A Guide to Author’s Republic for Audiobook Authors and Publishers
Introduction to Author’s Republic
Author’s Republic is a self‑service audiobook production and wide distribution platform that helps indie authors and small publishers create, publish, and distribute audiobooks to over 50 retail, library, and streaming partners worldwide.
Author’s Republic’s distribution reaches the biggest audiobook platforms, including Audible, Apple Books, Spotify, Google Play, Hoopla, and Libby.
Author’s Republic distribution
Listeners reached through Author’s Republic are the combined audiences of its retail and library partners: audiobook buyers on stores and apps (Audible, Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, Libro.fm, Audiobooks.com, etc.), subscribers to streaming services such as Spotify, and library patrons who borrow via OverDrive/Libby and Hoopla.
How to sell audiobooks on Author’s Republic
Once you create a free Author’s Republic account, you can create or upload a finished audiobook (opening, sample, chapter tracks, closing), set metadata and MSRP in your AR account, choose distribution options, and submit for distribution. Author’s Republic also offers production services and a narrator marketplace if you need narration or managed production.
You’ll be asked if you want to distribute to Audible/Amazon. Check yes or no; if you say no, you’re welcome to use ACX, if you wish. You’ll be asked if you want to distribute to an extensive list of library and retail partners. Check yes or no. You’ll have to email Author’s Republic if you want to opt out of any individual retailers. Check yes if you wish to make your titles available through music streaming platforms.
Who is eligible to publish an audiobook with Author’s Republic?
Authors in all countries who are over age 18.
Independent authors, small presses, and narrators may publish via Author’s Republic; the platform supports self‑publishers and publishers who control the audiobook rights and can supply required audio files and metadata.
Author’s Republic: Is it free?
It’s free. There is no setup fee or distribution fee to open an account, upload your audiobook, and distribute it using Author’s Republic.
Production and narrator rates are arranged separately from distribution; you can hire a narrator on Author’s Republic’s platform, but you’re more than welcome to bring your own files—you are welcome to narrate your own book, hire a narrator on another platform, or use AI voice narration to produce your files. Production and narrator rates are arranged separately from distribution.
Author’s Republic audiobook pricing for authors
Unlike ACX, you set the price (MSRP) of your audiobooks in your Author’s Republic Account. Do note that “In some cases,” some distribution partners “offer fixed pricing (like a flat price for a credit) or price books automatically based on length.”
AR provides guidance on pricing strategies to help you balance discoverability with revenue goals. You are also allowed to change the price of your audiobook on Author’s Republic, though you have to contact customer support to do so.
As a nonfiction author looking to unlock the secrets to publishing and marketing success, it helps to have an expert in your corner.
Get expert guidance from a pro and optimize your book’s potential.
Author’s Republic Royalties: How much do you get paid?
Author’s Republic now offers an 80% royalty share to authors (information provided), and the platform emphasizes non‑exclusive distribution so authors retain their rights. Author’s Republic also reports that its negotiated terms with Apple exceed a 25% split compared to going through Amazon‑linked channels, although it was contractually obligated not to provide specifics.
Because Author’s Republic gets your book into retail (including subscription-based), library, and streaming platforms, you will earn royalties through different royalty models. Generally speaking, Author’s Republic takes a 20% cut. Note that there are different royalty models depending on how your book is purchased or consumed. From Spotify, you would get 80% of the 50% royalty for a la carte purchases; “pro-rata share” of shared revenues when Spotify Plus subscribers listen to your audiobook.
How do you get paid on Author’s Republic? What is the threshold for royalty payments for Author’s Republic?
According to the Author’s Republic payout schedule, “Author’s Republic pays royalties monthly via PayPal or (for US authors only) ACH direct deposit after collection from partners. Funds are disbursed between the 1st and 15th for royalties collected and cleared. Payouts are made once you have met your chosen minimum payout threshold of $10 or more in a given pay period.”
“Our distribution partners all have unique schedules for sending royalties to us. Some will pay us within 30 days of the previous month's end; some will pay us 30 days after the previous quarter. Regardless, every month, we'll send you any royalties we've collected in your name.”
The dashboard and royalty reporting is easy to navigate and understand.
There is also a tab that you can click on that will tell you the demographics of your Spotify listeners.
Author’s Republic does not withhold tax obligations but does provide you with required forms.
Upload an Audiobook to Author’s Republic
As with other audiobook platforms, it’s as simple as uploading the files and cover art and filling in the metadata fields.
To upload, prepare required tracks (opening, sample, chapter(s), closing), name files and metadata correctly, and use the dashboard upload workflow. Narrators or production teams can also upload on your behalf once granted access. Files must meet AR’s technical audio specs for acceptance by distribution partners.
Author’s Republic does not withhold tax obligations but does provide you with required forms.
Upload an Audiobook to Author’s Republic
As with other audiobook platforms, it’s as simple as uploading the files and cover art and filling in the metadata fields.
To upload, prepare required tracks (opening, sample, chapter(s), closing), name files and metadata correctly, and use the dashboard upload workflow. Narrators or production teams can also upload on your behalf once granted access and files must meet AR’s technical audio specs for acceptance by distribution partners.
