Authors Republic: The Flexible Audiobook Distributor for Indie Authors
Launched in 2009, Authors Republic is a distribution service designed specifically for indie authors and publishers seeking global reach for their audiobooks—without exclusivity and without the rigid terms that have long dominated the Audible/ACX ecosystem. As digital audio has exploded into the mainstream, Authors Republic positioned itself early as a wide-access platform that gave authors full control over their rights while still enabling access to premium marketplaces like Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, OverDrive, and more.
At a time when Audible’s terms were seen as the industry default, Authors Republic dared to offer something different: the chance for creators to distribute their audiobooks everywhere, on their own terms, with consistent 60% royalties, no contractual lock-ins, and no upfront costs. It has grown into one of the most widely used aggregators for indie authors looking to build sustainable audiobook revenue outside the Audible-only bubble.
The Authors Republic Process: From Upload to Earnings
Authors Republic simplifies what would otherwise be a tedious process of uploading and managing audiobooks across dozens of platforms. Here's how it works, in practical, author-first steps:
1. Sign Up and Prepare Files
You begin by creating a free account at authorsrepublic.com.
You'll upload your finished audio files (properly mastered to industry
standards, usually 192 kbps MP3s), along with a cover image and metadata
including book description, categories, keywords, and ISBN.
2. Set Pricing and Territories
Authors can suggest a list price (though not all stores will honor this), and
indicate any territories they wish to exclude. Unlike Audible’s ACX, Authors
Republic offers worldwide distribution by default.
3. Distribution Begins
Your audiobook is distributed to 50+ platforms, including major
retailers and libraries. Once approved, it usually appears in stores within 2–4
weeks.
4. Royalty Dashboard and Monthly Payments
Authors Republic consolidates reports from all partners and pays royalties
monthly. You can track unit sales, returns, royalties, and which platforms are
delivering the most value.
Who Distributes Your Book: Full List of Partners (2024)
Authors Republic sends your audiobook to a broad global network, including:
- Apple Books
- Google Play Books
- Kobo + Walmart
- Scribd
- Audiobooks.com
- Storytel
- BookBeat
- Bibliotheca
- OverDrive (libraries)
- Hoopla
- 24symbols
- Baker & Taylor
- Downpour
- Libro.fm
- eStories
- Leamos
- MLOL
- Hummingbird
- Bookmate
- iVOOX
- and more…
The result: your audiobook becomes available not only on the big-name platforms, but also on niche international retailers and subscription services across Europe, Latin America, and Asia—without the hassle of negotiating individual contracts or managing each upload manually.
Royalties and Revenue Structure
Authors Republic operates on a flat 40% commission model. You keep 60% of net sales across all platforms.
Here’s how it works in context:
- Apple Books pays ~70% of the list price.
- Google Play pays ~52%.
- Kobo, Scribd, and subscription services pay between 35%–55%, depending on consumption and platform pricing.
- Authors Republic collects the revenue, takes its 40% cut, and pays the rest directly to you.
This flat structure means you don’t have to worry about tiered pricing models, exclusive/non-exclusive splits, or navigating royalty-share entanglements like on ACX.
Contract Terms and Author Rights
Authors Republic is non-exclusive by default. You keep 100% of your rights, including:
- The right to sell your audiobook directly via your website or platforms like BookFunnel, Shopify, or Payhip
- The right to revoke distribution at any time
- The ability to simultaneously use other distributors or platforms
There are no annual fees, no lock-in terms, and no penalties for leaving. You can remove a title or update pricing at any point via the dashboard.
Strengths and Challenges of the Platform
Why Authors Republic Works for Indies:
- Simplicity: One dashboard, one upload, many channels.
- Non-exclusivity: Distribute broadly and retain rights.
- Monthly Payments: Reliable earnings without 90-day delays.
- Global Access: Get into library systems and international retailers most indies never reach on their own.
- Freedom to Sell Direct: Keep your direct sales ecosystem intact and thriving.
Challenges to Be Aware Of:
- Pricing Overrides: Not all stores honor your list price—some (like Google Play) adjust pricing based on market trends.
- No Built-In Promotion Tools: There’s no equivalent to Chirp Deals or Audible’s bounty program, so all marketing falls to you.
- Lack of Real-Time Data: Reporting is monthly and consolidated, not per-platform in real time.
- Quality Requirements: You need to ensure your files meet high mastering and formatting standards—no automated QC.
Sample ROI for a 100K Word Audiobook
Let’s say you self-produce a 10.5-hour audiobook and publish it through Authors Republic.
- Production Cost (Human Narration): $2,500
- List Price: $17.99
- Net Payout (after retailer share + Authors Republic’s 40%): ~$6.00 per sale (averaged across all retailers)
You’d need approximately 417 sales to break even, after which every sale becomes profit. With consistent marketing, promotions, and library distribution, this is a realistic target over the first 12–18 months—especially with a growing catalog.
Where It Fits in an Indie Strategy
Most successful indie authors now employ a multi-channel audiobook strategy:
- ACX for Audible exclusives (with caution)
- Findaway Voices/INAudio for Spotify and library integrations
- Authors Republic for maximum global exposure and flexibility
- Direct sales through Shopify + BookFunnel for full-margin revenue
Authors Republic is ideal for authors who value reach, want centralized control, and don’t want to be trapped in exclusivity deals. It complements both direct sales and other wide distributors—ensuring your audiobook is always available wherever your readers (and listeners) are.
Conclusion: A Reliable, Author-Friendly Platform That Scales
Authors Republic might not have the brand recognition of Audible or the tech muscle of Spotify, but it delivers on its promise: letting authors distribute widely, retain control, and collect steady income without sacrificing rights. For indie authors with a long-term plan, it’s an indispensable part of a diverse audiobook strategy.
Whether you’re launching your first audiobook or managing a large backlist, Authors Republic makes it easier to focus on what matters most—producing great work and reaching the readers who want it.