ACX Submission Support Guide

Make your ACX submission as smooth as possible while respecting platform requirements and your role as the rights holder.

Successfully publishing your audiobook on ACX requires collaboration between narrator and author/publisher. This guide clearly outlines what support I provide versus what responsibilities remain with you during the ACX submission process.

What I Provide - Full Support

📁 Technical File Preparation

  • ACX-Compliant Audio Files
    • MP3 format, 22.05 kHz, 64 kbps mono
    • RMS levels between -18dB and -23dB
    • Peak levels below -3dB
    • Noise floor below -60dB
    • Consistent room tone throughout
  • Proper File Structure
    • Individual chapter files
    • Opening credits file
    • Closing credits file
    • Room tone sample (1-5 minutes)
  • Standard File Naming
    • Clear, sequential naming convention
    • ACX-friendly file organization

📋 Document & Guidance

    • Technical Specifications Sheet – Confirming all ACX requirements are met

    • Chapter Duration Log – Run time for each file

      • Upload Checklist – Step-by-step submission guide

    • Quality Assurance Report – Verification of technical compliance

    • File Inventory – Complete list of all delivered files

🔧 Technical Support

    • Pre-Upload File Verification – Ensuring files meet ACX standards

    • Upload Troubleshooting – Help resolving technical upload issues

    • Audio Quality Questions – Clarification on technical specifications

    • File Format Issues – Re-rendering files if technical problems arise

    • ACX Rejection Support – Fixing audio issues if ACX rejects files

📞 Consultation & Advice

    • ACX Best Practices – Tips for successful submission

    • Platform Navigation – General guidance on ACX interface

    • Timeline Planning – Realistic expectations for review process

    • Series Consistency – Maintaining quality across multiple books

What You Handle - Author/Publisher Responsibilites

📚 Account & Rights Management

    • ACX Account Setup – Creating and managing your ACX account

    • Rights Verification – Confirming you own audiobook rights

    • Title Information – Book details, description, metadata

    • Cover Art Upload – Audiobook cover image (ACX specifications)

    • Pricing Decisions – Setting retail price and distribution

💰 Financial & Legal

    • Payment Processing – Final narrator payment per contract

    • Royalty Agreements – Managing royalty share arrangements (if applicable)

    • Tax Information – W-9 forms and tax documentation

    • Contract Compliance – Ensuring all agreement terms are met

📤 Actual File Upload

    • ACX Platform Upload – Physically uploading files to ACX

    • Chapter Organization – Arranging files in correct order

    • Metadata Entry – Chapter titles, descriptions, timestamps

    • Final Submission – Clicking “submit for review”

📝 Content & Marketing

    • Book Description – Writing compelling audiobook description

    • Keywords & Categories – Selecting appropriate tags

    • Sample Selection – Choosing which 5-minute sample to feature

    • Marketing Materials – Promotional content and campaigns

Shared Responsibilities

🔍 Quality Review Process

    • You: Review content accuracy, character consistency, story flow

    • Me: Verify technical quality, audio specifications, file integrity

    • Together: Address any quality concerns before submission

📞 Communication During Review

    • You: Monitor ACX review status and communicate updates

    • Me: Respond quickly to any technical issues flagged by ACX

    • Together: Coordinate response to ACX feedback or rejection

Important Boundaries

What I Cannot Do

    • ❌ Access Your ACX Account – Platform security requires author login

    • ❌ Upload Files Directly – Rights holder must perform actual upload

    • ❌ Make Pricing Decisions – Business decisions remain with author

    • ❌ Handle Rights Issues – Legal/copyright matters are author responsibility

    • ❌ Manage Royalty Payments – Financial arrangements handled separately

What You Cannot Delegate

    • ❌ Rights Verification – Only rights holder can confirm ownership

    • ❌ Final Submission – Author must personally submit to ACX

    • ❌ Account Management – Personal account access cannot be shared

    • ❌ Legal Compliance – Copyright and contract obligations

Step-by-Step Support System

Phase 1: Pre-Submission (My Support)

    • ✅ File Preparation – Deliver ACX-compliant audio files

    • ✅ Technical Verification – Confirm all specifications are met

    • ✅ Documentation Package – Provide upload checklist and guides

    • ✅ Pre-Upload Review – Final quality check before your upload

Phase 2: Upload Process: (Your Responsibility & My Support)

    • 🫵 You: Log into ACX, create title, enter metadata

    • 🫵 You: Upload files following provided checklist

    • ✅ Me: Available for technical questions during upload

    • 🫵 You: Submit for ACX review

Phase 3: Review Period (Shard Support)

    • 🫵 You: Monitor ACX review status

    • ✅ Me: Stand by for technical issue resolution

    • 🤝 Together: Address any ACX feedback or requirements

    • 🫵 You: Approve final publication

Common Issues & Support

Technical Rejections (I Handle)

    • 🔧 Audio Quality Issues – RMS, peak, or noise floor problems

    • 🔧 File Format Problems – Incorrect specifications or encoding

    • 🔧 Room Tone Issues – Inconsistent or missing ambient sound

    • 🔧 Chapter Breaks – Audio editing or timing problems

Content/Rights Rejections (You Handle)

    • 📝 Metadata Issues – Incorrect title, author, or description

    • ⚖️ Rights Problems – Copyright or ownership questions

    • 🖼️ Cover Art Issues – Image specifications or quality

    • 💰 Pricing Concerns – Retail price or distribution settings

Support Timeline & Availability

Response Times

    • Technical Questions: 4-6 hours (business days)

    • Upload Issues: Same day response

    • ACX Rejections: Within 24 hours

    • Emergency Support: Available for urgent technical problems

Support Duration

    • Included Period: 30 days from final file delivery

    • Extended Support: Available beyond 30 days if needed

    • Series Support: Ongoing guidance for multi-book projects

Pro Tips for Smooth Submission

Before You Start

    • ✅ Ensure your ACX account is fully set up and verified

    • ✅ Have your book cover ready (ACX specifications: 2400 x 2400px minimum)

    • ✅ Prepare your book description and keywords in advance

    • ✅ Review the upload checklist I provide

During Upload

    • 🌐 Use a stable internet connection for large file uploads

    • ⏰ Allow plenty of time – uploads can take several hours

    • 📋 Follow the file order exactly as provided in documentation

    • 📞 Contact me immediately if you encounter technical issues

After Submission

    • ⏳ ACX review typically takes 10-14 business days

    • 📧 Monitor your email for ACX communications

    • 📱 Keep me updated on review status and any feedback

    • 🎉 Celebrate when your audiobook goes live!

📞 Contact for ACX Support

For technical issues during ACX submission: 

    • Subject Line:  “ACX Support – [Book Title]”

    • Response Time: 4-6 hours (same day for urgent issues)

 

What to include in support requests: 

    • 📚 Book title and project details

    • 🔧 Specific technical issue or error message

    • 📸 Screenshots if applicable

    • ⏰ Timeline/urgency level

🎯  Success Partnership

My role is to ensure you have technically perfect, ACX-compliant audio files and the support you need for a successful submission. Your role is to handle the business, legal, and content aspects of publication.

Together, we make audiobook magic happen!

“The Reader’s Narrator” – Supporting your success from recording to publication.

Note: ACX policies and requirements may change. I stay current with platform updates and will adjust technical specifications accordingly. Always refer to current ACX guidelines for the most up-to-date requirements.