A savvy overview of licensing, royalties, and strategic control

When your book represents your business, brand, or body of work, every publishing decision should support the long game, including how you handle your audiobook rights and distribution.

At Lucent Audio, we work with authors who think beyond just getting their book into audio. They want to retain control, maximize royalties, and make strategic choices that serve their long-term goals.

Here’s what high-earning authors understand—and what you should know before signing anything.

You Don’t Have to Give Up Your Audiobook Rights

Traditional publishers, and even some audiobook production companies, may ask you to sign away your audio rights in exchange for production or distribution. That might sound convenient upfront, but it can lock you into long-term limitations.

Sharp authors know: retaining your audio rights gives you flexibility, control, and the ability to repurpose or re-release your audiobook however you choose.

When you work with an independent partner like Lucent, you keep full ownership of your intellectual property, while we handle the production and delivery.

Distribution Should Be Wide and Strategic

One common trap? Exclusive distribution deals that limit where your audiobook can be sold.

While exclusivity can sometimes yield higher royalties on a single platform (like Audible), it also narrows your audience reach.

High-earning authors weigh the pros and cons:

Exclusive distribution (typically through ACX/Audible) pays up to 40% royalties but restricts availability.
Non-exclusive distribution offers lower royalties per sale on Audible (around 25%) but allows placement across nearly 60 platforms including Spotify, Apple Books, Libro.fm, Google Play, Kobo, Storytel, Chirp, libraries, and more.

Authors with broad audiences or strong marketing engines often opt for wide distribution to maximize visibility and long-term revenue.

Production Doesn’t Require a Middleman

Audiobook production has never been more accessible, but not all production paths are created equal. Working with an independent team like Lucent gives you more control, better quality, and fewer compromises.

Lucent Audio, produces top-quality audiobooks that meet all platform standards.

That means:

You choose your narrator (or narrate yourself)
You retain full rights
We upload your audiobook and cover to YOUR distribution account

With this model, you act as your own publisher, without giving up ownership or splitting profits unnecessarily.

Royalties Matter, But So Does Control

It’s tempting to chase the highest per-sale payout. But savvy authors consider control just as valuable as cash.

When you:

Own your rights
Choose who narrates
Choose your distribution platforms...you not only earn fair royalties, you protect your brand and position yourself for future opportunities like special editions.

Smart Authors Get Clear on the Fine Print

Some audiobook aggregators bury clauses about long-term exclusivity, auto-renewals, or minimum revenue thresholds for payout.

Lucent Audio helps authors review and understand the contracts they’re signing, so nothing compromises their future plans.

Our Preferred Distribution Partner

At Lucent Audio, we recommend distributing through Author’s Republic. They offer exceptional customer service, wide-reaching platform access (nearly 60 outlets), and, when you produce your audiobook with us, they’ll increase your royalty rate. You’ll keep 85% of your royalties, with just 15% going to Author’s Republic for managing distribution.

Lucent Audio never takes a cut of your royalties. Just to be crystal clear: your earnings are yours.

Final Takeaway: Own the Path, Own the Profit

Audiobooks are more than a format, they’re an extension of your voice, brand, and message.
If you’re intentional about how you handle your rights and distribution, your audiobook can become a lasting asset that works for you for years to come.

At Lucent Audio, we don’t just produce world-class audiobooks, we help high-earning authors make empowered, informed choices every step of the way.

Want a trusted partner to guide your next audiobook?

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What High-Earning Authors Know About Audiobook Rights and Distribution