How to Create an Audiobook with ACX and Sell It on Audible

Creating an audiobook is one of the smartest ways to expand your content, reach new audiences, and generate passive income. If you've already written a book—or plan to—you can repurpose that content into an engaging audiobook and publish it on platforms like Audible, Amazon, and iTunes using ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange).

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to create, produce, and sell your audiobook with ACX, even if you’ve never recorded audio before.

What Is ACX?

ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) is Amazon’s audiobook production platform. It connects authors, publishers, and rights holders with professional narrators, engineers, and producers. Once completed, your audiobook will be available on:

• Audible

• Amazon

• Apple Books (via iTunes)

You can either narrate the audiobook yourself or hire a narrator through the platform.

Step-by-Step: How to Create Your Audiobook with ACX

Step 1: Check Your Book's Eligibility

To use ACX, your book must already be published and available on Amazon in either Kindle or print format. If it’s not, you’ll need to self-publish through Amazon KDP first.

Once live, head over to ACX.com and log in with your Amazon credentials.

Step 2: Claim Your Book on ACX

Search for your book by title or author name and claim your title.

Then, you’ll need to complete details about your project, including:

• Language

• Book genre

• Word count

• Desired narrator voice (accent, gender, tone)

• Deadlines and payment terms

Step 3: Choose Your Narrator (Or Do It Yourself)

You have two main options:

A. Hire a Professional Narrator

You can post your book as a project and receive audition samples from professional voice actors. You can:

• Pay per finished hour (PFH) — You pay a flat rate per hour of finished audio.

• Royalty share — You split royalties with the narrator instead of paying upfront.

• Royalty Share Plus — A hybrid where you split royalties and pay a small stipend.

B. Narrate It Yourself

If you’re confident with your voice and have a decent microphone and a quiet space, you can record the audiobook yourself.

Make sure your audio meets ACX technical requirements:

• MP3 format, 192 kbps or higher

• RMS between -18 dB and -23 dB

• Peak no higher than -3 dB

• Room tone less than -60 dB

Recommended software:

• Audacity (Free)

• Adobe Audition

• GarageBand (Mac)

Step 4: Record and Edit Your Audiobook

Whether you narrate it or hire someone, every audiobook must include:

• Opening credits

• The main content (chapter by chapter)

• Closing credits

• Retail sample (a short 1-5 minute preview for Audible listeners)

Edit for background noise, consistency, pacing, and pauses. ACX has strict guidelines, so it’s often worth hiring a sound engineer or using professional editing software.

Step 5: Upload Your Files to ACX

Once your audio files are ready and meet all ACX requirements, upload them directly to your project dashboard on ACX.

You’ll also need to upload:

• The audiobook cover (JPEG, 2400 x 2400 pixels, 72 dpi, RGB color mode)

• Final metadata: title, author, narrator, description, etc.

Step 6: Quality Assurance and Approval

After uploading, ACX conducts a technical review of your audiobook. This can take 10–14 business days.

If the files meet all the specs, your audiobook will be approved and published. If not, they’ll send you specific instructions to fix the issues.

Step 7: Start Selling on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes

Once approved, your audiobook will go live on:

• Audible.com

• Amazon.com

• Apple Books

You’ll start earning royalties based on your chosen distribution option.

ACX Royalties: How Much Can You Earn?

You can choose between exclusive and non-exclusive distribution:

Distribution	Platforms	Royalty	Notes
Exclusive	Audible, Amazon, iTunes	40%	Must only sell through ACX
Non-Exclusive	Anywhere	25%	Gives you freedom to sell on other platforms like Findaway Voices

If you used Royalty Share, you’ll split the royalty 50/50 with your narrator.

Tips for Success

• Hire a quality narrator if you’re not confident recording.

• Create a compelling audiobook sample to hook listeners.

• Promote your audiobook on your website, social media, and email list.

• Use the Amazon Author Central page to link your audiobook and book together.

Conclusion

Creating an audiobook with ACX is an excellent way to repurpose your content, reach more people, and generate passive income on platforms like Audible. Whether you narrate it yourself or hire a professional, the process is more accessible than ever—and the potential upside is huge.

Start with your first book, follow the steps above, and tap into the booming world of audiobooks today.