Navigating Audiobook Royalties: Tim Ferriss on Transparency and Fair Compensation

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In this episode of Tim Ferriss, we witness a battle of wits between the man himself and the big-shot publishers of New York. Ferriss recounts his foray into profit share agreements, only to be met with what can only be described as insulting deal structures filled with Hollywood accounting trickery. The audacity! But fear not, for Ferriss is not one to back down easily. He contemplates various book deal options, from print-only to licensing with reversion of rights, all while weighing the pros and cons of retaining audio and ebook rights.
The discussion takes a sharp turn towards the realm of audiobooks, where Ferriss sheds light on the stark contrast in royalties between indie authors and the behemoth New York publishers. The battle for control over pricing and royalties rages on, with New York publishers seemingly holding the upper hand in charging higher prices for their books. But Ferriss is not one to be swayed easily by such tactics. He delves into the intricate details of ebook and audiobook pricing, highlighting the challenges faced by independent authors in navigating the murky waters of distribution fees and pricing restrictions.
As the conversation unfolds, Ferriss pulls back the curtain on the power dynamics at play in the audiobook industry, particularly the stronghold that platforms like Audible have over content creators. The struggle for fair compensation and transparency in the audiobook world becomes apparent, with Ferriss advocating for a more equitable system for authors and narrators alike. Through his own experiences with profit share agreements, Ferriss showcases the potential for creators to take control of their work and earnings, emphasizing the importance of trust and understanding in dealings with publishers. In this ever-evolving landscape, Ferriss urges fellow creators to master the art of platform manipulation to carve out their own path to success.

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube
Watch Navigating Publishing Deals & Platforms in 2025 on Youtube
Viewer Reactions for Navigating Publishing Deals & Platforms in 2025
Gratitude for Tim's teachings on working 4 hours a week
Love for the content
Profit Share Agreements and Publisher Contracts
Print Only Deals and Licensing Options
Ebooks vs. Indie Author Sales and Distribution Fees
Audiobook Royalties and New York Publisher Deal Terms
Impact of Audible's Subscription Model on Authors
Analyzing Revenue Sharing and Controlling Platforms
Benefits of Profit Share Agreements
Balancing Ebook, Audiobook, and Print Strategies
Shift in Power from New York to Creators and Platforms
Adapting to the New World of Content Creation and Platform Control
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