Official Website
ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) is a marketplace that connects authors/publishers with narrators and producers to create audiobooks, and distributes them through Audible/Amazon (and other channels depending on your settings).
🔗 Visit Official Website — ACX
Domain: www.acx.com
What This Website Is
ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) is a marketplace that connects authors/publishers with narrators and producers to create audiobooks, and distributes them through Audible/Amazon (and other channels depending on your settings). For a 📚 Self-Publishing on Amazon KDP side hustle, it can be used to turn your ebooks/paperbacks into audiobooks so you can add an additional format and revenue stream.
How to Apply It to Self-Publishing on Amazon KDP
Use ACX after you have a book that sells (or that you’re confident in) and you want to expand into audiobooks. The key is choosing the right title, selecting the right deal type (royalty share vs paid/PFH), and managing production so you end up with a professional product that earns over time.
Step-by-Step Implementation:
- Phase 1: Pick one “best candidate” book (good reviews, clear niche, strong blurb) and claim it on ACX as the rights holder
- Phase 2: Decide on production approach (self-narrate vs hire) and publish an audition script to attract narrators/producers
- Phase 3: Manage production (milestones, approvals, audio quality), choose distribution settings, then promote the audiobook and track sales/royalties
Common Use Cases for this Side Hustle:
- Scenario A: If you have an ebook that sells steadily, use ACX to add an audiobook version and increase total revenue per title
- Scenario B: If you want to differentiate in a competitive niche, use ACX to produce a higher-quality audiobook (better narrator/production) and charge more
When to Use This
- You already have a book published (or ready to publish) and want an audiobook format
- You want access to Audible/Amazon’s audiobook audience
- You’re willing to manage a multi-step production process
- You want to explore royalty share vs paid production tradeoffs
- You want to build a longer-term catalog of formats per title
Best Tasks to Use It For
- Audiobook format expansion
- Narrator/producer hiring
- Royalty and deal selection
- Distribution setup
- Backlist monetization
Getting Started Steps
- Visit ACX and create a rights holder account.
- Search for your book and claim the title (or add a new title if needed).
- Choose your deal type (royalty share, PFH, or other options available).
- Post an audition script and requirements (tone, accent, genre, deadlines).
- Review auditions and select a narrator/producer.
- Approve checkpoints and final audio files, then publish.
- Promote the audiobook to your existing readers and track performance.
Good Beginner Search Terms
- ACX rights holder setup
- ACX royalty share vs PFH
- how to choose a narrator on ACX
- ACX audiobook production checklist
- Audible distribution through ACX
- KDP to audiobook workflow
Monetization Angle
ACX helps you monetize your KDP catalog by adding an audiobook version of your book. That can increase lifetime value per title, open a new audience on Audible, and create recurring royalties. If you build a repeatable audiobook process, you can scale by converting your best-performing backlist titles first.
Pros
- Adds a new format and revenue stream to existing books
- Distribution through Audible/Amazon ecosystem
- Flexible production options (hire vs self-narrate)
Cons
- Production can be slow and time-intensive
- Quality control matters (poor narration can hurt sales)
- Upfront costs possible if paying per finished hour
Who Should Use This
This is best for KDP authors with at least one solid book (or series) who want to expand into audiobooks and can manage vendors or production timelines. It works well if you’re building a catalog and want multiple formats per title.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you haven’t published a book yet or you’re still validating your niche. It may not be ideal if you can’t manage production, don’t want to invest time/money in audio, or prefer focusing only on ebooks/paperbacks first.
Practical Applications
- Review current rights-holder and audiobook project requirements.
- Prepare an authorized manuscript and production brief.
- Clarify narration, approvals, costs, distribution, and usage before engaging a producer.
Important Considerations
- Audiobook arrangements are distinct from KDP ebook and print publication; verify eligibility, exclusivity, compensation, rights, and current distribution terms.
- Confirm all audio and text permissions and explicitly address AI use and voice rights; distribution does not guarantee sales or royalties.
Related Resources
Publisher Rocket — Helps validate keywords and categories before investing in audiobook production.
Vellum — Formats ebook and print editions that can be expanded into audiobook formats.
r/KDP — Provides community insight on publishing, formats, and author promotion.
Related Side Hustles
Self-Publishing on Amazon KDP — ACX adds audiobook editions and Audible distribution to a self-published catalog.
Blogging: Build an Online Brand and Earn from Your Words — Blog audiences can promote audiobook launches and author updates.
Selling Digital Products — Audiobooks are another digital format that can extend existing intellectual property.