If you’re an author or narrator looking to get involved in audiobook production, you may have come across ACX. ACX is an audiobook production marketplace that allows authors and producers to earn royalties from audiobook sales. But is ACX legit and safe to use?
According to Trustpilot reviews, ACX has a low rating of 1.7 stars. However, it’s important to note that these ratings come from both authors and narrators, and there may be other factors at play, such as misunderstandings or issues with customer service. It’s also worth noting that there are success stories of authors and narrators finding work and earning money through ACX.
While ACX is a legitimate platform, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and scams that can occur on any online marketplace. Maintaining a dialogue with the Rights Holder throughout the production process and avoiding books with no cover art or poorly produced cover art can help mitigate these risks. Overall, while ACX may not be for everyone, it can be a viable option for authors and narrators looking to get involved in audiobook production.
Understanding ACX
If you’re looking to create and sell audiobooks, ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) is a popular platform to consider. ACX is owned by Audible Inc., which is a subsidiary of Amazon. It’s a marketplace that connects authors, publishers, and narrators to create and distribute audiobooks through Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
To get started, you’ll need to create an account on the ACX website. Once you’ve signed up, you can either post a job listing as an author or producer looking for a narrator, or you can audition for available projects as a narrator.
ACX offers several services to help you create and distribute your audiobook, including:
- Audiobook production: ACX provides tools to help you find and hire a narrator, as well as manage the production process.
- Audiobook distribution: Once your audiobook is complete, ACX will distribute it to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
- Royalty payments: ACX pays out royalties to authors, publishers, and narrators based on sales of their audiobooks.
It’s important to note that while ACX is a legitimate platform for creating and selling audiobooks, it’s not a guarantee of success. You’ll still need to put in the effort to create a high-quality audiobook and market it effectively to see sales.
Overall, ACX is a user-friendly platform that can help you create and distribute your audiobook. If you’re willing to put in the work, it can be a great way to reach a wider audience and earn royalties from your audiobook sales.
The Role of ACX in Audiobook Production
ACX, short for Audiobook Creation Exchange, is an online platform owned by Audible Inc., an Amazon subsidiary. It was launched in 2011 and has since become one of the leading platforms in the audiobook production market.
As an author, narrator, or producer, ACX provides you with the opportunity to create and distribute your audio project to a global audience. The platform connects authors with narrators and producers, making it easier to create audiobooks. ACX also offers a wide range of tools and resources to help you manage your audiobook production project.
One of the significant advantages of using ACX is that it allows you to retain the rights to your audiobook while giving you access to a vast audience. ACX also offers a royalty-sharing model, which means that you can earn a percentage of the revenue generated from the sales of your audiobook.
As a narrator, ACX provides you with a platform to showcase your skills and connect with authors and producers. The platform also offers a wide range of audiobook projects, making it easier to find projects that match your skills and interests.
For producers and recording studios, ACX provides you with an opportunity to connect with authors and narrators and offer your services. You can also use the platform to manage your audiobook production project, from casting to distribution.
In summary, ACX plays a significant role in the audiobook production industry, providing authors, narrators, and producers with a platform to create and distribute their audiobook projects. The platform also offers a wide range of tools and resources to help you manage your audiobook production project.
How to Work with ACX
Working with ACX can be a great opportunity for actors and narrators to showcase their skills and earn money by narrating audiobooks. Here are some tips to help you work with ACX effectively:
Auditioning
When auditioning for a project on ACX, make sure to read the project details carefully and follow the instructions provided by the author or rights holder (RH). It’s important to submit a high-quality sample that showcases your narration skills and matches the tone and style of the book.
Cover Art
Make sure to check the cover art of the book before auditioning. Avoid books with no cover art or cover art that looks unprofessional. This could be a red flag that the project may not be legitimate.
Samples
When submitting a sample, make sure to include a variety of voices and accents that match the book’s characters. This will help the author or RH get a better sense of your range and abilities.
Email Communication
Maintain a dialogue with the author or RH throughout the production process. This will help ensure that you’re on the same page and can address any concerns or questions that may arise.
Acting and Narrating
When narrating an audiobook, it’s important to bring the characters to life and create a unique voice for each one. This will help engage listeners and make the book more enjoyable to listen to.
Remember, ACX offers a variety of payment options, including per finished hour (PFH) and royalty share (RS). Make sure to read the project details carefully and choose the payment option that works best for you.
