AC-T-343 Spotify’s Free AI Audiobook Tool: What Authors Need to Know
Discover the truth behind Spotify’s free AI audiobook narration tool, its licensing implications, listener trends, and better alternatives for authors.
AC-I-342 Behind the Audiobook: David Lee on Fewer Pills, More Paws and the Healing Power of Pets
Discover pharmacist David Lee’s innovative approach to safer medication use for seniors and the profound benefits of pet companionship in caregiving and wellbeing.
AC-T-341 How Audiobooks Affect Your Brain
Explore the science behind how audiobooks impact brain activity, the role of skilled narration, and strategies authors can use to improve listener retention and engagement.
AC-I-340 The Healing Power of Art and Storytelling with Madam Snowflake
Discover how musician and author Madam Snowflake transformed profound grief and recovery into the immersive audiobook experience Rise Up Babylon, blending music and storytelling.
AC-T-339 The 2026 Audiobook Distribution Shakeup Part 4
Discover actionable strategies for audiobook authors and publishers to thrive in the 2026 distribution shakeup by leveraging Amplify Audiobooks and wide distribution.
AC-I-338 Writing and Executing Your Next Chapter- Interview with Bobby Kelly
Discover Bobby Kelly's unique approach to rapidly writing and narrating his book The Next Chapter Starts Now, blending mindset, habits, and performance coaching.
AC-T-337 The 2026 Audiobook Distribution Shakeup – Part 3
Stop whispering into the void and start building real momentum!
In this third installment of our series on the 2026 audiobook distribution shakeup, Becky dives deep into the complex world of where your stories land and how much you actually keep. Are you "going wide" just to be everywhere, or are you actually reaching your customers?
We break down the pros and cons of the major players, including:
- The Big Shifts: Understanding the changes at Spotify, Voices INaudio, and the murky new royalty structures at ACX.
- The Library Connection: How to navigate rentals and checkouts through Overdrive and Hoopla.
- Wide Distribution vs. Direct Sales: Why a "cast a wide net" strategy works best when paired with powerful direct-to-consumer tools.
- The AMPlify Revolution: Discover how AMPlify Audiobooks is changing the game by combining distribution with marketing, offering higher royalties (65% of gross!), and—most importantly—building a real community through features like "Reflections" and real-time listener connection.
Whether you are an author struggling to earn back your investment or a narrator looking to understand the landscape, this episode provides the roadmap you need to deepen your impact and broaden your reach.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- The critical difference between a percentage of "retail price" vs. "net."
- Why an audiobook is a complex "package of files" and why delivery systems matter.
- How to use community tools, author pages, and live events to turn listeners into superfans.
- The ultimate strategy: Wide distribution for discovery + AMPlify Audiobooks for connection.
Relevant Links:
- 🌐 Amplify Audiobooks
- 🌐 Authors Republic
- Support our work making the audiobook industry a more equitable place HERE: buymeacoffee.com/audiobookconnection
#Audiobooks #AuthorTips #BookMarketing #AudiobookDistribution #AmplifyAudiobooks #IndieAuthor #Podcast #Storytelling #AudiobookConnection
AC-I-336 The International Bill of Rights Audiobook: A Conversation with Dr. John Kirk Boyd
In this episode, Becky sits down with Dr. John Kirk Boyd, a civil and environmental rights lawyer and the visionary behind the International Bill of Rights: Humanity's Agreement to Live Together.
This conversation goes far beyond a standard book review. Dr. Boyd discusses his lifelong mission to move human rights from mere aspirations to enforceable realities through an international judicial architecture. He shares fascinating insights into his legal background—including arguing before the US Supreme Court—and his work on the Russian Constitution.
In this episode, we explore:
- The Mission of Unite for Rights: How the project seeks to extend the historic work of Eleanor Roosevelt and René Cassin to create a modern social contract.
- Interactive Technology: A look at the "spinning globe" and the "Drafting Through Dialogue" initiative, where global citizens can participate in refining the Bill of Rights.
