Introduction
If you’re searching for a profitable, low-competition way to earn passive income, an audiobook publishing side hustle could be your golden ticket.
Unlike overcrowded spaces like blogging or YouTube, the audiobook market is still under-served in many niches. With platforms like Audible and ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange), you can create, publish, and sell audiobooks without writing a single word or recording your own voice.
Whether you want extra cash or a scalable income stream, starting an audiobook publishing side hustle gives you the chance to tap into a growing global audience while keeping costs low. In this guide, we’ll explore 7 powerful reasons to start—and how you can launch your own profitable venture.
1. Low Competition Meets High Demand
One of the biggest advantages of an audiobook publishing side hustle is the combination of low competition and soaring demand.
For instance, search “mindfulness for teens” on Audible and you might find fewer than 150 results. Compare that to thousands of ebooks in the same category. With the right topic, you can dominate search rankings faster than in overcrowded markets.
As more people choose to listen while commuting, exercising, or multitasking, the demand for fresh audiobook content is exploding—making this side hustle even more appealing.
2. High Earning Potential with Royalties
Your audiobook publishing side hustle can generate income through two main sources:
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Royalties: Up to 40% per sale with ACX exclusive distribution.
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Bounties: A $75 bonus when your audiobook is among the first purchases by a new Audible member.
Some creators report earning $500 to $4,500 per month once they’ve built a small library of titles. With the right marketing, your audiobooks can become long-term assets that keep generating income for years.
3. No Writing or Narrating Required
You don’t need to be an author or a narrator to start an audiobook publishing side hustle. Many publishers use:
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Public domain works
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Ghostwriters for original material
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Licensed rights from authors who haven’t made audiobooks yet
Narrators can be hired via ACX for as little as $300 per finished hour, or you can choose a royalty-share deal so you pay nothing upfront. This flexibility makes your audiobook publishing side hustle accessible even on a tight budget.
4. Global Distribution Made Easy
An audiobook publishing side hustle offers instant access to a worldwide market. Publish exclusively with ACX and your audiobook will be sold on:
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Audible
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Amazon
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Apple Books
Or, use platforms like Findaway Voices to distribute your titles to Spotify, Google Play, Scribd, Kobo, and dozens of other outlets. This wide reach means your audiobook publishing side hustle can attract listeners from across the globe.
5. Scalability Without Heavy Overheads
Once you learn the process, scaling an audiobook publishing side hustle is straightforward. The steps are repeatable:
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Research a niche
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Create or source the content
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Hire a narrator or use AI where allowed
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Publish
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Market
Unlike service-based side hustles, your income isn’t tied to your hours worked. Each audiobook you release becomes another passive income stream, making your audiobook publishing side hustle more profitable over time.
6. AI Tools Are Changing the Game
Some platforms, including Audible, are cautiously introducing AI-assisted narration. While human voices still offer the highest quality, AI can reduce production costs—helping you test ideas quickly before committing to a full professional recording.
If you integrate AI tools responsibly, they can help you launch your audiobook publishing side hustle faster and cheaper, especially in niche categories where experimentation pays off.
7. Marketing Opportunities Are Endless
Marketing is where your audiobook publishing side hustle can truly shine. Strategies include:
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Bundling audiobooks with ebooks for a discount
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Running Amazon or Facebook ads
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Using Audible’s promo codes to gain reviews
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Joining Audible’s affiliate program for extra commissions
By combining marketing channels, you can multiply the reach and profitability of your audiobook publishing side hustle.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Your Audiobook Publishing Side Hustle
Step 1 – Research Niches
Use Audible’s search function and tools like Publisher Rocket to spot underserved categories.
Step 2 – Source Your Content
Write it yourself, hire a ghostwriter, or adapt public domain works.
Step 3 – Hire a Narrator
ACX makes it easy to audition narrators or strike royalty-share deals.
Step 4 – Edit and Master the Audio
Ensure it meets ACX quality standards for volume, noise, and formatting.
Step 5 – Publish
Choose between ACX exclusive or wide distribution.
Step 6 – Market Your Audiobook
Build awareness using social media, ads, and affiliate programs.
Step 7 – Repeat and Scale
Expand your catalog to maximize your audiobook publishing side hustle income.
FAQ
Q: How much can I make with an audiobook publishing side hustle?
A: With 5–10 quality titles and good marketing, you can realistically reach $1,000–$3,000/month.
Q: Is this truly passive income?
A: Mostly yes. Once published, your titles sell without constant input, though occasional marketing boosts results.
Q: Can I start without much money?
A: Yes—royalty-share narration deals mean you can launch an audiobook publishing side hustle with little to no upfront cost.
Final Thoughts
An audiobook publishing side hustle is one of the most overlooked but high-potential ways to create passive income in 2025. With low competition, scalable production, and the possibility of global reach, it’s a business model worth considering.
The sooner you start, the better your chances of securing profitable niches before they become crowded. Your audiobook publishing side hustle could be the income stream that changes everything.
