AC-T-301 Why it Matters Who’s in Control

Understanding Control in the Audiobook Industry

In the ever-evolving world of audiobook publishing, the question of who holds the reins is more important than ever. Becky Parker Geist, host of the Audiobook Connection podcast, dives deep into the implications of control in audiobook publishing, particularly highlighting the outsized influence of Amazon. This article uncovers why this control matters to authors, listeners, and communities alike, and explores actionable solutions authors can take to reclaim their power and profits.

The Problem with Monopolies: Why Amazon’s Control Is an Issue

Amazon’s reach extends deeply into many parts of the economy, from owning fleets of delivery trucks to dominating cloud services through AWS. When it comes to books and audiobooks, their monopoly affects multiple layers of the market:

• Devaluing Books and Local Economies: Amazon’s ability to undercut prices has made it nearly impossible for many independent bookstores to compete, resulting in a loss not only of local businesses but also of community spaces that foster connection among readers, authors, and fans.
• Exclusive Control Over Pricing and Distribution: Amazon routinely sets audiobook pricing without author input, sometimes giving away audiobooks as freebies to attract subscribers without compensating authors accordingly.
• Lack of Customer Data: Authors selling through Amazon have no access to customer information, hindering their ability to build authentic communities and market effectively.
• Consumer Impact: Because Amazon has its hand in so many pockets, customers who want to boycott or make an ethical spending choice often find it difficult to avoid supporting Amazon’s monopolistic ecosystem.

“This control over audiobooks equates to disempowerment for authors and listeners alike, and it undermines the broader cultural and economic value of independent creativity.”

The Personal and Community Consequences

Control isn’t just a business issue—it affects the personal economic well-being of authors and the richness of communities:

• Frustrated Authors: Many authors feel they cannot make a fair profit or fully realize the value of their work due to low royalties and lack of control.
• Loss of Creative Voices: If authors give up because it is financially unsustainable to publish, their unique contributions to culture and knowledge vanish, depriving audiences of diversity in storytelling.
• Reduced Consumer Choices: As monopolies concentrate control, consumer options shrink, limiting opportunities to support local or ethical businesses.

The Solution: Reclaiming Control Through Direct Sales

While some aspects of the current industry structure are difficult to change overnight, authors and listeners can make meaningful moves to regain control. Becky highlights a strategic choice for authors: don’t send customers to Amazon. Instead, use alternative platforms that prioritize author empowerment and equitable earnings.

Amplify Audiobooks: A Platform Putting Authors in the Driver’s Seat

• Higher Royalties: Authors earn approximately 65% of the gross sales price, which is two to four times higher than many traditional platforms.
• Full Pricing Control: Authors decide pricing, sale schedules, and discount codes, allowing flexible marketing and pricing strategies.
• Access to Customer Data: Unlike Amazon, Amplify lets authors know who their customers are, empowering community-building and direct communication.
• Community Engagement Tools: Upcoming features include vibrant online spaces for authors, narrators, and listeners to collaborate and connect.
• Weekly Payments: Authors receive earnings quickly, supporting more sustainable publishing careers.

Authors are encouraged to place their audiobooks on Amplify or other equitable platforms, such as audiobooks.com or Bookshop.org for print books, and direct their readers and listeners there instead of Amazon. This choice supports not only the author’s economy but also broader community values.

Why Listener Choices Matter Too

Listeners also have a role to play by choosing where to purchase audiobooks. The assumption that “everyone buys from Audible” is false—over 60 platforms exist, many thriving because consumers seek alternatives. By supporting direct-sale platforms and independent retailers, listeners contribute to a more diverse and sustainable ecosystem that values creators and communities.

Final Thoughts: Building a Healthy Audiobook Economy Together

The control over publishing and distribution affects everyone in the audiobook world. Becky closes with a compelling call to action:

“In challenging economic times, let’s support each other by reclaiming control, building community, and making choices that sustain our creative economy.”

By embracing platforms like Amplify Audiobooks and consciously choosing where to shop, authors and listeners can foster a resilient industry that champions creative gifts, fair profits, and vibrant communities.

To learn more about Amplify Audiobooks and start reclaiming control over your audiobook sales, visit Pro Audio Voices and explore the Amplify Audiobooks platform today.