Written by: Kris Keppeler, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
My business associate, an author, told me she found her book on Audible, published as an audiobook. An unpleasant surprise as she didn't authorize an audiobook and so received no revenue from sales. How can this happen?
Audio Rights
Most likely, she did not have the audio rights to her book. I recommended she check her book contract. Your contract should spell out your audio rights.
Until audiobooks became a hot commodity, audio rights belonged to the author. The publishers didn't want them. Audiobooks are now over a one-billion-dollar market, and publishers increasingly hold onto the audio rights.
Who wouldn't want a piece of a billion-dollar pie? Authors need to be aware of this. They can no longer assume the publisher will give them audio rights.
Your Exclusive Rights
Your book copyright includes five exclusive rights ‒ to reproduce, perform, distribute, display, and produce derivative works. Audiobooks fall under derivative works, which include translations and film adaptations. If you're self-published, there's a good chance you own all these rights.
If you worked with a publisher, you should check your contract. It pays to ask your book publisher to sign the audio rights over to you if they're not interested in producing an audiobook. You may find an audiobook publisher interested in creating your audiobook.
You're free as an author to find a narrator/producer on Audible or Findaway Voices to create your audiobook. It is not cheap, but if your book sells well, it brings in revenue and fans. Many people prefer to listen rather than read.
The audiobook narrator owns the performance rights unless the contract states they give up those rights in exchange for payment for their work. Audiobooks are long-haul projects with many hours of work involved.
If you're using an audio engineer, they own the sound rights. Your contract with them must be similar in rights exchange to your narrator contract. I don't recommend adding music but doing so adds another layer of licensing and music rights.
Most recommend using public domain or royalty-free music if you believe music will enhance your audiobook. Confirm that the license of royalty-free music includes audiobooks. Last but not least, there are cover art rights.
Cover Art Conundrum
Cover art presents a significant obstacle to many authors who want an audiobook. The original cover art for the book rarely works for the audiobook one. The dimensions, quality, and title placement differ.
Audible won't publish your audiobook if the cover art does not pass muster. It's best to avoid this problem up front. Go ahead and alter the art or license a new cover design for your audiobook that fits the requirements exactly.
Kris Keppeler, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Kris Keppeler is a narrator, actor, voice actor, podcaster, and writer. After discovering her singing voice in Jr. High Choir, she’s never quit using her voice to amuse and instigate. She’s impersonated a cat, a prince, a princess, an anteater, a dragon, and a president with her voice and narrated/produced over 50 audiobooks. She narrates and produces an award winning weekly storytelling podcast about life and befuddlement. She’s crafted blogs and articles using humor and valuable information to delight readers. Visit her IMDB page for stage and screen credits.
