Why do I encourage readers to buy direct from authors?

This.

Received my audiobook royalty from the aggregator today. I have 10 books with all the retailers, and the latest release should be live soon. Readers enjoyed all of my books in November - but the royalty to me averaged less than $2 per listen. That’s less than I get for an ebook!

My books are beautifully narrated by delightful Aussie actor Lucy Goleby. I’ve paid Lucy for her work, my books are professionally produced, and at this rate, I can expect to break even in several years. Sigh.

But over on my website my audiobooks are listed less than they are with the retailers - so please if you enjoy audiobooks, please, please buy direct.

And how do my books make so little with the retailers, I hear you ask? Some, like Audible, offer initial free books when readers subscribe. They’re building their subscribers at authors’ expense.