How to Repurpose Your KDP Book into an Audiobook and Earn More

If you've published a book through Amazon KDP, congratulations! You're already on the path to building a stream of passive income. But what if we told you there’s an untapped goldmine waiting in your existing content? That’s right — by turning your book into an audiobook, you can multiply your earnings, reach a new audience, and boost your author brand.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to repurpose your KDP book into an audiobook, the best platforms to use, how to choose between narrating it yourself or hiring a voice actor, and tips to maximize your earnings with this powerful format.

Why Audiobooks Are a Smart Passive Income Strategy

The audiobook industry has exploded in recent years, with platforms like Audible, Apple Books, and Google Play seeing record-breaking growth. According to recent statistics, audiobook revenue in the U.S. alone surpassed $1.5 billion, and it’s only growing.

Here’s why turning your book into an audiobook makes perfect sense:

• Taps into a new market (busy people who prefer listening over reading)

• Adds a second or third income stream from the same content

• Boosts your author credibility and visibility

• Increases content lifespan and market reach

Step 1: Prepare Your KDP Book for Audiobook Conversion

Before diving into the world of audio, make sure your KDP book is:

• Professionally edited (typos stand out when read aloud)

• Formatted with clean, easy-to-read structure

• Free of visual-heavy content (e.g., images, graphs, charts)

• Rewritten or adjusted if needed for better flow in audio

You want the narration to sound smooth, natural, and engaging — not robotic or clunky.

Step 2: Choose Your Audiobook Distribution Platform

There are multiple audiobook publishing platforms, but these three are the most beginner-friendly:

1. ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)

Owned by Amazon, ACX is the gateway to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. You can:

• Upload your own audio files

• Hire professional narrators

• Choose royalty-share or royalty-per-finished-hour models

2. Findaway Voices

This platform offers wide distribution beyond Amazon. It includes:

• Spotify, Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, and more

• Flexible pricing and control

• Option to bundle distribution with audiobook production

3. Kobo Writing Life (Audio)

Good for international reach, especially in Canada, Europe, and Australia. You can:

• Upload files directly

• Set your own price

• Keep up to 45% royalties

Step 3: Decide: Narrate It Yourself or Hire a Voice Actor?

This is a major decision. Both options have pros and cons:

Narrate It Yourself

✅ Pros:

• More personal connection with the audience

• Free if you already have a mic and quiet space

• Ideal for nonfiction, especially personal development or memoirs

❌ Cons:

• Time-consuming

• Requires basic audio editing knowledge

• May not sound professional without training

Hire a Professional Narrator

✅ Pros:

• High-quality, studio-level sound

• Saves time and energy

• Perfect for fiction and complex narration

❌ Cons:

• Upfront cost ($100–$400 per finished hour)

• Profit-sharing options may cut into royalties

Tip: On ACX, you can use a Royalty Share model to avoid upfront costs if your book is appealing to narrators.

Step 4: Record and Produce Your Audiobook

If you’re narrating yourself, follow these tips:

• Use a quality microphone like Blue Yeti or Audio-Technica

• Record in a sound-treated room or closet

• Use free tools like Audacity or paid tools like Adobe Audition

• Follow ACX audio guidelines: mono sound, 192kbps, RMS between -23 to -18 dB

If hiring a narrator, the production is usually handled for you. Just review the samples and final product for quality.

Step 5: Upload and Distribute Your Audiobook

Once your audiobook is complete:

1. Create a project on ACX or Findaway Voices

2. Upload the audio files, chapter-by-chapter

3. Upload the cover (2400 x 2400 pixels)

4. Add metadata: title, subtitle, description, and categories

5. Set your price or choose royalty share terms

6. Hit publish and wait for approval (can take 10–14 days)

Step 6: Market Your Audiobook Like a Pro

Publishing isn’t the end — it’s just the beginning! Here’s how to market your audiobook:

• Offer free promo codes to early reviewers

• Add audiobook info to your Amazon book description

• Share snippets on social media and YouTube

• Email your list with launch news and free samples

• Use Author Central to link all versions (eBook, paperback, audio)

Consider running Amazon Ads or Facebook retargeting campaigns to boost visibility.

Step 7: Track Earnings and Optimize

Your audiobook can earn royalties every single month. Here's what to monitor:

• Royalty earnings from ACX or Findaway dashboards

• Sales by channel (Audible, iTunes, Spotify, etc.)

• Listener feedback and ratings

• Experiment with pricing and promos during slow months

You can even bundle your audiobook with your eBook or paperback using promotions and upsells.

Bonus Tip: Translate and Dub for Global Reach

If your book performs well, consider translating it and hiring voice actors for different languages — a massive way to expand your global audience and revenue.

Conclusion: Turn One Book into Multiple Income Streams

Repurposing your KDP book into an audiobook is a powerful way to extend your reach, increase revenue, and build a sustainable passive income business. With the right tools and strategies, you can go from one book to three formats — eBook, paperback, and audiobook — all earning around the clock.

Don’t just publish. Repurpose, distribute, and grow. The audiobook market is booming, and your book deserves a place in it.

Start recording. Start earning. Let your voice (or someone else's) work for you!