Spotify launched a new publishing program for authors on Thursday, expanding on its existing audiobook initiatives. The program allows authors to submit short stories they would like to see made into audiobooks. According to Spotify, it will handle production and distribution of the work to other major audiobook retailers when it selects a story for audiobook publishing.
Spotify will also pay the author royalties and an advance. Spotify stated that it is specifically seeking stories in the romance, mystery or thriller, and fantasy or sci-fi genres. Spotify is encouraging authors to submit works that cross genres, such as “romantasy, dark romance thriller, mystery sci-fi, or psychological thriller,” following the success of titles like the fantasy romance “A Court of Thorns & Roses,” which was the top audiobook on the service in 2024.
However, Spotify stated that it does not accept content for children or erotica. According to Spotify, audiobook candidates should be novelettes in English that range from 10,000 to 20,000 words. Authors should have the audio rights for the stories they submit for consideration, the company added.
Spotify stated that submissions will be chosen for production in stages. Spotify will be able to compete more directly with the audiobook giant Audible, which provides its subscribers with access to Audible Originals and exclusives, thanks to the expansion.
Typically, these are short stories and books. With the acquisition of digital audiobook distributor Findaway in 2021, Spotify began its expansion into audiobooks from music and podcasts. Findaway operated a number of services in the audiobook space, including those focused on production, distribution, connecting authors with voice actors, bringing audiobooks to schools, and more.
In 2023, Spotify offered Spotify Premium subscribers free access to audiobooks. From a catalog of some 200,000 titles, customers can access 15 hours of monthly audiobook listening for free, and can optionally buy additional hours if they need more listening time.
Spotify has been working to expand its library ever since it entered the audiobook market, including by adding audiobooks narrated by ElevenLabs’ AI voice technology.