KDP and ACX Are in Trouble (UPDATE)

About this video

Dale argues recent moves by Findaway Voices and IngramSpark finally give authors real alternatives to KDP and ACX, which he criticises for unclear account terminations, the Audiblegate return controversy and low royalties. Findaway Voices distributes audiobooks free to 45 retailers and libraries on an 80/20 split in the author’s favour, and after Spotify acquired its parent company in November 2021 — for an estimated $123 million, as he states — Spotify waived the 20% distribution fee on its own sales, leaving a flat 50/50 split with no extra middleman cut, and authors set their own prices instead of ACX’s length-based pricing. He contrasts ACX’s 25% to 40% royalty and three outlets, citing Brandon Sanderson’s refusal to publish audiobooks to Audible in favour of Spotify. IngramSpark, whose parent reaches over 40,000 retailers, libraries and institutions, dropped its $49 title upload fee for its 10-year anniversary, replacing it with a 1% market access fee, free updates for 60 days then $25 per update, new ultra-premium colour and groundwood paper options, and free US ISBNs that cannot be used elsewhere. Dale says he will use Findaway Voices exclusively going forward, while noting authors can combine all four platforms by avoiding KDP Select for wide ebooks and choosing non-exclusive ACX distribution.

Key takeaways

• Findaway Voices distributes free to 45 retailers and libraries on an 80/20 split in the author’s favour, and lets authors set their own audiobook prices.
• On Spotify sales through Findaway Voices, the 20% distribution fee is waived, leaving a flat 50/50 split.
• Dale contrasts that with ACX’s 25% to 40% royalty, length-based pricing and only three retail outlets, citing Brandon Sanderson’s move to Spotify.
• IngramSpark removed its $49 upload fee, adding a 1% market access fee instead; updates are free for 60 days, then $25 each.
• Authors can use KDP, ACX, IngramSpark and Findaway Voices together by avoiding KDP Select and choosing non-exclusive ACX distribution.

Episode details: published May 5, 2023 · 11:31 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. Business results and any income figures mentioned are Dale L. Roberts’s own claims, shared for education — they are not typical or guaranteed.

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