The explosion in audiobooks' popularity has led to (and been facilitated by) the proliferation of platforms for their distribution. The report imparts strategies for Canadian publishers who seek to increase their presence and sales in major audiobook markets.

Designed to provide concrete information and strategies for Canadian publishers who seek to better understand and break into the international audiobook market, this report provides an overview of key platforms and best practices in international audiobook distribution and monetization in the US, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Mexico.

The report includes information on:

• Market growth and new opportunities.
• Business models and differences around the globe.
• Issues and challenges facing Canadian publishers and strategies for dealing with them.

Building on the latest industry developments, the report outlines the opportunities and challenges these present for exporting Canadian publishers of all sizes and across both languages.

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About the Authors

Forté Business Consulting partners Michele Cobb and Michael Desrosiers have worked together building businesses for over a decade.

Mike has led organizational finance and operation areas for over 25 years. After becoming a CPA, Mike began his career in the corporate office of the precious metals division of Cookson America in the late 1980s. This is where Mike was first exposed to acquisitions/divestitures and worked in operations, identifying synergies and implementing corporation integration plans. At Cookson, he worked his way through several division controllerships as well as becoming the director of financial reporting. Upon leaving Cookson, Mike served several medium-sized entities as CFO. These included publicly traded, foreign-owned, and private equity-backed organizations, where he spearheaded several acquisitions and mergers. Mike joined the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) audiobooks division as the director of finance and operations and was later promoted to chief operating officer in charge of the day-to-day operations of the BBC Audiobooks division in North America.

Michele began her career working as a theatre director and general manager before she became involved in audiobooks and spent over a decade at the BBC Audiobooks division in the US. Now on the executive teams at L.A. Theatre Works, AudioFile Magazine, and MMB Media, she is a recognized expert in digital media with a focus on audio. She also serves as the executive director of the Audio Publishers Association, the Podcast Academy, and PubWest and consults for clients in the media space.

2022

36 pages

C$30

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This publication is supported by a contribution from Global Affairs Canada’s CanExport Associations program.