The other day, I saw a post from an author celebrating his first royalty payment.
This journey into independent audiobook publishing has shown me the power of storytelling. There are many stories.
This journey into independent audiobook publishing has shown me the power of storytelling in the world of independent audiobook publishing.
Five cents. $0.05.
He had published his first ebook on a major platform. I won’t name names, but you probably know the one. Their initials are KDP. 😂
He joked about being rich enough to buy everyone a glass of water.
But I loved his story.
Someone had read his book. Something he created had reached another human being, and he had earned his first royalty.
That’s the real victory.
I’m still working on my own book, Duncan the Man Hunter. And if just one person finishes it and says, “Man, that was a crazy journey,” I’ll be elated. Truly.
But that five-cent royalty also reminded me why I started building KOBA-I Audio.
Understanding the process of independent audiobook publishing is crucial for authors today.
The Hidden Challenge of Self-Publishing an Audiobook
A few years ago, I got stuck.
I wanted to write an audiobook, publish it independently, and share my story with the world.
Simple enough, right?
Not exactly.
I started by reaching out to traditional publishers and was met with silence. I started researching audiobook production, distribution, narration, copyright protection, and publishing costs.
The expenses added up quickly. And depending on the distribution arrangement, I could also surrender a significant percentage of future sales.
As a career IT project manager, my fiscally conservative, risk-averse brain wasn’t having it.
I couldn’t justify investing thousands of dollars without understanding the long-term economics and control I’d retain.
So my book stayed parked.
On my hard drive.
And in my imagination.
With independent audiobook publishing, authors can explore new avenues for their creativity in a rapidly changing market.
Through the process of independent audiobook publishing, authors can explore new avenues for their creativity in a rapidly changing market.
Imagine the possibilities of independent audiobook publishing where you control everything.
What If Authors Could Own Their Publishing Platform?
Eventually, I asked myself a different question.
What if I could sell my own audiobook?
What would I need?
A secure audiobook player. An EPUB reader supporting illustrations. Cover artwork. Narration. Copyright and content protection. Sales tracking. Payment processing. Customer relationships. A way for readers to discover my work and return for the next story.
The list kept growing.
And that’s where my IT project management background became useful.
KOBA-I Audio supports independent audiobook publishing, empowering authors.
I stopped looking at publishing as a single transaction and started looking at it as a system.
Through independent audiobook publishing, authors can reach wider audiences.
Independent audiobook publishing is about ownership and connection.
The landscape of independent audiobook publishing is ever-evolving.
Independent audiobook publishing opens up new avenues for creativity.
That thinking eventually became KOBA-I Audio.
Today, we’re building infrastructure that helps independent authors publish and sell audiobooks and illustrated ebooks through websites they control.
KOBA-I takes no royalty percentage from direct book sales. Standard payment processing, hosting, and operating costs still apply.
More importantly, authors can build direct relationships with their customers, invite readers to join their mailing lists, and make their own business decisions.
Use Amazon and Audible. But Own Your Foundation.
Let me be clear.
I’m not against Amazon, Audible, Spotify, or other major publishing platforms.
Quite the opposite.
I think they’re powerful opportunities for authors to get discovered.
But here’s my question:
What if those platforms helped readers discover you, while your own website became the place where you built your tribe?
Think about your favorite author.
With independent audiobook publishing, the author’s vision comes first.
If you could purchase their next book directly from their website, knowing you’re supporting their ability to keep writing, would you?
I absolutely would.
I’ve looked up authors after finishing their books. I’ve followed their work because I wanted more of the worlds they created.
Every step in independent audiobook publishing is a chance to innovate and engage with your readers.
Independent audiobook publishing gives you the freedom to express your voice.
Join me in this adventure of independent audiobook publishing.
Independent audiobook publishing provides an opportunity for you to connect directly with your audience and share your vision.
That’s the relationship I want independent authors to have the opportunity to build.
Your website. Your brand. Your readers. Your voice.
Let’s explore the future of independent audiobook publishing together.
Independent Publishing Should Mean More Than Publishing Alone
Financial independence matters. But author independence is bigger than royalty percentages.
It’s the freedom to choose how your story is presented.
The freedom to decide what your audience experiences.
The freedom to build something that doesn’t depend entirely on another company’s business model.
And the freedom to spend more time doing what made you an author in the first place.
Writing.
I’m building KOBA-I Audio because I believe authors deserve that choice.
Ultimately, the goal is to redefine success through independent audiobook publishing.
And I’m building it while still trying to finish my own damn book. 😂
So join me.
I’ll be sharing what I’m building, what works, what doesn’t, and the lessons I learn along the way.
Own the foundation. Use the ecosystem.
KOBA-I Audio — Your Voice. Your Terms.
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