Spotify launches a program to publish audiobooks from independent authors

In an expansion of its existing audiobooks efforts, Spotify on Thursday announced the launch of a new publishing program for authors that allows them to submit short-form stories they’d like to see turned into audiobooks. When Spotify selects a story for audiobook publishing, it will handle the production and distribution of the work to other major audiobook retailers, the company says. Meanwhile, it will pay the author both an advance and royalties. Specifically, the company says it’s looking for stories across three genres, including romance, mystery or thriller, and sci-fi or fantasy. Having already seen the success of titles like fantasy romance “A Court of Thorns & Roses,” which was 2024’s top audiobook on the service, Spotify says authors are encouraged to submit cross-genre works like “romantasy, dark romance thriller, mystery sci-fi, or psychological thriller,” a newsroom post instructs. However, Spotify says it’s not looking for any submissions of erotica or children’s conte ... Read full article.