Working with ACX can be a rewarding experience for actors and narrators. Follow these tips to help you succeed and create high-quality audiobooks that listeners will love.
Payment and Compensation Details
When it comes to getting compensated for your work on ACX, there are a few different payment options available. The most common are royalties, royalty share, and a fixed payment per finished hour (PFH).
Royalties are a percentage of the audiobook’s sale price that is paid out to the author, narrator, and other parties involved in the production. The royalty rate is set by the rights holder, and it can range from 5% to 40% depending on the specific agreement.
Royalty share is a payment option where the narrator and author split the royalties earned from the audiobook’s sales. This option is popular among narrators who are willing to take a risk on a project that they believe has the potential to sell well.
If you prefer a more predictable payment structure, then a fixed payment per finished hour (PFH) may be a better option for you. With this payment option, you receive a predetermined amount of money for each hour of finished audio that you produce.
ACX also offers a royalty share plus (RS+) option, which allows narrators to receive a higher royalty rate in exchange for a lower upfront payment. This option is only available for select projects, and it’s important to carefully consider the potential earnings before agreeing to it.
Payments are made through ACX’s payment system, which is linked to your Amazon account. You can choose to receive payments via direct deposit or check, and payments are typically made within 30 days of the end of the month in which the audiobook was sold.
It’s important to note that your earnings on ACX will depend on a variety of factors, including the royalty rate, the audiobook’s sales performance, and your own production speed and efficiency. However, many narrators have found success on the platform and have been able to earn a steady income from their work.
Pros and Cons of Using ACX
If you’re considering using ACX for audiobook production and distribution, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using ACX:
Pros
- Access to a large community of authors and narrators: ACX has a large pool of talented authors and narrators who are eager to collaborate on audiobook projects.
- Easy distribution on Audible and Amazon: ACX takes care of the distribution process, making it easy for your audiobook to reach a wide audience on two of the largest audiobook platforms in the world.
- Flexible payment options: ACX offers a variety of payment options for authors and narrators, including royalty share deals and upfront payments.
- Control over the production process: As an author or narrator, you have control over the production process, including casting, directing, and editing.
Cons
- Low pay rates for narrators: Many narrators have complained about low pay rates on ACX, which can make it difficult to earn a living wage.
- Negative reviews on Trustpilot: ACX has a low rating on Trustpilot, with many negative reviews from both authors and narrators.
- Potential for scams: Some users have reported scams on the platform, so it’s important to be cautious and do your research before accepting any projects.
Overall, ACX can be a great option for authors and narrators looking to collaborate on audiobook projects and reach a wider audience. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and do your research before making a decision.
ACX Customer Service and Support
When it comes to ACX, customer service and support are essential for a smooth and successful experience. Fortunately, ACX provides various resources to help you navigate any issues that may arise during the audiobook creation process.
If you encounter any problems or have questions, the ACX support team is available to assist you. You can contact them via email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-888-396-6347. The support team is available from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 9 pm Eastern Time.
ACX also provides an extensive FAQ section on its website, covering many common issues and questions. You can find information on topics such as royalties, contracts, and technical issues. Additionally, ACX has a community forum where you can connect with other audiobook creators and ask for advice or assistance.
One thing to keep in mind is that ACX’s customer service is not always perfect. Some users have reported issues with response times and unhelpful customer service representatives. However, many others have had positive experiences with ACX support and found them to be friendly and helpful.
Overall, while there may be some occasional hiccups, ACX provides adequate customer service and support to help you create your audiobook successfully. Just remember to utilize the resources available to you and reach out to the support team if you need assistance.
Distribution and Ownership Rights
When you publish an audiobook through ACX, you have the option to choose between exclusive and non-exclusive distribution. If you choose exclusive distribution, you grant Audible the exclusive right to distribute your audiobook through their platform. This means that you cannot distribute your audiobook through any other platform, including iTunes and Findaway Voices.
On the other hand, if you choose non-exclusive distribution, you retain the right to distribute your audiobook through other platforms while still being able to sell it on Audible. However, it’s important to note that if you opt for the royalty share payment option, you must choose exclusive distribution.
As a rights holder, you have ownership over the content of your audiobook. This means that you have the right to make decisions about how your audiobook is produced, marketed, and distributed. When you work with a producer through ACX, you retain ownership of the content, but you grant the producer a license to use that content to produce the audiobook.
