Authorsrepublic.com Reviews

Based on looking at the website, Authorsrepublic.com positions itself as a self-service audiobook publishing platform designed to help independent authors create, distribute, and sell their audiobooks widely.

It aims to simplify the process of getting audiobooks onto major retail, library, and streaming channels like Audible, Apple, Spotify, and Google Play, promising authors better distribution terms and higher royalties compared to exclusive agreements.

This review will delve into the platform’s features, pricing, and overall value proposition, examining how it stacks up for authors looking to expand their reach in the audiobook market.

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IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Authorsrepublic.com Review & First Look

Based on an initial review of the Authorsrepublic.com website, it presents a compelling case for indie authors looking to dive into the audiobook market.

The platform’s core offering revolves around a “self-service audiobook publishing platform” that promises wide distribution and higher royalty rates.

This is a significant draw for authors who want to maximize their earnings and reach a broader audience beyond a single exclusive channel.

The website emphasizes ease of use, with a clear three-step process: Create, Sell, Earn. This simplifies what can often be a complex and intimidating process for new authors. They highlight the ability to choose from various production options, including a narrator marketplace or a managed service, which caters to different author needs and budgets. For those who already have a narrated recording, the platform also accommodates bringing in external audio.

A key differentiator highlighted is their “Author’s Republic Advantage,” which directly compares their offerings to competitors like Findaway Voices and ACX. They claim authors can earn up to 25% more through wide audiobook distribution to 50+ retailers and library channels, and take home 80% of earned royalties from all sales. This kind of transparency and direct comparison is beneficial for authors evaluating their options. Furthermore, they stress “terms that protect the rights of authors” and “superior customer support with fast response times,” which are critical factors for any creator entrusting their work to a third-party platform. The provision of “unlimited free promo codes for giveaways and reviews” and “retailer and library promotional opportunities” suggests an understanding of the marketing challenges authors face, offering tools to help push their audiobooks to listeners.

However, it’s essential for authors to conduct thorough due diligence, especially regarding the specifics of royalty calculations, the actual reach of the “50+ channels,” and the terms of their production services.

While the claims are strong, understanding the fine print is crucial before committing.

Authorsrepublic.com Features

Authorsrepublic.com appears to be packed with features designed to streamline the audiobook publishing process for independent authors.

From production to distribution, the platform aims to provide a comprehensive solution.

• Diverse Audiobook Production Options:
  • Self-service narrator marketplace: This allows authors to connect with narrators directly, providing control over the voice and style of their audiobook. This is ideal for authors who prefer a hands-on approach and wish to manage their budget directly.
  • Fully managed audiobook production service: For authors who prefer to outsource the entire production process, Authorsrepublic.com offers a managed service. This could be particularly appealing to authors new to audiobooks or those with limited time.
  • Bring your own narrated recording: If an author has already produced their audiobook elsewhere, they can upload it directly, allowing them to leverage the platform’s distribution network without needing production services. This flexibility is a significant advantage.
• Wide Distribution Network:
  • The platform boasts distribution to over 50 retail, library, and streaming channels worldwide. This includes major players like Audible, Apple, Spotify, Google Play, Hoopla, and Libby. Wide distribution is critical for maximizing discoverability and sales, as it ensures the audiobook reaches a broad audience across various platforms.
  • Retailer and library promotional opportunities: Authorsrepublic.com also mentions opportunities for promotional support across its distribution network. This could include featuring audiobooks in specific campaigns or sections on partner platforms, which can significantly boost visibility.
• Author-Centric Royalty Structure:
  • Up to 80% earned royalties: This is a key selling point. The website claims authors can take home a substantial percentage of their audiobook sales, potentially earning “up to 25% more than under an exclusive agreement” like ACX’s exclusive terms which typically offer 40% royalties, non-exclusive is 25%.
  • Transparent terms: While the website highlights favorable terms, authors should always review the detailed agreement to understand how royalties are calculated, especially concerning different sales channels and territories.
• Marketing and Support Tools:
  • Unlimited free promo codes: A valuable tool for authors to generate reviews and build early momentum for their audiobooks. These codes can be given to early readers or reviewers to access the audiobook for free.
  • Responsive customer service: The promise of “superior customer support with fast response times” is vital. Authors often need guidance and assistance, and reliable support can make a significant difference in their experience.
  • Rights protection: The platform asserts it offers “terms that protect the rights of authors,” which is crucial for intellectual property and long-term control over their work.

