Attention, podcasters! Here are five ways to make revenue with audiobooks

March 7, 2024

Dispatch from Studio Ochenta

This year, at Studio Ochenta we released our very first batches of original audiobooks in partnership with Bookwire, the leading platform in audiobooks distribution. And we know from first-hand experience that audiobooks are another source of revenue that podcasters should take advantage of ASAP.

So if your podcast has a substantial following and covers topics that lend themselves well to long-form storytelling and are looking to make extra revenue, consider adapting your podcast into a full on audiobook. If you do so, you’ll take a step into the following ways to make revenue with audiobooks:

  1. Direct Sales: Audiobooks can be sold directly to consumers through your own website or platform. You can offer individual audiobook purchases or subscriptions for access to a library of titles. This method allows you to retain more of the revenue since you're not sharing profits with third-party retailers. You can also create exclusive audiobook content for your crowdfunding platform.

  1. Subscription Services: Royalties and licensing agreements with existing audiobook subscription services like Audible, Audiobooks.com, or Scribd and other platforms can make you earn constant revenue. Keep in mind that these platforms often take a percentage of sales, but they also provide access to a large user base.

  1. Crowdfunding and Pre-Orders: Use crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to call the attention of your audience and raise funds for audiobook production. Offer exclusive perks such as early access, signed copies, or special editions to backers. Additionally, you can set up pre-order campaigns to generate revenue before the audiobook is officially released.

  1. Collaborate with Authors or Publishers for Co-Branded Content: Partner with authors or publishers to create co-branded audiobook content. This could involve narrating or producing audiobook versions of their books exclusively for your podcast audience. In exchange, receive revenue share agreements or upfront payments from the authors/publishers based on sales or licensing fees.

  1. Leverage Affiliate Marketing with Audible or Other Audiobook Platforms: Join affiliate programs offered by audiobook platforms such as Audible, Audiobooks.com, or Libro.fm. Promote audiobooks relevant to your podcast's audience and include affiliate links in your episode show notes or on your website. Earn commissions for every audiobook purchase made through your affiliate links.

Whether it's through partnerships, self-publishing, or affiliate marketing, there are plenty of ways to monetize audiobook content as a podcaster. At Studio Ochenta, we have released 10 audiobooks based on our original podcasts that have brought our very own original content to fresh and exciting horizons!

Learn more about audiobooks for podcasters here:

Curious to learn more about how Ochenta is transforming podcasts into audiobooks? https://www.ochentastudio.com/en/contact

Want to come along for the ride? Discover our first 10 audiobook titles already available in your favorite audiobook store in English, French, Spanish and Italian: https://www.ochentastudio.com/audiobooks

Curious to learn more about how Ochenta is transforming podcasts into audiobooks? Sign up for our newsletter here or contact our team to learn about how YOU can explore audiobooks as a new revenue source too. https://www.ochentastudio.com/en/contact

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