Author’s Republic Audio Requirements
Here’s what to know about Author’s Republic audio requirements: Files must have consistent sound and formatting, use mono or stereo consistently, maintain the same bitrate across files, include separate opening and closing credits, include a 1–5 minute sample track, contain only one chapter or section per file, and include 1–5 seconds of silence at start and end of each track.
Tracks should be no longer than 119 minutes each (AR recently raised its public per‑track cap to reflect partner changes) and should measure between −23 dB and −18 dB RMS with controlled peaks to meet partner loudness and peak standards.
AR also lists required track types (opening, sample, chapter tracks, closing) and provides tutorials and export settings in its Technical Requirements to guide authors through validating files before upload.
Author’s Republic cover art requirements explain that cover files must be 2400 pixels x 2400 pixels, in JPG format, and under 5 MB.
Author’s Republic Promo Codes
Author’s Republic provides self‑serve marketing tools in your AR account: promo codes fulfilled by Audiobooks.com and Spotify for giveaways or review drives; the ability to nominate titles for Chirp Audiobook Deals; and monthly promotional opportunity submissions for retail and library partners (Audible, Audiobooks.com, Kobo, Hoopla, OverDrive, Libro.fm, etc.).
As AR explains, once logged in, you can request promo codes for Audiobooks.com and Spotify by heading to the “Marketing Tools” tab on the left navigation menu.” Your book must first be live on the platform for which you wish to request promo codes. AR will request the
In my article about publishing an audiobook with Spotify for Authors, I explain Spotify promo codes in more detail. Promo codes are used for reviews and giveaways.
Note that AR will also set up pre-orders for you (with 45-day notice) if you email customer support.
Author’s Republic Author Profile
Your AR account includes a dashboard where you manage metadata, cover art, author bio, and title listings. This central profile feeds retailer metadata and helps keep your catalog consistent across partners.
There is no author landing page available through AR.
Author’s Republic Analytics
AR provides royalty reports and a dashboard; recent features include an Unofficial Royalty Earnings Report for early visibility into incoming earnings before month‑end close, giving authors earlier insight into expected royalties.
Other tools for selling your audiobook on Author’s Republic
AR supports promo codes, submission to partner promotions and Chirp, pre‑order setups (when you email customer support), and marketing support resources and documentation. Combined with retailer features (Audible promotions, Audiobooks.com, Spotify placements, library promo windows), these tools help amplify discoverability.
Link to your audiobook
Author’s Republic provides retailer URLs for some partners (Spotify, Audible, Libro.fm, Everand, Google, with more added over time). AR does not yet automatically notify authors when a title goes live in all channels, and missing URLs don’t necessarily mean a title isn’t live; AR is refining the URL workflow.
Learn more about Author’s Republic retailer URLs here.
Be sure to create a universal book link created through Books2Read or a similar service. It’ll be the best and most convenient way to help people find your audiobook on the platform of their choice and in the country they live in.
Do you need an ISBN to publish to Author’s Republic?
No. An ISBN is typically not required for audiobook distribution. Retailers typically identify audiobooks with internal catalog IDs rather than ISBNs.
Does Author’s Republic allow AI narration?
Yes. However, “AI Voice-narrated audiobooks are not permitted on all retail and library platforms.” Author’s Republic does not use your files to train LLMs.
Author’s Republic vs. Voices by INaudio
Distribution: Author’s Republic reaches more distribution partners.
Eligibility/availability: Both are available to individuals and companies worldwide.
Narration/production: Author’s Republic has its own narrator marketplace. As of the time of this writing, Voices by INaudio does not.
Royalty splits are virtually identical.
➡️Learn more about Voices by Inaudio in my article covering Voices by INaudio audiobook distribution for authors.
Author’s Republic vs. ACX
Distribution: With ACX, you can distribute only to Amazon/Audible, and Apple Books.
Eligibility/availability: ACX is only available to “individuals and companies resident in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland who have a mailing address, valid local Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and banking details for one of these countries.”
Narration/production: Both offer a narration marketplace and production services.
➡️I’ve detailed ACX audiobook distribution and royalties in a dedicated resource on that subject.
Is Author’s Republic legit? Is Author’s Republic worth it for authors?
Yes, and yes! Author’s Republic is a strong option for authors who want wide, non‑exclusive distribution, higher royalty shares (AR now offers 80%), direct Apple distribution (not routed through Amazon) and self‑serve marketing/promotional tools. It’s especially valuable if you prioritize retaining rights, reaching multiple retail and library channels, and accessing promo tools; weigh production costs, specific partner reach, and any platform limitations against your goals.
Customer service is quick and helpful. Every interaction I’ve had with Author’s Republic has been positive. The company has, in recent years, improved what it offers authors and is trending in a positive direction.
➡️Go with Author’s Republic if you’d like the convenience of having the widest possible distribution for your audiobook distribution—in one platform, with excellent customer support should you ever need it.
Follow Author’s Republic on social media:
More resources for audiobook authors:
20 Effective Strategies for Audiobook Promotion (Author’s Republic)