- AI as a Collaborator: How Dr. Boyd and his team are utilizing AI (specifically Claude) as a tool for refinement and human-centric collaboration rather than just data scraping.
- The Power of the "Triad": Why authors should embrace the combination of print, e-book, and audiobook to reach a global audience.
- A Call to Action: How listeners can participate in this global movement, from signing their names on the digital globe to supporting the growth of the Unite for Rights organization.
Whether you are an author interested in the production process or a global citizen concerned about the future of democracy and human rights, this episode offers a profound look at how storytelling and law can converge to shape a better world.
Support our work making the audiobook industry a more equitable place HERE: buymeacoffee.com/audiobookconnection
🔗 Relevant Links
- Unite for Rights: uniteforrights.org
- Amplify Audiobooks: amplifyaudiobooks.com
- Watch the video of this interview
#HumanRights #InternationalLaw #AudiobookConnection #UniteForRights #GlobalCitizenship #SocialContract #AuthorLife #Podcast #AIforGood #Democracy #AMPlifyAudiobooks
AC-T-335 The 2026 Audiobook Distribution Shakeup – Part 2
In this second episode in the Audiobook Distribution Shakeup Series, Becky dives deep into the recent changes announced by ACX. As the audiobook industry shifts, authors are facing new contractual models that demand quick decisions. Is the new "member value" calculation actually working in your favor, or is it just another way for the Amazon ecosystem to capture more revenue?
Becky breaks down the complexities of the new ACX model, including:
- The "Member Value" Mystery: What does the new royalty calculation actually mean for your bottom line?
- Exclusivity vs. Freedom: The pros and cons of the 50% exclusive royalty rate and the new 90-day minimum rule.
- Discovery and Promotion: Decoding WhisperSync, built-in discovery, and the costs of Amazon advertising.
- Better Alternatives: A comparison between ACX and high-control platforms like AMPlify Audiobooks, where authors earn significantly higher royalties and maintain total control over pricing and marketing.
Whether you are a seasoned author, a narrator, or a publisher, this episode provides the clarity you need to navigate the changing landscape of audiobook distribution.
Resources Mentioned:- Amplify Audiobooks: amplifyaudiobooks.com
- Contact Pro Audio Voices: proaudiovoices.com
- View the video of this episode
#Audiobooks #SelfPublishing #AuthorTips #AudiobookDistribution #AmplifyAudiobooks #PublishingIndustry #IndieAuthors
AC-T-334 The 2026 Audiobook Distribution Shakeup (and the BIG One), Part 1
The audiobook landscape is shifting under the feet of authors, and staying informed is no longer optional—it's essential for your success. In this episode, Becky breaks down the major industry changes hitting platforms like ACX, Spotify, and InAudio, and explains why the old rules of distribution no longer apply.
In this episode, we dive into:
- The ACX Royalty Shift: What the move from "retail price" to "member value" actually means for your bottom line and why the math might be working against you.
- The Findaway/Spotify Split: Navigating the transition from Findaway Voices to the new landscape of Spotify for Authors and InAudio.
- The Power of Direct Engagement: Why traditional retailers prioritize transactions while new models prioritize connection.
- AMPlify Audiobooks: An inside look at how the new version of AMPlify Audiobooks is changing the game by offering up to 4x higher royalties, complete pricing control, and community-building tools designed to turn listeners into fans.
Whether you are an indie author trying to earn back your production investment or a narrator looking to understand the market, this episode provides the clarity you need to navigate these massive changes.
Coming Up in This Series:
- ACX Decoded: Why the math still favors direct platforms.
- Going Wide vs. Going Direct: Weighing your distribution options.
- Building a Winning Distribution Strategy: A roadmap for your audio career.
Resources & Links:
- Amplify Audiobooks: https://amplifyaudiobooks.com/
- Pro Audio Voices: Schedule a call with Becky: proaudiovoices.com
- Authors Republic: For broad distribution alternatives: https://www.authorsrepublic.com/
View the video of this episode
#Audiobooks #IndieAuthor #AudiobookDistribution #ACX #AmplifyAudiobooks #AuthorTips #PublishingNews