Audiobooks continue to grow in popularity, and this format represents a key earnings opportunity for authors. However, only 5 percent of all books on Amazon are released as audiobooks.

To make it easier for Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) authors to quickly and easily produce an audiobook version of their eBook, we launched audiobooks with virtual voice in beta to the U.S. marketplace. KDP authors in the beta can create audiobooks with virtual voice (computer-generated narration) in addition to the audiobook creation options available through ACX.

With virtual voice, authors can create an audiobook in minutes by:

1. Selecting an eligible KDP eBook from their Bookshelf.
2. Choosing from over 60 voices - including American English, Latin American Spanish, Australian English, and British English. Authors can also set a different voice for each chapter.
3. Setting a list price between $3.99 and $14.99.
4. Previewing and editing the narration before publishing.

Authors receive a 40% royalty for a la carte (ALC) sales. Audiobooks created from eBooks in KDP Select are also included in Audible's Plus catalog and eligible for a share of the KDP Select Global Fund.

Customers can find and listen to audiobooks with virtual voice wherever Audible audiobooks are available today. This includes the opportunity to reach millions of listeners on Amazon, Audible, Alexa, and through Amazon Music Unlimited. Audiobooks created by virtual voice are clearly labeled and, as with any audiobook, customers can listen to samples before purchasing.

We plan to grow the beta over time. If you're interested in participating, sign up for KDP's beta email subscription list by following these instructions:

1. Sign in to KDP: kdp.amazon.com.
2. Go to Your Preferences, and follow the prompts.

To ensure you're receiving the latest information on all offerings from KDP, sign up to receive communications from KDP.