The Society of Authors (SOA) has expressed concern regarding Spotify’s new audiobook offerings. As the body representing writers in the UK, the SOA notes “the devastating effect that music streaming has had on artist incomes.” They fear a similar outcome for authors.
“Streaming audiobooks competes directly with sales, and may be even more damaging since most listeners only experience a book once,” the SOA statement notes. Several major publishers have granted Spotify licenses to include over 150,000 audiobook titles.
However, the SOA claims “no authors or agents were approached for permission” and creators “have not been consulted on payment terms.” Given technology advances, many existing contracts did not foresee digital licensing models. Royalties established long ago lack protections in today’s landscape.
Some writers have discovered their work on Spotify without notification. Debut novelist Yara Rodrigues Fowler said she “wasn’t consulted at all.” Her agent stated the lack of transparency makes “understanding benefits for authors impossible.” Historian Greg Jenner only learned via a friend discovering his audiobook.
Literary agent Jonny Geller intends to scrutinize new deals, ensuring “royalties are subject to individual purchases, not stream length.” For years, musicians have argued streaming fails to adequately compensate creativity. A recent parliamentary report called for reform establishing fair compensation.
SOA CEO Nicola Solomon questions why publishers signed without involving authors, especially as discussions may have occurred over time. She demands answers around calculations, competition with sales, protections against abuse, and long-term impacts on earnings.
The SOA urges publishers work directly with those whose livelihoods depend on these agreements. Only through open collaboration can innovation both reward creativity and respect those who bring stories to the world.