These features collectively aim to empower independent authors, providing them with the tools and reach typically associated with larger publishing houses, but with more favorable terms. Enterpryze.com Reviews

Authorsrepublic.com Pros & Cons

When evaluating Authorsrepublic.com, it’s helpful to weigh its advantages against potential drawbacks.

No platform is perfect, and understanding both sides helps authors make an informed decision.

Pros:

• High Royalty Rates: A major draw is the claim of authors taking home 80% of earned royalties. This is significantly higher than many exclusive agreements offered by other platforms, which often range from 25% to 40%. For example, ACX’s exclusive royalty rate is 40%, while non-exclusive is 25%. Authorsrepublic.com’s proposed 80% is very competitive and could lead to substantially higher earnings over time.
• Extensive Wide Distribution: The ability to distribute to 50+ retail, library, and streaming channels including Audible, Apple, Spotify, Google Play, Hoopla, Libby is a massive advantage. This ensures maximum reach and discoverability, putting audiobooks in front of diverse audiences across various platforms.
• Flexible Production Options: Authors can choose between a self-service narrator marketplace, a fully managed production service, or bringing their own pre-recorded audio. This flexibility caters to different budgets, technical expertise levels, and author preferences.
• Author-Friendly Terms: The website emphasizes “terms that protect the rights of authors” and non-exclusive distribution, which is beneficial for authors who want to maintain control over their intellectual property and explore other avenues for their work.
• Marketing Tools: The provision of unlimited free promo codes is a practical tool for generating reviews and building initial buzz, which is crucial for new releases.
• Customer Support: The promise of “superior customer support with fast response times” is a positive sign, indicating a commitment to assisting authors through the publishing process.

Cons:

• Production Costs: While the platform offers production services, these come at a cost. The website doesn’t provide transparent pricing for its managed services or the narrator marketplace upfront, which can make budgeting difficult for authors. A managed production could easily run into several thousands of dollars depending on the length and complexity of the audiobook.
• Reliance on Platform’s Network: While wide distribution is a pro, authors are still reliant on Authorsrepublic.com’s existing relationships with distributors. If the platform experiences issues or changes its agreements, it could impact an author’s reach.
• Marketing Responsibility: While promo codes are provided, the primary responsibility for marketing and promoting the audiobook still largely falls on the author. The platform offers “promotional opportunities,” but the extent and effectiveness of these are not clearly detailed. Authors still need to invest time and effort into their own marketing strategies.
• No Direct Sales Option: The platform focuses on distribution through third-party retailers. Authors don’t appear to have an option to sell directly from their own website through Authorsrepublic.com, which some authors prefer for greater control over pricing and customer data.
• Niche Focus: Authorsrepublic.com is specifically for audiobooks. Authors who also publish ebooks or print books will need separate platforms for those formats, which can add to the complexity of managing their publishing empire.

Overall, Authorsrepublic.com presents a strong case for authors looking to expand into audiobooks with favorable royalty terms and wide distribution.

However, potential users should be prepared for production costs and the ongoing responsibility of marketing their work.

Authorsrepublic.com Alternatives

For authors exploring audiobook publishing, Authorsrepublic.com is one of several players in the market.

Understanding its alternatives can help authors make a more informed decision based on their specific needs, budget, and desired level of control.

