Audible's Monopoly: How One Author is Shaking the System ????

Introduction

Hey, corporate professionals! You've probably heard of Audible, the go-to platform for audiobooks. But did you know that this giant is facing a significant backlash from authors? Let's dive into why Audible's monopoly is causing a stir and how one author, Brandon Sanderson, is leading a movement against it. ??

The Audible Monopoly: A Blessing and a Curse ??

The Rise to Dominance

Audible has become a household name, boasting a 63.4% market share in the audiobook industry. But this monopoly has led to some questionable practices, especially when it comes to their relationship with authors. ??

The Unfavorable Deals for Authors ??

Audible has been leveraging its monopoly to force authors into extremely unfavorable deals. Indie authors, in particular, are hit hard, receiving only 40% of the total revenue from their audiobooks. ??

Brandon Sanderson: The Rebel with a Cause ??♂?

The Audible Protest

Brandon Sanderson took a stand against Audible's practices by refusing to publish his books on the platform. He launched a Kickstarter campaign with a goal of $1 million and ended up raising a staggering $41.7 million! ??

The Message Behind the Movement ???

Sanderson's campaign wasn't just about his books; it was a statement against Audible's monopoly. His success has shown that authors can survive and even thrive outside the Audible ecosystem. ??

The Real Cost of Publishing on Audible ??

The Hidden Expenses

Publishing on Audible isn't free. Authors have to pay for professional voiceovers, studio rentals, and audio engineers, which can cost upwards of $6,000. This makes the 40% revenue share even more egregious. ??

The Great Listen Guarantee Trap ??

Audible's "Great Listen Guarantee" allows listeners to return books, but the cost is borne by the authors, further reducing their already meager earnings. ??

Alternatives and the Road Ahead ???

Exploring Other Platforms ??

Sanderson explored alternatives like Spotify and Speechify, eventually settling for a 70% revenue share with Speechify. This could set a precedent for other authors to follow. ??

The Challenge of Breaking Free ???

While Sanderson's move is commendable, it's just the beginning. To truly shake Audible's monopoly, more authors and listeners need to migrate to alternative platforms. ??♀?

Conclusion: The Audible Quandary ??♂?

Audible's monopoly has led to an imbalance of power, affecting authors who make the platform what it is. The story of Brandon Sanderson serves as a beacon of hope, showing that change is possible. ??