Audiobooks at a Discount

If, like me, podcasts were your gateway into binging audio content, you might also be consuming many of your reads in audiobook format now. Audiobooks make grocery shopping, long-distance drives, and mindless chores such as stall cleaning much more fun.

However, the relatively high cost of purchasing audiobooks can be a deterrent to consumption. Luckily, there are several ways to get audiobooks that won’t break the bank!

Free Audiobooks

Library The first place I go for free audiobooks is my local library. Not only does the author get compensated for the book*, I get to choose books from an immense collection.

The audiobooks I get from my local library comes via the Libby app. The app is great; it allows me to download the book so I can listen even if I have no Wi-Fi or cellular service. I can place holds on books I want to read in the future, see what books I’ve already consumed, and search for new titles available through my library system.

NetGalley is a great resource for ARC readers, but did you know they also offer audiobooks? In exchange for a free book, they do expect you to leave an honest review, but you’ll get access to new releases before they’re even available to the general public. Even better, NetGalley features a wide cross section of both traditionally and independently published books.

LibriVox is completely free and offers unlimited access to public domain audiobooks. Note, volunteers read most of these audiobooks, so the quality can vary. They currently offer 17,000+ books in over 46 languages.

Direct from the Author Some audiobook platforms give authors free codes to give away promotional copies of their books.

If you haven’t already, join the newsletters of your favorite writers. They’ll often let their subscribers know about promotional copies, ARC copies, or other opportunities to get no-cost access to their books.

Discounted Books

Audiobook Subscription Many subscription services have popped up to provide consumers access to large audiobook libraries.

Some services like Libro.fm, Kobo, Audible, Downpour, and Audibooks.com offer one or more credits each month, which you can redeem for any audiobook in their library.

Other services, such as Scribd and Bookbeat offer unlimited audiobooks per month for a set fee.

Chirp offers amazing deals on audiobooks. Their app is easy to use and allows me to download my content onto devices for listening off line.

You can find deals on both traditional and independently published books in Chirp’s library. Through the app, I’ve found and purchased entire book series for much less than the cost of one month of a subscription service.

Audiobooks are Books!

However you find your audiobooks, don’t forget to review the stories as you consume them, like you would for any other format! As previously discussed, writing a simple review is a straightforward task that will take little of your time. But your review will help the author immensely.

How do you get your audiobooks?

*By the way, if you haven’t already done so, please request my books from your local library! Library sales are terrific for indie authors and help to get our books into the hands of new readers.

Header Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash