ACX December 31 Deadline and Spotify Audiobook Codes

If your audiobook still uses ACX's older royalty terms, you need to review the new agreement before December 31. ACX says that if you miss that deadline it will begin removing affected titles from distribution on January 1.

I've also included Spotify's plans to reach more countries, its free audiobook codes, and KDP's reminder about expiring tax forms. If you don't have an audiobook, the KDP tax reminder may still apply to you.

Publishing Changes That Affect Your Book

ACX explains what happens after December 31

In its October 14 response to ALLi, ACX said rights holders must enroll titles under its older terms in Audible's new royalty model by December 31, 2026. ACX will begin removing titles that haven't enrolled on January 1, 2027.

ACX also said you can restore a removed title by accepting the new terms. It told ALLi that reviews, ranking history, and Whispersync pairing will remain intact. ACX still needs to explain the restoration procedure, so ask about that process if you expect to need it.

This week's clarification concerns removal and restoration. ACX introduced the royalty model earlier. Its official FAQ confirms the transition deadline and rates of 50% for exclusive distribution and 30% for nonexclusive distribution.

For membership listening, Audible multiplies Member Value by the contractual royalty rate. You can't calculate those earnings simply by multiplying your book's retail price by 50% or 30%. Compare the new agreement with your current terms and recent statements before you decide.

Your exclusive or nonexclusive distribution status stays the same when you enroll. If you want to sell your audio through another provider, check what your existing agreement permits.

Your next step: Check whether your title still uses the older terms. If it does, read the new agreement and send ACX any questions well before December 31. Set your own review date early enough to allow time for an answer.

Spotify plans audiobook access in more than 180 markets

On October 7, Spotify announced plans to expand audiobook access from 22 to more than 180 markets by the end of 2026. Access methods and prices will vary by market. Check availability before you promote your book to readers in a particular country.

Spotify offers nonexclusive partnerships, but an exclusive agreement you already hold with another provider still applies. Review your audio rights before you arrange distribution through Spotify.

If you want to reach readers outside your home country, check both the language and territory rights for your audiobook. The expansion may give those readers another way to find it. It doesn't establish demand for your title or tell you whether a translation will pay for itself.

Your next step: Check your audio agreement. If it permits Spotify distribution, confirm your distributor's delivery and territory settings before you announce availability.

Check your KDP tax form if you publish outside the U.S.

On October 14, KDP announced W-8 expiration reminders for affected publishers. If you publish from Canada or another country outside the U.S. and use a W-8 form, check your tax profile.

KDP's tax-profile guidance says a W-8 expires at the end of the third calendar year after signing. The IRS instructions for individuals give the same general validity period, with exceptions.

The signature-year cutoff in KDP's announcement conflicts with that general rule. Use your own form and account details to check your renewal requirements, and ask KDP to explain any conflicting dates.

If your form supports a reduced withholding rate and you let it expire, KDP says withholding returns to 30%. That consequence applies to an expired form that supports a reduced rate; KDP hasn't announced a new tax rate for every author.

Your next step: Open KDP through your saved address. Under Your Account, choose Tax Information and check your form's date and renewal instructions.

Around the Industry

Spotify offers up to 1,000 free copies of your audiobook

Spotify described its giveaway codes in a September 2 article. Its current help page allows up to 1,000 single-use codes per audiobook available on Spotify. Each code gives a listener a free copy of that title. You earn no royalties on these copies.

If you self-publish, you can generate codes through Spotify for Authors. For a publisher-managed title, you need the publisher to supply codes or grant access. Redemption requires a supported country, including Canada or the United States, and sales rights in that country. Check those requirements separately from the countries in Spotify's expansion announcement.

Your next step: Check your audio agreement and country eligibility. Then open your title under Catalog in Spotify for Authors and choose Redemption codes. You could offer a small number of copies to newsletter readers or a ministry book club interested in your subject.

Your Checklist This Week

• Review the new ACX agreement before December 31 if your title still uses older terms.

• Confirm your audio rights and distribution settings before promoting Spotify availability.

• Check your KDP tax profile if you use a W-8 form.

• Check Spotify's code eligibility before you arrange a giveaway.

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