Spotify launched a new publishing program for independent authors where writers can submit their short-form writing for consideration to be made and published as audiobooks. The initiative is a follow-up to the company’s ongoing effort to cultivate new voices and grow its audiobook collection. The program is offered globally to writers who hold audio rights to their work and are interested in exploring the audiobook format.
The submissions are focused in three primary genres: romance, mystery/thriller, and sci-fi/fantasy. Cross-genre submissions are also accepted, like romantasy or psychological thrillers. Writers are asked to submit work that falls within the novelette word count of approximately 10,000 to 20,000 words. The submissions will be read on a rolling basis, and writers can submit work at any time. Selections will be made on an ongoing basis.
If Spotify decides to proceed with a submission by an author, they will handle all aspects of production and distribution. This includes paying royalties and an advance to the author. The audiobooks will be published not only on Spotify but to all other major audiobook retailers, ensuring that the material is available to a wide audience.
In addition to this fresh publishing venture, Spotify is also encouraging independent writers who enjoy self-publishing to make use of Findaway Voices. Findaway Voices is a platform where writers can upload their existing audiobooks to Spotify and other leading retailers at no charge. Through Findaway Voices, writers gain access to a massive audience and retain most of their royalties.
Spotify’s support for independent authors is a key part of an overall push towards democratizing audiobook publishing. By lowering the barriers to entry, Spotify believes it can increase opportunities for up-and-coming voices to be heard. That aligns with Spotify’s commitment to empowering creators and providing listeners with diverse content.
The launch of this program follows on the heels of other recent developments in Spotify’s audiobook division. Spotify earlier partnered with Ingram Content Group to include audiobooks from over 100 independent publishers on its platform. This agreement has significantly expanded Spotify’s audiobook collection, offering listeners a wide range of titles from emerging and established authors.
Apart from this, Spotify has also introduced Spotify for Authors, a new service intended to help authors and publishers control and grow their audiobooks on the platform. The feature provides in-depth analysis and rich insights so that authors can get better knowledge of their listeners and push their content more effectively.
Overall, Spotify’s new independent writers publishing program is a significant step towards making the production and distribution of audiobooks more accessible. By bringing together traditional publishing channels with self-publishing channels through Findaway Voices, Spotify is establishing itself as a leading industry player in audiobooks, committed to fostering creativity and innovation among writers globally.
