An audiobook can be in Kindle+ only if it is in KDP Select, and for now only in the US. There are two routes on KDP’s pages: an ACX audiobook that you enrol from your KDP Bookshelf, or a Virtual Voice audiobook, which is an invite-only beta. This post covers both, why the option may be missing on your bookshelf, and where you see what you earn. If you only want to know whether the ebook side pays, read Kindle Unlimited and KENP explained. If you plan to read the book yourself, read how to narrate your own audiobook.
What is Kindle+ for audiobooks?
Kindle+ is what KDP calls the subscription that used to be Kindle Unlimited. KDP’s page on Kindle+ says that for books to be included you need to be enrolled in KDP Select. Its royalties page says your Kindle ebooks and audiobooks enrolled in KDP Select are included. KDP also says audiobooks in Kindle+ are available in the US marketplace only at this time.
How does the ACX route work?
KDP’s page on ACX audiobooks for KDP Select lists what an ACX audiobook needs:
- The matching ebook is live and enrolled in KDP Select. KDP says you can’t enrol the audiobook without it.
- The audiobook has exclusive Audible distribution. You change this in your ACX account.
- Read & Listen (Whispersync for Voice) is enabled. If the ebook and audiobook stop matching, the audiobook is not eligible until the files are back in sync.
- The audiobook has a Pay-for-Production deal.
To enrol, find the book on your Bookshelf with the status “KDP Select: eBook enrolled”. Under “Audible audiobook (ACX)” choose “Enroll audiobook in KDP Select”, confirm that you own the audiobook distribution rights and have access to the ACX account, and confirm. KDP says the Kindle+ badge can take up to 24 hours to show. If you are still making the audiobook, how to get your audiobooks produced on ACX walks through the steps first.
How does the Virtual Voice route work?
KDP’s page on audiobooks with virtual voice says: “At this time, this is an invite-only beta for eligible KDP eBooks.” It is US only, and the list price has to be between $3.99 and $14.99. KDP’s Kindle+ page says a Virtual Voice audiobook is enrolled in KDP Select automatically when its ebook is, and that you can’t remove it from Select separately from the ebook. An ACX audiobook can be unenrolled on its own.
Why is the option missing on my bookshelf?
Go through KDP’s rules in order, because the option appears only when all of them are met:
- Is the ebook live and in KDP Select?
- For an ACX audiobook, is Audible distribution exclusive, Read & Listen on, and is it a Pay-for-Production deal?
- For Virtual Voice, KDP’s eligibility page says an ebook that already has an Audible audiobook is not eligible. That includes audiobooks made through ACX. An audiobook on an earlier edition must be unpublished first.
- Are you selling in the US marketplace?
I can’t tell you why a particular bookshelf does not show the option beyond these rules. If every point is met and it is still missing, ask KDP support.
How are you paid, and where do you see it?
KDP’s Royalties in Kindle+ page says you are paid the first time a subscriber reads or listens to a given page, and that re-reading does not earn again. You get one royalty payment for pages read and listened to, as a share of the KDP Select Global Fund. In the KENP report you can filter by format: Kindle+ read or Kindle+ listened. Audible royalties for your ACX audiobooks stay in your ACX account only. KDP also says Audible Plus listening from audiobooks with virtual voice is paid with Audible ALC royalties, separate from Kindle+.
Is it worth it for my book?
This part is my opinion, not KDP’s. Kindle+ asks for exclusivity on the ebook, and on ACX for the audiobook too, so you give up other stores in return. I would only enrol an audiobook if the ebook already belongs in KDP Select and you are not planning to sell the audiobook elsewhere. If you plan to go wide with the audio, the answer is usually no. I would also wait for a few months of KENP data before judging it, because it is new.
What I do about it
If you are unsure whether your ebook and audiobook belong in KDP Select, book a free 25-minute discovery session. We will look at your books and decide together.
Frequently asked questions
Can any audiobook go into Kindle+?
No. KDP says that for books to be included in Kindle+ you need to be enrolled in KDP Select. An ACX audiobook has its own conditions, and a Virtual Voice audiobook is an invite-only beta.
Why don't I see the option to enrol my audiobook?
Check KDP's rules: the ebook must be live and in KDP Select, the audiobook needs exclusive Audible distribution, Read & Listen on and a Pay-for-Production deal. If one of these is missing, the option will not show.
Can I take my ACX audiobook out of KDP Select without the ebook?
KDP says ACX audiobooks can be unenrolled from KDP Select separately from the ebook if you choose. A Virtual Voice audiobook cannot be removed from Select separately from its ebook.
Where do I see my Kindle+ listens?
In your KENP report, which KDP says you can filter by Kindle+ read or Kindle+ listened. Audible royalties for ACX audiobooks continue to be found in your ACX account only.
Is it available outside the US?
Not yet. KDP says audiobooks in Kindle+ are available for distribution in the US marketplace only at this time.
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