A Complete Guide to the ACX Submission Process for New Narrators

If you are a new voice actor looking to break into the audiobook industry, the Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX) is the most popular platform to start. Owned by Amazon and Audible, ACX connects narrators, authors, and publishers to produce and distribute audiobooks. However, the submission process can feel overwhelming if you don't know what to expect. This guide will walk you through every step, provide a realistic timeline, and offer actionable strategies to help you succeed as a new narrator.

What Is ACX and How Does It Work?

ACX functions as a marketplace where rights holders (authors or publishers) post projects seeking narrators, and voice actors audition for those projects. Once matched, the narrator records the audiobook, uploads the files, and the rights holder reviews the work. After approval, ACX handles distribution to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes, and the narrator earns royalties or a flat fee based on the agreement. Understanding this ecosystem is essential before you begin the submission process.

Stage 1: Creating Your ACX Narrator Profile

Your journey begins by signing up for a free ACX account and creating a narrator profile. This profile is your professional portfolio on the platform. It must include:

  • Contact and payment information – Accurate details for royalty or fee payments.
  • Voice samples – Upload at least one high-quality sample (60–90 seconds) showcasing your range, tone, and style. Multiple samples can increase your appeal.
  • Equipment and studio details – Describe your recording setup, microphone type, and sound treatment. This helps rights holders assess your technical capability.
  • Experience and genres – List any previous narration work, acting training, or genre specialties (e.g., fiction, non-fiction, romance, thriller).
  • Rates and preferences – Indicate your preferred payment structure (per finished hour or royalty share) and any project parameters (minimum length, genre restrictions, etc.).

Profile approval usually takes 1–2 weeks while ACX verifies your information and sample quality. Use this time to refine your samples and read ACX’s submission guidelines. Ensure your audio meets technical standards: 44.1 kHz sample rate, 16-bit depth, mono, with a noise floor below -60 dB and no clipping or background hum.

Stage 2: Finding and Auditioning for Projects

Once your profile is active, you can browse the ACX project marketplace. Filter by genre, payment type, language, and project length. As a new narrator, look for “Royalty Share” or “Royalty Share Plus” projects; these allow you to build experience without an upfront fee. Avoid projects that seem too good to be true (e.g., extremely high per-finished-hour rates from unknown rights holders).

When you find an interesting project, click “Submit Audition.” You will be prompted to upload a short sample (usually the first 15 minutes of the book or a provided script excerpt). Follow these tips to maximize your audition’s impact:

  • Read the project instructions carefully – The rights holder may request specific tone, pacing, or character voices. Adhering to their vision shows professionalism.
  • Record and edit your audition professionally – Use the same quality you would for a full production. No room reverb, consistent levels, and clean audio.
  • Include a slate – State your name, the title of the book, and a brief note about your approach. This adds a personal touch.
  • Submit quickly but not hastily – Auditions are often reviewed on a rolling basis. Submitting within a week of the project posting can give you an edge.

Audition and project selection can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks, sometimes longer for popular books. Be patient and keep auditioning for multiple projects to increase your chances.

Stage 3: Contracting and Pre-Production

If the rights holder selects you, congratulations! You will receive a contract via ACX. Review the terms carefully:

  • Payment type – Per finished hour (PFH) pays a flat rate based on the final audio length. Royalty share pays a percentage of royalties from sales. Royalty Share Plus includes a small per-finished-hour fee plus a lower royalty percentage.
  • Deadline – Ensure you can meet the required delivery date. New narrators often underestimate the time needed.
  • Exclusivity – Most ACX contracts require exclusivity to Audible for the audiobook right. Read the fine print.
  • Approval process – Understand how many rounds of review are allowed, and what constitutes acceptable edits.

Before recording, request the full manuscript and any pronunciation guides. If you are unsure about character names or technical terms, ask the rights holder. Some will provide a style sheet. Pre-production also involves:

  • Setting up your recording environment – Rent or treat a small room with acoustic panels, blankets, and a reflection filter. Minimize external noise.
  • Performing a test recording – Send a 5-minute sample of the actual book content to the rights holder for approval on tone and pacing. This prevents re-recordings later.
  • Preparing your script – Print or display the script with markings for emphasis, pauses, and character voices. Practice difficult sections.

Stage 4: Recording and Uploading

This is the core of your work. ACX requires audio files that meet stringent technical specifications:

  • File format – WAV or AIFF; ACX prefers WAV.
  • Sample rate and bit depth – 44.1 kHz, 16-bit.
  • Channels – Mono.
  • Noise floor – At least -60 dB RMS, with no audible clicks, pops, or breaths (unless intentional).
  • Pacing – Typically 150–160 words per minute, but adjust based on genre and audience.
  • Volume – Average RMS level around -23 dB to -18 dB, with peaks not exceeding -3 dB.

