Penguin Random House Audio today launched a voiceover casting platform, Ahab, to make it easier for audio content creators to hire voice actors. Ahab was originally developed as an internal tool at PRH, first used in the US and then adopted by PRH audio teams internationally. Now its creators, svp of content production Dan Zitt…
Audio
Authors Guild Praises Audible Changes, Presses for More
The Authors Guild called Audible’s recent changes to its ACX policies, combined with the earlier decision to pay authors royalties on books returned after seven days, “a significant step in the right direction.” At the same time, the Guild notes the new policies “do not include all the changes that we, together with the Society…
Audible to Provide Authors with Returns Data, Starting in March
Beginning in March, authors using Audible’s Audiobook Creation Exchange will be able to see data on returns, including number of units per title, both in their account dashboard and in monthly financial statements. The move, announced on the ACX blog, is a response to continuing pressure from the Authors Guild and ACX authors for changes…
Audible Will Pay Author Royalties for Audiobooks Returned After Seven Days
Responding to strenuous objections from authors and a number of groups that represent writers, Audible will reduce the extent to which their liberal returns and exchange program is conducted at authors’ expense. Starting in January, Audible will only debit authors’ earnings for audiobooks returned within seven days of purchase. Previously, an author who distributed their…
Authors Demand Audible Stop Aggressive Exchange Policy that Reduces Earnings
Following an accounting adjustment in October, authors who produce and sell their own audiobooks through Audible’s ACX became aware of the significant extent to which “returned” and “exchanged” audiobooks — encouraged by Audible itself — have been cutting into their proceeds. Returns and exchanges turned out to comprise “15% to 50% or more of lost…
People, EtcÂ
Ken Brooks is leaving his position as chief content officer at Wiley and will resume his consulting practice at Treadwell Media focused on content and operations in trade, reference and education publishing. Jessica Sindler has joined the ghostwriting and publishing services firm Kevin Anderson & Associates as executive editor. Previously she was senior editor at…