Bookshop.org launches £12.99 audiobook service for indie shops
New subscription aims to provide a regular revenue stream for independent book retailers across the UK.
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An online platform supporting independent bookshops has introduced a new audiobook subscription service. Bookshop.org's offering allows customers to purchase audiobooks while directing financial support to independent retailers, positioning itself as an ethical choice compared to existing services like Amazon's Audible.
Revenue Stream for Bookshops
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Nicole Vanderbilt, managing director of Bookshop.org UK, stated that the new product provides a significant and consistent income source for independent bookshops. She highlighted the growing importance of audiobooks within the publishing industry and expressed the aim to offer audiobook listeners a better purchasing option that benefits local shops. According to Ms Vanderbilt, indie bookshops will gain from every credit bought through the subscription.
The UK audiobook market is currently valued at £255 million and experiences a 10 per cent annual growth rate, exceeding the expansion of the broader publishing sector. As part of the service's introduction, eight bookshops across the country have been equipped with listening stations. These stations allow customers to sample audiobooks before purchasing.
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Support for Independent Retailers
Vicki Shenkin Kerr, founder of Bard Books in London, welcomed the initiative. She noted that the service enables her shop to recommend audiobooks to customers with the assurance that the revenue generated will support not only Bard Books but also other independent bookshops. This collaborative financial benefit is seen as a significant advantage for the independent retail sector.
Bookshop.org also plans to feature exclusive audiobook content, including discussions and lectures from various authors. Research from the National Literacy Trust indicates that listening to audiobooks can stimulate reading interest among children and young people, with 37.5 per cent reporting this effect. The new audiobook offering aligns with Bookshop.org's wider objective to broaden access to books for readers.
Questions this report answers
+How much does the new audiobook subscription cost?
The new audiobook subscription service from Bookshop.org is priced at £12.99 per month per credit. This subscription model is designed to provide a regular revenue stream for independent bookshops.
+How do independent bookshops benefit from this service?
Independent bookshops earn the full profit from audiobook sales made through the Bookshop.org subscription service. This initiative aims to offer them a significant and consistent revenue stream, supporting their financial viability.
+What is the value of the UK audiobook market?
The UK audiobook market is currently valued at £255 million. It is also experiencing significant growth, increasing by 10 per cent annually, which is faster than the overall publishing industry.
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