1. ACX Audiobook Creation Exchange:

   • Description: Owned by Amazon, ACX is perhaps the most well-known platform for independent audiobook publishing. It allows authors to produce and distribute their audiobooks exclusively to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes, or non-exclusively to these platforms.
   • Pros: Direct access to Audible’s massive audience which accounts for over 90% of the audiobook market, established marketplace for narrators, often offers bounty payments for new Audible subscribers.
   • Cons: Lower royalty rates 40% exclusive, 25% non-exclusive, exclusive terms limit distribution to other platforms, often criticized for less author control over terms and pricing.
   • Best For: Authors primarily focused on reaching Audible’s audience and willing to accept lower royalties for that market share.

2. Findaway Voices now owned by Spotify:

   Elegantgolfresorts.com Reviews

   • Description: Findaway Voices offers wide distribution to over 40 retail and library partners, including Audible, Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, and many library services like Libby and Hoopla. They provide production services and a narrator marketplace.
   • Pros: Excellent wide distribution, author-friendly terms, allows authors to keep 80% of royalties after the retailer takes its cut similar to Authorsrepublic.com’s model, offers production guidance.
   • Cons: No direct sales option, production costs can be significant, sometimes slower payment processing compared to direct sales.
   • Best For: Authors seeking wide distribution across a broad range of platforms while maintaining good royalty splits.

3. Kobo Writing Life Audiobooks:

   • Description: Kobo’s self-publishing platform now includes audiobook distribution. Authors can upload their audiobooks directly to Kobo’s global network, including their own Kobo Plus subscription service.
   • Pros: Direct access to Kobo’s strong international readership, simple upload process, competitive royalty rates.
   • Cons: Limited distribution compared to aggregators like Authorsrepublic.com or Findaway Voices primarily Kobo’s ecosystem, less robust production support.
   • Best For: Authors with an existing Kobo readership or those looking to expand specifically within the Kobo ecosystem.

4. Google Play Books Audiobooks:

   • Description: Google Play Books allows authors to directly upload and sell audiobooks to their vast Android user base.
   • Pros: Direct access to a massive Android audience, competitive royalty rates often 52% of list price.
   • Cons: Limited to Google Play’s ecosystem, less robust marketing tools, production support is minimal.
   • Best For: Authors prioritizing reach within the Google Play environment, especially for tech-savvy audiences.

5. Direct Sales using platforms like Gumroad, Payhip, or Shopify:

   • Description: Authors can sell their audiobooks directly from their own websites using e-commerce platforms. This involves managing their own hosting and delivery.
   • Pros: 100% royalty to the author after payment processor fees, direct control over pricing and customer data, builds direct relationships with listeners. This is an excellent alternative as it offers full control and maximizes earnings without relying on third parties.
   • Cons: Requires significant author effort for marketing, customer support, and technical setup. no access to major retail/library channels. building an audience from scratch is challenging.
   • Best For: Authors who want maximum control and royalties, are willing to handle all marketing and technical aspects, and prefer to build a direct audience. This is a very strong alternative to consider for any author.

When choosing an alternative, authors should consider their publishing goals.

Do they prioritize maximum reach, highest royalties, ease of use, or complete control? Authorsrepublic.com offers a good balance of wide distribution and competitive royalties, making it a strong contender, but direct sales offer the ultimate control and earnings.

How to Cancel Authorsrepublic.com Subscription

Based on information commonly found on similar publishing platforms, canceling a subscription or removing your audiobook from Authorsrepublic.com’s distribution network typically involves a few steps.

While specific instructions would be found within their author dashboard or terms of service, here’s a general guide:

1. Log In to Your Account: The first step is always to log into your Authorsrepublic.com author dashboard.
2. Navigate to Your Books/Titles: Once logged in, look for a section like “My Audiobooks,” “Titles,” or “Catalog.” This is where you manage your published works.
3. Select the Audiobook to Remove: If you wish to stop distributing a specific audiobook, you’ll need to locate it in your list of titles. There should be an option to “unpublish,” “remove from distribution,” or “cancel.”
4. Review the Unpublishing Process:
   • Processing Time: Be aware that it often takes time for an audiobook to be removed from all retail and library channels. This can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual retailer’s update cycles. The website or dashboard usually specifies an estimated timeframe.
   • Ongoing Sales: Sales might continue for a short period after you initiate the unpublishing request until all channels reflect the change.
   • Contractual Obligations: Double-check your initial agreement with Authorsrepublic.com for any minimum distribution periods or notice requirements. Some platforms may have clauses regarding how long a title must remain distributed.
5. Confirm Cancellation: The platform will likely require a confirmation step to ensure you genuinely wish to proceed with the unpublishing.
6. Full Account Cancellation if applicable: If you wish to completely close your Authorsrepublic.com account, look for an “Account Settings” or “Profile” section. There might be an option to close your account, which would typically remove all your titles from distribution and delete your personal data. Again, confirm any implications of full account closure.

Important Considerations:

• Payment Thresholds: If you have outstanding royalties, ensure you understand the payment threshold for payouts after unpublishing. Some platforms only pay out once a certain amount e.g., $10 or $25 has been accumulated.
• Re-distributing Elsewhere: If you plan to move your audiobook to another distributor, wait until it has been fully removed from all channels by Authorsrepublic.com before re-uploading it elsewhere. This prevents potential conflicts or duplicate listings.

Always refer to Authorsrepublic.com’s official support documentation or contact their customer service for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions on managing or canceling your titles and account. Lsib.co.uk Reviews

Authorsrepublic.com Pricing

Understanding the pricing structure of Authorsrepublic.com is crucial for authors budgeting their audiobook projects. While the website prominently highlights its 80% royalty rate for authors, it’s important to differentiate between earnings and upfront costs, particularly for production services.

1. Distribution Services:

• No Upfront Fees for Distribution: Authorsrepublic.com operates on a revenue-share model for its distribution services. This means there are typically no upfront fees or annual charges simply for distributing your audiobook through their network. They earn their percentage 20% of net royalties when your audiobook sells.
• Royalty Split: The core of their pricing is the 80% royalty for the author and 20% for Authorsrepublic.com, after the retailer or library channel takes its share. For instance, if Audible pays 40% of the list price, Authorsrepublic.com would then take 20% of that 40%, leaving the author with 80% of what Authorsrepublic.com receives. This is generally a competitive split in the industry, often more favorable than exclusive deals. For example, if an audiobook sells for $10 on a platform that takes 30% $3, leaving $7, Authorsrepublic.com takes 20% of that $7 $1.40, and the author gets $5.60 80% of $7.

2. Production Services:

This is where the direct costs for authors come into play.

Authorsrepublic.com offers two primary production pathways:

• Narrator Marketplace:
  • Cost Varies Widely: The cost to produce an audiobook through their narrator marketplace is highly variable. It depends on several factors:
    • Narrator Rates: Narrators typically charge per finished hour PFH. Rates can range from $100 PFH to $300+ PFH depending on the narrator’s experience, demand, and the complexity of the project. A standard novel e.g., 80,000 words can translate to roughly 8-10 finished hours of audio.
    • Editing and Mastering: Narrator rates often include editing and mastering, but authors should confirm this. Some narrators may charge extra for revisions beyond a certain point.
  • Example: For an 8-hour audiobook at an average of $200 PFH, the production cost could be $1,600. For a 12-hour book at $250 PFH, it could be $3,000. Authors would need to negotiate or select a narrator within their budget.
• Fully Managed Audiobook Production Service:
  • Custom Quotes: The website indicates this is a “managed service,” implying a more hands-off approach for the author, where Authorsrepublic.com handles the entire production process. Pricing for such services is almost always custom and provided upon request after evaluating the manuscript’s length and complexity.
  • Potentially Higher Cost: While convenient, managed services typically carry a higher premium than directly hiring a narrator, as they cover project management, quality control, and coordination. Costs could range from $2,000 to $5,000+ for a standard-length audiobook, depending on the level of service and narrator chosen.

