ACX exclusive vs non-exclusive: decide it with your own numbers before you commit seven years
Free PDF · 13 printable pages · Sent by email
A printable workbook for authors and publishers: a weighted exclusivity scorecard, a way to measure your own royalties under the new model, a narration script template, and checklists for both distribution pathways.
The scorecard, worksheets, script sheets, and checklists for this page are in the PDF.
A scorecard, a script template, and both pathway checklists in one PDF
Thirteen printable pages in the order you will use them. Pick a page to preview it.
The old exclusivity math no longer answers the question
It used to be 40 percent against 25 percent, times a price you could look up. Both rates went up in 2026, and for membership listens the number they apply to changed.
Your finished audiobook
Exclusive, at 50 percent
Your readers buy on Amazon, libraries are not a channel you care about, and you would rather manage one dashboard than five. You give up selling anywhere outside Audible for the length of the term.
Non-exclusive, at 30 percent
You already sell wide, you want library circulation, or you intend to sell direct. You keep the same three stores through ACX and take on running every other channel yourself.
Both options commit you for seven years
ACX takes the right to distribute for seven years either way, and under exclusive distribution you may not sell your audiobook anywhere outside Audible during it. ACX also does not provide library distribution, so library reach needs the non-exclusive option. The workbook scores all of this against your own catalogue.
Print it before you tick the distribution box
Score the decision, write the script for the ear, then work the checklist for the pathway you picked.
ACX exclusive vs non-exclusive: common questions
Short answers for authors and publishers. The workbook has the scorecard and the checklists.
What is the difference between ACX exclusive and non-exclusive distribution?
Both distribute to Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books. Exclusive pays a higher royalty rate but, in ACX’s words, does not permit you to distribute or sell your audiobook on any site or store outside of Audible. Non-exclusive pays less and leaves you free to sell elsewhere.
What are the ACX royalty rates now?
Under the royalty model ACX opened to all creators on 26 May 2026, exclusive distribution pays 50 percent and non-exclusive pays 30 percent. The previous rates were 40 and 25 percent, and ACX said the legacy model would end at the end of 2026.
Does a higher royalty rate mean more money?
Not automatically. For outright cash purchases the calculation is unchanged, so the higher rate is a straight raise. For membership listens, royalties are now a share of each member’s monthly Member Value split across the titles they engaged with, so the base changed too. Audible does not publish a per-listen value.
How long does the ACX agreement last?
ACX states it has the right to distribute your audiobook for seven years. That term applies to both the exclusive and the non-exclusive option.
Does ACX distribute audiobooks to libraries?
No. ACX says it does not provide library distribution and that you should select non-exclusive distribution for that purpose, then arrange a library channel separately.
Does ACX accept AI narrated audiobooks?
ACX requires audiobooks to be human narrated unless otherwise authorized, and lists unauthorized text-to-speech, AI, and automated recordings as prohibited. Amazon’s Virtual Voice and Voice Replica are separate routes with their own eligibility and labelling rules. Check the current policy before planning around it.
Is this really free?
Yes. The PDF workbook is free. Enter your email and we send you a download link. You do not need to pay or create a Narration Box account.
Why do I need to fill out the information requested?
We email the download link so it reaches a real inbox and so we know which resources are useful. We only send other emails if you tick the box to receive guides and product updates, and you can unsubscribe from those at any time. Our privacy policy explains how we handle your email address.
More on publishing and distributing audiobooks
Guides on where audiobooks earn, and the tools that produce the audio.
Audiobook distribution guides
Produce the narration
Get Started with Narration Box Today
Choose from our flexible pricing plans designed for creators of all sizes. Start your free trial and experience the power of AI voice generation.
Join Our Discord Community
Connect with thousands of voice-over artists, content creators, and AI enthusiasts. Get support, share tips, and stay updated.
Join discord