ACX Paid to Read Books: How to Earn money Narrating Audiobook

Have you ever been told you have a great voice? Do you enjoy reading out loud, storytelling, or acting? If yes, you might be surprised to learn that you can actually get paid to read books aloud from the comfort of your home — thanks to a platform called ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange).

The audiobook industry is booming. With millions of people consuming books via Audible and other audio platforms, publishers and independent authors are constantly looking for skilled narrators. The good news? You don’t need to be a famous actor or own a professional recording studio to start. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to earn money narrating audiobooks on ACX, what you need to get started, and how to make your first dollar doing what you love.

Table of Contents

What Is ACX and How Does It Work?

ACX, short for Audiobook Creation Exchange, is an Amazon-owned platform that connects publishers, authors, and narrators. Its core purpose is to make audiobook production accessible and affordable. ACX is tightly integrated with Audible, Amazon, and iTunes — meaning once you narrate a book, it can reach millions of listeners across these platforms.

Here’s how it works:

Authors post audiobook projects they want narrated.
Narrators audition by submitting sample recordings.
If chosen, narrators record the audiobook and get paid once the project is approved and published.

This simple system makes it easy for voiceover talent — beginners and professionals alike — to find consistent work.

How You Get Paid to Read Books on ACX

When narrating on ACX, you’ll choose between three main payment models:

1. Per Finished Hour (PFH)

You’re paid a flat rate for each hour of completed audiobook audio. For example, if a 6-hour audiobook pays $100 PFH, you earn $600 total, regardless of how long it takes to record and edit.

2. Royalty Share

Instead of upfront pay, you split royalties (usually 50/50) with the rights holder. So every time the audiobook sells on Audible or Amazon, you earn a percentage.

This model involves more risk, but also long-term passive income potential — especially if the book becomes popular.

3. Royalty Share Plus

This is a combination of the two above: you receive a smaller upfront PFH payment and also a royalty share. It’s a safer bet for beginners looking for security and scalability.

💡 Pro Tip: As a beginner, Royalty Share Plus is often the best entry point. It offers guaranteed pay while giving you exposure to royalty income.

What Skills and Tools You Need to Succeed

You don’t need to be a seasoned voice actor to start. However, a few essential tools and basic voice skills are non-negotiable.

Voice Skills

Clear articulation and pacing: Listeners should easily understand every word.
Natural tone and expression: You should sound engaged, not robotic.
Stamina and consistency: Reading out loud for hours requires breath control and energy.

Home Studio Setup

You don’t need to invest thousands, but quality equipment is key to passing ACX’s technical requirements.

Recommended Starter Kit:

Microphone: USB mic like Blue Yeti or Audio-Technica AT2020 (XLR preferred for quality)
Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or PreSonus AudioBox
Pop Filter & Mic Stand: Helps reduce harsh “P” sounds
Sound-treated Space: Use blankets, foam, or record in a closet to reduce echo
Headphones: Closed-back to catch details in audio playback
Software: Free tools like Audacity, or pro options like Adobe Audition, Reaper, or Studio One

Recording quality is critical. ACX has specific requirements: files must be clean, noise-free, properly formatted, and edited.

How to Get Started on ACX (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re ready to turn your voice into income, here’s how to begin:

1. Create an Account on ACX

Go to www.acx.com and sign up as a Producer
Fill in your profile with bio, voice types, accents, and experience

2. Record Sample Auditions

Prepare 2–3 sample reads (1–2 minutes each)
Include different genres (e.g., fiction, self-help, business) to showcase range
Upload these to your profile for authors to review

3. Search for Open Projects

Go to “Auditions” and filter by genre, length, or pay model
Read the project summary and download the audition script

4. Submit Your Audition

Record a high-quality reading of the script
Edit it to remove noise and errors
Upload it directly through the ACX platform

5. Negotiate and Accept Contracts

If you’re selected, discuss terms with the rights holder
Accept the contract and start recording the full book

6. Record, Edit, and Deliver

Break the book into manageable chapters
Edit each file to meet ACX’s standards
Submit chapters for review and approval

7. Get Paid

PFH payments are released after project completion
Royalties are paid monthly based on sales

How Much Can You Make Reading Books on ACX?

Earnings vary based on:

Experience
Project length
Payment model
Book popularity (for royalties)

General Range:

Beginner PFH rates: $50–$100/hour
Experienced narrators: $150–$400/hour
Royalty Share: Potentially hundreds per month — or more — if the book sells well

You can earn $1,000+ per month even as a part-time narrator if you consistently take on projects.

Tips to Succeed as a First-Time Narrator

✅ Treat It Like a Business

Create a consistent recording schedule
Set deadlines and honor them

✅ Nail Your Auditions

Practice before recording
Use energy, but stay natural
Avoid overacting or monotone delivery

✅ Edit Like a Pro

Eliminate background noise, long pauses, and mistakes
Normalize volume and ensure smooth flow

✅ Stay Communicative

Keep authors in the loop
Ask questions to clarify tone or intention

✅ Get Feedback and Improve

Ask authors for reviews or testimonials
Learn from rejections — improve samples or setup

Pros and Cons of Narrating on ACX

✔️ Pros

Remote, flexible work you can do on your schedule
Builds portfolio for voice acting or audiobook careers
Passive income through royalties
Great creative outlet for storytellers

❌ Cons

Competitive space (you’ll face rejection at first)
Time-intensive recording and editing process
Requires upfront investment in gear and learning curve

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can beginners really make money on ACX?

Yes, beginners can absolutely earn money on ACX. While competition is high, there are many authors looking for fresh voices, especially in less-saturated genres like self-help, children’s books, and nonfiction. Starting with royalty share projects or low PFH rates can help you build a portfolio and credibility.

2. Do I need professional training to become an audiobook narrator?

No formal training is required, but having strong reading, acting, and editing skills is essential. Many successful narrators are self-taught or have improved through practice, feedback, and online tutorials. You can also invest in affordable voice coaching if you want to fast-track your progress.

3. What are the technical requirements for ACX audio files?

ACX has strict standards. Your recordings must be:

Between -23dB and -18dB RMS with peaks below -3dB
Noise floor below -60dB
Free of background noise, plosives, clicks, and long pauses
Delivered in 192 kbps or higher MP3 files at 44.1 kHz

Meeting these standards is critical to getting your audiobook approved and published.

4. How long does it take to narrate and produce a 5-hour audiobook?

It typically takes 3 to 6 hours of work to produce one finished hour of audio. That includes recording, editing, retakes, and mastering. So a 5-hour audiobook may take 15 to 30 hours total, depending on your skill and workflow.

5. Can I work for ACX from outside the United States?

Yes, ACX is available to narrators in several countries including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Ireland. However, royalty payments may be limited in certain regions, so it’s important to check their payment and tax requirements based on your location.

Final Thoughts: Is ACX the Right Platform for You?

Narrating audiobooks on ACX is a rewarding way to earn money from home, especially if you love reading, storytelling, or performing. With basic tools, practice, and dedication, you can begin building a side hustle — or even a full-time career — in audiobook narration.

And remember, like any freelance field, success won’t happen overnight. But if you treat this as a business, keep improving your skills, and put effort into your recordings, you can absolutely get paid to read books and grow your income over time.

🚀 Ready to Get Started?

Visit ACX.com, create your narrator profile, and upload your first samples. With thousands of books waiting to be voiced, your next gig could be just one audition away.

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ACX Paid to Read Books: How to Earn Money Narrating Audiobooks from Home