It’s important to read and understand the ACX distribution policy before publishing your audiobook. ACX allows rights holders of DIY or Pay-for-Production titles that have been on sale for 90 or more days to convert their distribution type from exclusive to non-exclusive. This change also affects the applicable royalty rate.
Overall, ACX provides a legitimate platform for audiobook production and distribution. However, it’s important to carefully consider your options and read the terms and policies before making any decisions.
Comparing ACX with Other Platforms
When it comes to publishing your audiobook, ACX is not the only platform available. There are other platforms like Findaway Voices that you can consider. Here is a brief comparison between ACX and Findaway Voices to help you make an informed decision.
ACX
ACX is a platform owned by Amazon that connects authors, publishers, agents, and other rights holders with narrators, recording studios, engineers, and producers for the creation of audiobooks. ACX offers a wide range of tools to help authors find the right narrator for their project and to manage their audiobook production process.
ACX is a popular platform that has a large community of narrators and producers. It also offers royalty share options that allow authors to pay for their audiobook production upfront or share the royalties with their narrator or producer.
Findaway Voices
Findaway Voices is another platform that connects authors with audiobook producers. Findaway Voices offers a wide range of services that include audiobook production, distribution, and marketing. Findaway Voices also offers a wide range of pricing options that allow authors to choose the best option that suits their budget.
Findaway Voices is a good platform for authors who want to have more control over their audiobook production process. Findaway Voices also offers a wide range of distribution options that allow authors to distribute their audiobooks to a wide range of platforms.
Which one is better?
ACX and Findaway Voices are both good platforms that offer different services. ACX is a good platform for authors who want to have a large community of narrators and producers to choose from. Findaway Voices is a good platform for authors who want to have more control over their audiobook production process.
Ultimately, the choice between ACX and Findaway Voices depends on your specific needs and preferences. It’s important to do your research and choose the platform that best suits your needs.
Is ACX Legit or a Scam?
If you’re considering using ACX to produce or distribute your audiobook, you may be wondering if the platform is legit or a scam. The short answer is that ACX is a legitimate platform, but like any online marketplace, there is always a risk of encountering scammers or fraudulent activity.
ACX is owned by Audible, a subsidiary of Amazon, which lends credibility to the platform’s legitimacy. ACX allows authors and publishers to connect with narrators and producers to create and distribute audiobooks, and it pays out royalties to its users. However, just because ACX is owned by a reputable company doesn’t mean that every user on the platform is trustworthy.
It’s important to do your research and thoroughly vet any potential collaborators on ACX before entering into a contract or agreement. Look for reviews and ratings of users on the platform, and consider using ACX’s messaging system to communicate with potential collaborators and ask questions before committing to a project.
If you’re approached by a user on ACX who seems suspicious or offers you a deal that seems too good to be true, it’s important to trust your instincts and proceed with caution. Don’t provide any personal information or payment details until you’re confident that the user is legitimate and trustworthy.
In summary, ACX is a legitimate platform for creating and distributing audiobooks, but like any online marketplace, there is always a risk of encountering fraudulent activity. It’s important to do your due diligence and thoroughly vet potential collaborators before entering into any agreements on the platform.
Resources and Tools on ACX
ACX provides a variety of resources and tools to help you create and publish your audiobook. Here are some of the most useful ones:
Audiobook Production Guidelines
ACX has a set of guidelines that you should follow when producing your audiobook. These guidelines cover everything from technical specifications to performance tips. Following these guidelines will help ensure that your audiobook meets ACX’s quality standards and is accepted for distribution.
Audiobook Production Checklist
ACX also provides a handy production checklist that you can use to make sure you’ve covered all the necessary steps in creating your audiobook. The checklist covers everything from preparing your manuscript to submitting your finished audiobook for review.
Royalty Calculator
ACX’s royalty calculator is a helpful tool that can give you an idea of how much money you can expect to earn from your audiobook. Simply enter the price of your audiobook and the length of the audio and the calculator will give you an estimate of your potential earnings.
Cover Art Guidelines
ACX has specific guidelines for cover art that you should follow when creating your audiobook cover. These guidelines cover everything from image size to content restrictions. Following these guidelines will help ensure that your cover meets ACX’s quality standards and is accepted for distribution.
