As audiobooks continue to surge in popularity, the rights surrounding their production and distribution have become a critical part of the publishing landscape. Whether you’re an author, narrator, or producer, knowing how audiobook rights work is essential to protect your work and maximize its reach.

What Are Audiobook Rights?

Audiobook rights are a subset of derivative rights, allowing a book to be adapted into an audio format. These rights include:

• Narration rights: Permission to convert written content into spoken word
• Distribution rights: Control over where and how the audiobook is sold or streamed
• Performance rights: Ownership of the narrator’s voice recording
• Sound recording rights: Rights to the final mastered audio file
• Music and cover art rights: Licenses for any music or visual elements used

Who Owns What?

Ownership depends on how the audiobook is produced:

• Authors typically own the original literary copyright
• Narrators own the performance unless rights are transferred via contract
• Audio engineers may hold rights to the sound recording
• Publishers often retain audio rights in traditional contracts
• Self-published authors usually control all rights unless they outsource production

Key Legal Considerations

• Contracts matter: Always define who owns what—performance, recording, distribution
• Licensing music: Requires permission for both composition and recording
• Cover art reuse: Needs explicit rights or a new design
• Royalty models: Vary by platform—exclusive deals often pay more but limit flexibility
• Rights reversion: If a publisher doesn’t use audio rights, authors can request them back

Common Platforms and Models

• ACX (Audible): Offers royalty splits or pay-for-production options
• Findaway Voices: Allows wide distribution with flexible royalty terms
• Authors Republic: Distributes across multiple platforms with non-exclusive rights

Best Practices for Creators

• Review all contracts before signing
• Retain as many rights as possible, especially for future licensing
• Use royalty-free or original music to avoid legal complications
• Consider non-exclusive deals to maintain flexibility
• Track earnings and usage across platforms

Ready to turn your book into an audiobook? Bookset helps you manage rights, connect with narrators, and distribute globally. Start your audio journey at www.bookset.app—where every voice finds its audience.

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