
50% exclusive and 30% non-exclusive under the new model.
What happens to the old 40% and 25% rates?
They end at the end of 2026.
Can narrators earn on ACX?
Yes, per finished hour, royalty share or both.
How long do Royalty Share deals last?
Seven years.
Can I set my audiobook’s price?
No, Audible sets it.
