ACX vs Findaway Voices: Which Audiobook Platform Pays Better Royalties for Self-Publishers?
As an entrepreneur in the digital publishing space, I’ve learned that maximizing revenue streams isn’t just about creating great content—it’s about strategic platform selection. With audiobooks projected to reach a staggering $13 billion market by 2027, self-publishers who aren’t leveraging this format are leaving substantial money on the table.
But here’s the critical question that determines your profit margin: Which platform—ACX or Findaway Voices—actually puts more money in your pocket?
Let’s cut through the noise and examine the cold, hard numbers that matter to your bottom line.
The Royalty Breakdown: Numbers Don’t Lie
When evaluating audiobook platforms, royalty structures should be your primary focus. Here’s how the two major players stack up:
ACX Royalty Structure
ACX operates on a tiered royalty system that rewards exclusivity:
- Exclusive distribution: 40% royalty rate
- Non-exclusive distribution: 25% royalty rate
- Royalty share option: 0% upfront cost, but you split royalties 50/50 with your narrator for7 years (with exclusivity required)
The exclusivity factor is significant—ACX exclusive distribution limits your audiobook to Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books. While these platforms represent approximately 63% of the audiobook market, you’re surrendering access to libraries and numerous other retailers.
Findaway Voices Royalty Structure
Findaway Voices (now part of Spotify as INAudio) offers a fundamentally different approach:
- Standard royalty: You keep 80% of royalties from most audiobook sellers (after the retailer’s cut of 40-50%)
- Hybrid royalty share: Pay half the production cost upfront, give narrator 20% for 10 years, keep 60% for yourself
- No exclusivity requirements: Distribute everywhere simultaneously
- Library distribution included: Access to Overdrive, Bibliotheca, and other library systems that account for 58% of unit sales for many authors
The absence of exclusivity requirements means you can distribute through Findaway Voices while simultaneously using other platforms—including ACX in non-exclusive mode.
Beyond Percentages: The Real Money Calculation
Raw percentage numbers can be misleading. Let’s break down what these royalty structures actually mean for your bank account:
Scenario: Your Audiobook Priced at $19.99
With ACX (Exclusive):
- 40% of $19.99 = $7.99 per sale
- Limited to Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books
- No library sales
With Findaway Voices:
- If retailer takes 50% ($10), you get 80% of remaining $9.99= $7.99
- PLUS access to library sales (which represent 29% of revenue for many authors)
- PLUS ability to sell on30+ additional platforms
The math reveals something counterintuitive: Despite the seemingly higher percentage at ACX, your per-sale revenue might be comparable or better with Findaway when you factor in their wider distribution network.
Hidden Factors That Impact Your Bottom Line
Raw royalty percentages don’t tell the complete story. Consider these additional factors:
1. Contract Terms and Flexibility
ACX:
- Locks you into a 7-year contract with exclusive distribution
- Changing terms requires waiting out the contract period
Findaway Voices:
- No long-term exclusivity requirements
- Flexibility to adjust distribution strategies as market conditions change
2. Promotional Opportunities
ACX: -25 promo codes per title (exclusive distribution only)
- Additional codes possible based on sales performance
Findaway Voices:
- 30 standard giveaway codes per title
- 100 codes with hybrid royalty option
- Available regardless of exclusivity status
3. Pricing Control
ACX:
- Limited pricing control
- Audible sets final pricing based on length
Findaway Voices:
- Greater pricing flexibility
- Set different prices for different platforms
4. Setup Costs
ACX:
- No setup fees
Findaway Voices:
- $49 setup fee per book (can be waived through Draft2Digital)
The Strategic Approach: Maximizing Your Audiobook ROI
For entrepreneurs serious about building wealth through publishing, consider these strategic approaches:
Strategy 1: The Hybrid Distribution Model
Use Findaway Voices for wide distribution while simultaneously publishing through ACX non-exclusively. This approach:
- Gives you access to all possible sales channels
- Provides the best of both ecosystems
- Requires accepting the lower 25% royalty rate on ACX
Strategy 2: The Platform-Specific Approach
Some savvy publishers create platform-specific content strategies:
- Use ACX exclusively for mainstream fiction titles where Audible dominance matters most
- Use Findaway Voices for non-fiction and specialized content that benefits from library distribution
Strategy 3: The Direct Sales Powerhouse
For established creators with strong platforms:
- Use Findaway for wide distribution
- Simultaneously sell directly through your website using platforms like Soundwise (85% royalties on direct sales)
- Drive traffic to your highest-margin channel
Beyond Royalties: The Complete Business Calculation
As entrepreneurs, we must think beyond simple royalty percentages. Consider these business factors:
Market Reach and Audience Building
ACX gives you access to Audible’s massive subscriber base—a significant advantage for discovery. However, research indicates that listeners only used Audible 27% of the time, suggesting the market is more fragmented than commonly believed.
International Revenue Potential
Findaway Voices reported that 9% of their sales occurred outside the US. If you’re building a global brand, this international reach could be significant for long-term growth.
The Compound Effect of Library Sales
Libraries purchase at higher price points and represent significant volume. With 58% of unit sales coming from libraries for Findaway users, this market segment cannot be ignored in your calculations.
Making Your Decision: The Wealth-Building Perspective
From a wealth-building perspective, the optimal choice depends on your specific situation:
Choose ACX exclusive if:
- You have a mainstream fiction title with strong commercial appeal
- You want simplicity in distribution and reporting
- You believe your title will perform exceptionally well on Audible
Choose Findaway Voices if:
- You want maximum distribution without platform restrictions
- You have content that would appeal to library users
- You’re building a long-term publishing business that values flexibility
Choose both (non-exclusive) if:
- You’re willing to manage multiple platforms
- You want to test performance across the entire audiobook ecosystem
- You’re playing the long game with your publishing business
The Bottom Line: Think Like a Business Owner
The most successful self-publishers approach platform selection as CEOs, not just creators. This means:
- Treating each title as a product with its own strategic plan
- Understanding that different genres may perform differently across platforms
- Regularly analyzing performance data to refine your distribution strategy
- Being willing to experiment with different approaches
Remember: The platform that pays “better” isn’t just about the highest percentage—it’s about which platform delivers the greatest total revenue for your specific content and business goals.
What’s your experience with these platforms? Have you found one consistently outperforms the other for your audiobooks? Share your insights in the comments below.
