In expanding its existing audiobook efforts, Spotify announced on Thursday the launch of a new publishing program for authors.
When Spotify selects Audiobook Publishing stories, the company says it will handle the creation and distribution of the work to other major audiobook retailers. Meanwhile, Spotify pays the author both upfront and royalty.
Spotify said it is specifically looking for stories across three genres: romance, mystery or thriller, sci-fi or fantasy. Spotify has seen the success of titles like the top audiobook of 2024, the fantasy romance “The Court of Thorns & Roses.” Spotify encourages authors to submit cross-genre works such as “Romantasy, Dark Romance Striller, Mystery Sci-Fi, or Psychological Triller.”
However, Spotify said it would not accept submissions of erotica or child content.
Spotify said that audiobook candidates should be Novelettes in English, with around 10,000 to 20,000 words. The authors must have audio rights to the stories they submit for consideration, the company added.
Spotify said submissions will be selected for production on a rolling basis.
This extension allows Spotify to compete more directly with Audiobook Giant Audible. This allows subscribers to access Audible Originals and Exclusives. They tend to be shorter books and stories.
Spotify acquired digital audiobook distributor FindAway in 2021, expanding it from music and podcasts to audiobooks. FindAway ran many services in the audiobook space, including production, distribution, connecting with audio stars, and bringing audiobooks to school.
Spotify launched a free audiobook in 2023, listening to Spotify Premium subscribers. With a catalog of approximately 200,000 titles, customers can listen to 15 hours of monthly audiobooks for free, and purchase additional time if more listening time is needed.
Since Spotify moved to the audiobook market, we have been working on expanding our catalogue, including the addition of audiobooks narrated by ElevenLabs' AI Voice Technology.