Promotional Tools
ACX provides a variety of promotional tools to help you market your audiobook. These include free promotional codes that you can give to reviewers or use for giveaways, as well as marketing tips and advice.
Overall, ACX provides a wealth of resources and tools to help you create and publish your audiobook. By taking advantage of these resources, you can increase your chances of success on the platform.
Promoting Your Work on ACX
Once your audiobook is complete and available on ACX, it’s time to start promoting it to potential listeners. Here are some tips for promoting your work on ACX:
Utilize Social Media
Social media can be a powerful tool for promoting your audiobook. Consider creating a Facebook page or Twitter account specifically for your audiobook. You can use these platforms to share updates on the production process, post snippets of the audiobook, and share links to where listeners can purchase it.
Leverage Your Network
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your personal and professional networks to promote your audiobook. Share the news with friends, family, and colleagues, and ask them to help spread the word. You can also consider reaching out to industry contacts, such as book bloggers or podcasters, to see if they would be interested in reviewing or featuring your audiobook.
Offer Promotions and Discounts
Consider offering promotions or discounts to entice listeners to purchase your audiobook. You can offer a limited-time discount or bundle your audiobook with other titles to offer a deal. Be sure to promote these offers on your social media channels and website.
Utilize ACX Promotions
ACX offers a variety of promotions and marketing opportunities for audiobooks. These include the ACX Bounty Program, which rewards listeners for downloading your audiobook, and the ACX Promo Codes program, which allows you to offer free copies of your audiobook to reviewers and influencers. Be sure to take advantage of these opportunities to help promote your work on ACX.
By utilizing social media, leveraging your network, offering promotions and discounts, and taking advantage of ACX promotions, you can effectively promote your audiobook and reach a wider audience on ACX.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ACX is a legitimate platform for authors, narrators, and audio producers. As an Amazon-owned company, ACX has been in the game for at least a decade and has facilitated the production of over 10,000 audiobooks since its launch in 2011. ACX has paid out hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties to its authors and narrators, with authors receiving up to 40% of their audiobook’s sales.
While ACX is a legitimate platform, finding work on the platform can be challenging. With nearly 25,000 voice actors, producers, and narrators on the platform, competition can be fierce. However, with the right skills, experience, and dedication, it is possible to find paid opportunities on ACX.
It is important to note that there are some disadvantages to using ACX. For example, ACX takes a percentage of the audiobook’s sales as a fee, and there have been some complaints about the platform’s customer service. Additionally, ACX only accepts audiobook projects that meet certain criteria, such as a minimum length of two hours and a high level of audio quality.
Overall, if you are an author or narrator looking to produce an audiobook, ACX is a legitimate platform worth considering. With a large library of audiobooks and a proven track record of paying out royalties to its users, ACX can be a valuable resource for those looking to break into the audiobook industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does ACX pay its narrators?
ACX pays its narrators through royalties earned from audiobook sales. The royalty rate is determined by the distribution option chosen by the rights holder. If the rights holder chooses exclusive distribution, the narrator can earn up to 40% of the royalties. If non-exclusive distribution is chosen, the narrator can earn up to 25% of the royalties.
Is ACX a trustworthy platform?
Yes, ACX is a trustworthy platform. It is owned by Amazon, which is a reputable company. However, as with any online marketplace, there is always a risk of encountering fraudulent activity. ACX provides resources and guidelines to help mitigate this risk.
What are some alternatives to ACX?
Some alternatives to ACX include Findaway Voices, Authors Republic, and Spoken Realms. Each of these platforms has its own unique features and benefits.
Can beginners succeed on ACX?
Yes, beginners can succeed on ACX. However, it is important to have some experience in voice acting and audio production before starting on the platform. ACX offers resources and guidelines for beginners to help them get started.
Is narrating for ACX a profitable venture?
Narrating for ACX can be a profitable venture, but it depends on several factors such as the genre and length of the audiobook, the royalty rate, and the narrator’s experience and skill level. It is important to carefully consider these factors before accepting a project.
Is ACX a reputable company?
Yes, ACX is a reputable company. It is owned by Amazon, which is a well-known and respected company. ACX has been around since 2011 and has a large community of authors, narrators, and producers. However, as with any online marketplace, it is important to be cautious and aware of potential risks.