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Authors Beware: Audible’s New Plan Could Cost You Big

Author
Stacey Smekofske
Published
Sat 09 Aug 2025
Episode Link
https://prostalkingprose.podbean.com/e/authors-beware-audible-s-new-plan-could-cost-you-big/

Amazon Strikes Again: Audible’s New Plan Could Gut Your Audiobook Royalties


Amazon’s Audible just pulled a move that could quietly slash indie author earnings, and they’re selling it like it’s a gift to creators. Spoiler: it’s not.


In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy rip the shiny wrapping off Audible’s “Premium Plus” rollout to reveal the fine print that could leave authors earning less than ever. Think Kindle Unlimited for audiobooks… but with even more ways for Amazon to keep the cash.


We’re exposing:



  • How the new royalty pool works, and why you’ll be splitting your earnings with hundreds of other books.




  • The truth about Findaway Voices, Spotify, and why Audible might be sweating the competition.




  • Why exclusivity is a trap that benefits Amazon more than you.




  • The simple shift that could put more audiobook money back in your pocket.





If you’re an author—or plan to become one—you can’t afford to miss this breakdown. Before you sign away exclusivity or cheer for Audible’s “creator-centric ethos,” you need to know whose pocket it’s really filling.


Hit play, subscribe, and make sure your audiobook profits don’t get swallowed whole.


 


We refer to the following references in this video: 

Daniel Greene: The Audible Situation Got Much Worse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H0ivgubPtI&t=1s


Audible's Article: Audible’s New Royalty Model: More Opportunities for Authors and Publishers

https://www.audible.com/about/newsroom/audibles-new-royalty-model-more-opportunities-for-authors-and-publishers?srsltid=AfmBOooElBqgE1y2BBeEO8IoaPdwDbaQK-4L3wXem4FWNi-xHPrm1CP6


Midia: What Audible's New Royalty Model Means for its Audiobook Battle with Spotify:

 https://www.midiaresearch.com/blog/what-audibles-new-royalty-model-means-for-its-audiobook-battle-with-spotify


Lean Media: The Truth About Audible's New Audible's New Pooled Royalty Scheme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP66KI7txg4



Here is the Newscast I mentioned with the beautiful Madeline White when she was with 

Boise's News 6

https://www.kivitv.com/finding-hope/finding-hope-local-bestselling-horror-author-inspires-resilience-empathy


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