[Adapted (with permission) from a post by Lemery House Press]

You’ve finished an audiobook. You gave it your voice, your time, your heart—and now it’s “out there.” But here’s the thing: where it ends up really matters.

When I’m mentoring new narrators or indie authors, I always ask:
“Do you know where your audiobook is available—and who it’s reaching?”

Because not all platforms are the same. And not all listeners are on Audible.

Quick Breakdown: Who Listens Where?

Barnes & Noble – U.S.-based, retail buyers. Think loyal Nook users or folks who buy what they see in stores.

Libro.fm – People who want their money to support indie bookstores. Ethical listeners. I love this platform—it’s one of the few that gives back and pays creators fairly.

Storytel – Huge global reach. If you want your voice heard in Europe or Asia, this is where that happens.

Kobo – Big in Canada and internationally. Listeners often go back and forth between eBook and audiobook.

Hoopla – Library access. Free to the listener, but you still get paid per checkout. Great for families, schools, and casual listeners.

Google Play – Quiet but growing. People who avoid Amazon often end up here. It’s integrated with Android devices.

Why It Matters (Especially for Narrators & Indie Producers)

• If you know the platform, you understand the audience.
• You can adjust how you promote based on where the story lives.
• You don’t waste energy pushing Audible-only when your story is doing well on Libro.fm or Hoopla.

It’s not about being everywhere. It’s about being strategic.

A Few Tips I Always Share

Use smart links. Make it easy for listeners to find the platform that works for them.

Mention specific platforms in your promo. “Support indie bookstores—listen on Libro.fm” is stronger than “available everywhere.”

Talk about accessibility. “Borrow this on Hoopla with your library card” is a huge hook for educators and parents.

Final Thought

As a producer and narrator, I don’t just voice stories—I help them find their listener. And that means knowing the platforms, the people, and the paths our voices travel.

So don’t just ask, “Is it published?”
Ask, “Where is it being heard?”

That’s the shift that builds a career—not just a credit list.