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Original poster

why are audio books so expensive?!

32 replies

MegBusset · 30/03/2014 18:30

I have been looking for some books on Audible.co.uk to listen to while I walk the dog... but am gobsmacked at the prices. Around £20-£25 for most of the bestseller list! I appreciate they had to pay someone to read them but surely after that the cost are negligible? Am I missing something, and does anyone know a cheaper source (short of borrowing from the library and ripping to mp3)?

OP posts:
Impatientismymiddlename · 31/03/2014 11:46

The works has audio books on CDs at £3.99 or 3 for £10.

SavoyCabbage · 31/03/2014 11:43

I get them from the library too. Have a look on your library website. Mine uses the oneclick digital app. It's really easy to use.

iseenodust · 31/03/2014 11:32

Amazon has some fairly priced ones PD James 7 and even cheaper if you buy used.

antimatter · 30/03/2014 20:57

Surrey libraries have free audiobooks yo ucan listen too. You can enroll online I believe.

GoooRooo · 30/03/2014 20:13

I am an author (non fiction and v niche although I'm working on my first novel!)

The issue with audio books is how royalties are distributed. Fairly often the voice artist is paid a percentage of sales as well as the author, which pushes the price of the audio book up. However, even then the vast majority of the £20-25 goes to the publishing company, not the author/voice artist.

DuchessofMalfi · 30/03/2014 20:05

I borrow mp3 audiobooks from the library's website, and also get Librivox audiobooks free from iTunes.