Summary of Authorsrepublic.com Pricing Considerations:

• Distribution: Free upfront, 80/20 author/platform split on net royalties.
• Production: Significant upfront cost, varying from hundreds to several thousands of dollars depending on the length of the book and the narrator’s rate. Authors need to budget carefully for this phase.
• No Hidden Fees for distribution: The model appears transparent for distribution, with no mention of setup fees or annual maintenance fees.

Authors should thoroughly research narrator rates and get detailed quotes for managed services before committing, as production costs represent the primary financial investment when working with Authorsrepublic.com.

Authorsrepublic.com vs. Competitors

The primary rivals often include ACX Audible Creation Exchange and Findaway Voices, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Here’s a breakdown of Authorsrepublic.com compared to these leading platforms:

1. Authorsrepublic.com vs. ACX Audible Creation Exchange: Servicerankpro.com Reviews

• Distribution Reach:
  • Authorsrepublic.com: Offers wide distribution to 50+ retail, library, and streaming channels including Audible, Apple, Spotify, Google Play, Hoopla, Libby.
  • ACX: Primarily distributes to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. While this covers the largest market share Audible often represents over 90% of audiobook sales, it’s a limited distribution compared to aggregators.
• Royalty Rates Author’s Share:
  • Authorsrepublic.com: Claims authors keep 80% of net royalties received by the platform after retailer cut. This is very competitive.
  • ACX: Offers 40% for exclusive distribution to Audible, Amazon, iTunes and 25% for non-exclusive distribution to these three platforms only, allowing you to distribute elsewhere.
  • Verdict: Authorsrepublic.com generally offers a higher potential royalty rate for wide distribution. ACX’s exclusive terms mean higher royalty only if you commit to their ecosystem, which limits your overall reach.
• Exclusivity:
  • Authorsrepublic.com: Non-exclusive. Authors maintain full rights and can distribute their audiobook elsewhere.
  • ACX: Offers both exclusive and non-exclusive options, but the non-exclusive option yields significantly lower royalties 25%.
• Production:
  • Authorsrepublic.com: Offers a narrator marketplace and managed production services.
  • ACX: Has a robust “Royalty Share” option where narrators get a percentage of royalties instead of upfront payment risky for narrators and a “Pay-for-Production” model.
• Verdict: For authors prioritizing wide reach and higher non-exclusive royalties, Authorsrepublic.com is likely more appealing. For authors whose sole focus is Audible and who are willing to go exclusive for a higher rate within that ecosystem, ACX might seem simpler.

2. Authorsrepublic.com vs. Findaway Voices owned by Spotify:

*   Authorsrepublic.com: 50+ channels.
*   Findaway Voices: Over 40 retail and library partners very similar to Authorsrepublic.com's extensive network, including Audible, Apple, Google Play, Kobo, library platforms.
*   Authorsrepublic.com: 80% of net royalties.
*   Findaway Voices: Authors typically keep 80% of net earnings after the retailer's cut, matching Authorsrepublic.com's competitive split.
*   Authorsrepublic.com: Non-exclusive.
*   Findaway Voices: Non-exclusive.
*   Authorsrepublic.com: Narrator marketplace and managed services.
*   Findaway Voices: Also offers a strong narrator marketplace "Voices" marketplace and production support.

• Features/Services: Both platforms offer similar features like promo codes and marketing support. Findaway Voices has a reputation for strong customer service and being very author-friendly.
• Verdict: Authorsrepublic.com and Findaway Voices are very similar in their offerings and target audience. Both provide excellent wide distribution and competitive royalties without exclusivity. The choice between them might come down to minor differences in user interface, specific distribution partners, or personal preference for customer support experience. Authors might try one, then switch if they prefer the workflow of the other.

Conclusion:

Authorsrepublic.com positions itself strongly against ACX by offering much wider distribution without exclusivity and higher non-exclusive royalty rates.

Against Findaway Voices, it stands as a direct competitor with a very similar value proposition.

Authors should compare specific channels, production pricing, and review current user feedback for both Authorsrepublic.com and Findaway Voices to make a final decision, as they are both strong contenders for wide audiobook distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Authorsrepublic.com?

