For publishers
Audio coverage for your entire backlist
The audiobook market is projected to 4x by 2030, yet most backlists have zero audio coverage because traditional production is too expensive. Lex produces studio-grade audiobooks — narration, optional scoring, word-level sync — at 1/10th the traditional cost.
The audio coverage gap
The audiobook market is projected to 4x by 2030, yet most backlists have zero audio coverage — because at $2,500–$6,000 per title for traditional production, only frontlist leads earn a recording. Every uncovered title is a format your readers already want and cannot buy.
Lex closes that gap with production-grade AI narration: deliberate voice casting, register consistency engineered across chapter boundaries, human QA, mastering, and word-level text synchronization for read-along experiences. Optionally, titles get a full score — music beds, ambience, and sound effects mixed like a film.
The partner-narrator model
For publishers who want a known human voice on the cover, Lex works with partner narrators on a consent-based hybrid model: the narrator records a 1–2 hour sample per book, and Lex extends that session across the full title — credited and paid, with about 90% less booth time. You get a real narrator’s name and sound at AI production economics.
- →Studio-grade narration — multi-voice casting available; every chapter join passes an objective pitch/level continuity gate.
- →Word-level sync — text-audio alignment enables read-along and deep-linking features traditional audio does not have.
- →Retailer-compliant disclosure — AI-narration disclosure handled per store’s requirements.
- →Wide distribution — Spotify, Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, and library platforms — non-exclusive, your royalties.
How partnerships are structured
Pay-for-service and own the masters (Production Services), trade production cost for a non-exclusive Lex distribution license (Production Exchange), or pay-per-read with no upfront cost. Whole-backlist audio programs typically blend Models A and B: leads as paid production, long tail as exchange.
Frequently asked questions
How much does audiobook production cost for publishers?
Traditional production runs $2,500–$6,000 per title ($200–$400 per finished hour for narration, plus editing and mastering). Lex produces studio-grade AI-narrated audiobooks at roughly 1/10th of that, with batch pricing for backlist programs. Contact dm@lex-books.com for a catalog quote.
Do major stores accept AI-narrated audiobooks?
Spotify, Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, and major library platforms accept professionally produced AI-narrated audiobooks with proper disclosure, which Lex handles per store. Audible/ACX does not accept AI narration through its marketplace as of 2026.
Can we use our own narrator’s voice?
Yes, through the consent-based partner-narrator model: your narrator records a short sample per title, approves the terms, and Lex extends the voice across the full book with credit and payment. The narrator’s existing audience follows the name to your title.
Who owns the finished audio?
Under Production Services, you do — outright, with a commercial license and no exclusivity. Under Production Exchange, you retain ownership while Lex receives a non-exclusive license to carry the title.
Onboarding founding partners now.
Early movers get preferred terms and platform input.
David Mainayar · Founder & CEO