Recording and uploading is the longest stage, lasting 2 to 6 weeks depending on the book length. For a 10-hour finished audiobook, expect 20–30 hours of recording plus 30–40 hours for editing, proofing, and mastering. Many new narrators underestimate editing time. To streamline your workflow:

  • Use a DAW (e.g., Audacity free, Reaper, Adobe Audition) with templates set for ACX specs.
  • Record in blocks – 20–30 minute sessions followed by breaks to maintain vocal health.
  • Edit in batches – Use noise reduction, compression, and normalization. Check for mouth clicks and plosives.
  • Upload in chapters or parts – ACX accepts chunks up to 120 minutes. Name files systematically (e.g., BookTitle_Chapter01.wav).

When all files are ready, upload them via ACX’s file manager. Double-check that every track is properly labeled and that the total duration matches what you agreed upon.

Stage 5: Review and Revision

After uploading, the rights holder has up to 20 business days to review your files. They will listen for audio quality, pronunciation, pacing, and adherence to the manuscript. If they find issues, they will request revisions via ACX’s ticketing system. Common revision requests include:

  • Retakes of lines with incorrect tone or misread words.
  • Fixing inconsistent volume levels between tracks.
  • Removing background noise or mouth noises.
  • Re-recording sections where the performance sounds flat.

You are typically allowed one to two revision rounds. After addressing all requests, re-upload the corrected files. The rights holder then gives final approval. On average, review and approval take 1–2 weeks, but they can stretch longer if the rights holder is busy or if multiple revisions are needed.

Stage 6: Distribution and Payment

Once the rights holder approves, they submit the project to ACX for distribution to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. ACX performs a final quality check (automated and sometimes manual). This takes another 5–10 business days. After that, the audiobook goes live, and your payment depends on the contract type:

  • Per finished hour (PFH) – You receive payment within 30 days of approval. ACX pays via direct deposit or check.
  • Royalty Share – You earn a percentage (typically 20–50%) of the royalties from sales, paid monthly after the book earns at least $25. Royalty income accumulates over time.
  • Royalty Share Plus – A small upfront PFH fee plus lower royalty.

For new narrators, understanding the payment timeline is crucial. It can be 2–3 months from contract to first payment, especially with royalty share. Plan your finances accordingly.

Expected Timeline for New Narrators

Here is a realistic timeline from start to finish:

  • Profile creation and approval: 1–2 weeks
  • Auditioning and contract signing: 1–4 weeks
  • Recording and editing: 2–6 weeks (for a 6–10 hour book)
  • Review and revision: 1–2 weeks
  • Final distribution: 1–2 weeks

Total: approximately 2 to 4 months for your first project. Subsequent projects may be faster as you refine your workflow. Factors that can extend the timeline include long books (12+ hours), demanding rights holders, technical issues, or multiple revision rounds.

Common Mistakes New Narrators Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Avoid these pitfalls to keep your submission process smooth:

  • Poor audio quality – Many new narrators try to record in untreated rooms. Invest in basic acoustic treatment and test your noise floor before starting a full book.
  • Ignoring the ACX Audio Submission Requirements – Submitting WAV files at the wrong sample rate or with excessive noise will lead to rejection. Download ACX’s free audio check tool or use a plugin to verify your files.
  • Underestimating editing time – A rule of thumb: for every hour of finished audio, plan 4–6 hours of recording and editing time.
  • Not communicating with the rights holder – If you need clarification on pronunciation or a style choice, email them before recording hours of material. Silence can lead to costly rework.
  • Accepting unrealistic deadlines – If a project asks for a 10-hour book in two weeks, be honest about what you can deliver. Burning out or submitting rushed work hurts your reputation.
  • Neglecting vocal health – Stay hydrated, warm up your voice, and take regular breaks. A strained voice leads to inconsistent performances.

Tips for a Successful ACX Narration Career

The submission process is just the beginning. Build a sustainable career with these strategies:

  • Network in the audiobook community – Join forums like the ACX Narrators group on Facebook, or subreddits like r/voiceacting and r/audiobooks. Learn from experienced narrators.
  • Continue honing your craft – Take acting classes, listen to award-winning audiobooks, and practice different genres. Versatility increases your project options.
  • Collect testimonials – After a successful project, ask the rights holder for a review or testimonial for your profile. Positive feedback attracts new clients.
  • Stay organized – Use a spreadsheet to track projects, deadlines, royalty reports, and payments. ACX’s dashboard is useful, but your own system adds clarity.
  • Expand beyond ACX – Once you have a few audiobooks under your belt, consider joining platforms like Findaway Voices, Authors Direct, or direct contracting with independent authors.
  • Keep your equipment up-to-date – A proper XLR microphone, audio interface, and a quiet booth are worth the investment. They pay for themselves over time.

External Resources to Support Your Journey

To dive deeper, explore these trusted resources:

Final Thoughts

The ACX submission process requires preparation, patience, and persistence. By understanding each stage—from profile creation through distribution—and setting realistic timelines, you can approach your first project with confidence. Focus on delivering clean audio, professional communication, and consistent performances. Over time, your reputation will grow, and the process will become second nature. Whether you aim to narrate as a side hustle or a full-time career, mastering ACX is a powerful first step into the world of audiobooks.