Authorsrepublic.com is a self-service audiobook publishing platform designed to help independent authors create, distribute, and sell their audiobooks to a wide network of retail, library, and streaming channels worldwide.

How much do authors earn on Authorsrepublic.com?

Authorsrepublic.com claims authors can earn up to 80% of the net royalties received by the platform from sales across its distribution network.

Does Authorsrepublic.com distribute to Audible?

Yes, Authorsrepublic.com distributes audiobooks to major platforms including Audible, Apple Books, Spotify, Google Play, Hoopla, and Libby, among others.

What are the main advantages of using Authorsrepublic.com?

The main advantages include wide distribution to over 50 channels, competitive royalty rates 80% of net, flexible production options narrator marketplace, managed service, or bring your own audio, and non-exclusive terms.

Are there any upfront fees to distribute with Authorsrepublic.com?

No, Authorsrepublic.com typically does not charge upfront fees for distribution. Clearme.com Reviews

They operate on a revenue-share model, taking a percentage of earned royalties.

How much does it cost to produce an audiobook with Authorsrepublic.com?

The cost of production varies significantly.

Using their narrator marketplace, rates are typically per finished hour PFH, ranging from $100-$300+ PFH.

Managed production services will be quoted custom and are generally higher.

Can I use my own pre-recorded audiobook with Authorsrepublic.com?

Yes, Authorsrepublic.com allows authors to upload their own pre-recorded and mastered audiobooks for distribution.

How does Authorsrepublic.com compare to ACX?

Authorsrepublic.com generally offers wider distribution 50+ channels vs. primarily Audible/Amazon/iTunes and higher non-exclusive royalty rates 80% net vs. ACX’s 25% non-exclusive. ACX offers 40% for exclusive distribution.

How does Authorsrepublic.com compare to Findaway Voices?

Authorsrepublic.com and Findaway Voices are very similar, both offering wide distribution and competitive 80% net royalty splits on non-exclusive terms.

The choice often comes down to specific channel access or user interface preference.

Can I get promo codes for my audiobook on Authorsrepublic.com?

Yes, Authorsrepublic.com states it provides unlimited free promo codes for authors to use for giveaways and reviews. Stackskills.com Reviews

What kind of customer support does Authorsrepublic.com offer?

The website states they offer “superior customer support with fast response times” to assist authors.

Does Authorsrepublic.com protect authors’ rights?

Yes, Authorsrepublic.com emphasizes that its terms are designed to protect the rights of authors, maintaining non-exclusive agreements.

How long does it take for an audiobook to go live after submission?

The website doesn’t provide a specific timeline, but typically, it can take several weeks for an audiobook to be processed and appear across all distribution channels.

What happens if I want to unpublish my audiobook from Authorsrepublic.com?

You can usually unpublish your audiobook from your author dashboard.

It may take some time days to weeks for the audiobook to be removed from all retail and library channels.

Can Authorsrepublic.com help with marketing my audiobook?

While they offer promo codes and mention “retailer and library promotional opportunities,” the primary responsibility for marketing typically rests with the author.

Is Authorsrepublic.com suitable for new authors?

Yes, its self-service platform and production options aim to make it accessible for new authors entering the audiobook market.

Does Authorsrepublic.com offer royalty share options for narrators?

The website does not explicitly mention a royalty share option for narrators.

Its narrator marketplace primarily focuses on per finished hour PFH payments.

Are there any monthly fees for Authorsrepublic.com?

No, there are no stated monthly fees for using Authorsrepublic.com for distribution. it’s a royalty-share model. Mediafix.co.uk Reviews

How often are authors paid by Authorsrepublic.com?

The website does not explicitly state payment frequency, but most platforms pay royalties monthly or quarterly once a minimum threshold is met.

Can Authorsrepublic.com distribute to libraries like Libby and Hoopla?

Yes, Authorsrepublic.com confirms distribution to library channels such as Libby and Hoopla, which are popular for audiobook borrowing.