Audiobooks are audio recordings of published texts performed by professional narrators.
There is no single, multi-employer collective bargaining agreement for audiobooks, SAG-AFTRA has more than 90 separate agreements with audiobook publishers and producers and the agreements vary slightly.
For Members
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These rates are tailored to the particular publisher/producer so please check with staff for details about your upcoming job.
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- Our audiobook contracts provide protections against the creation and/or use of digital replicas without informed consent and bargaining. Should there be a breach, the union will grieve and litigate at no cost to the narrator.
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By working under SAG-AFTRA agreements, you can earn credits towards quality, affordable health coverage (including wellness care, medical, hospitalization, prescription drug, mental health, chemical dependency and dental benefits). These benefits are provided by the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan; for more information visit www.sagaftraplans.org.
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Through the SAG-AFTRA audiobook contracts, you can earn credits towards a real pension from the AFTRA Retirement Fund. Again, visit aftraretirement.org for more information on eligibility and benefits.
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Individuals who qualify for SAG-AFTRA health insurance also get life insurance and coverage for accidental death and dismemberment.
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- A few of the many additional protections in our audiobook contracts include payment deadlines, bargaining and payment for reuse in other media, consistent production support around how corrections are delivered to the narrator, additional compensation for multi-narrator projects, rates for additional promotional content, and established procedures for resolving contract violations and disputes.
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There are additional benefits available exclusively for members of SAG-AFTRA through programs such as the AFL-CIO’s Union Plus. Benefits ranging from mortgage and refinancing savings to auto insurance to discounts on flowers and more are available at no cost to the union or its members. Visit www.unionplus.org for more information. Click here to visit the SAG-AFTRA benefits page.
Interested in a career in audiobook narration?
Here’s what just a few employers have said about their experience with SAG-AFTRA:
“I have been working in the audiobook industry as a producer, director, executive and advocate for over 28 years. In that time I have not only had the privilege of hiring thousands of SAG-AFTRA members to narrate audiobooks, but worked closely with leadership to define the best production practices for our industry. Penguin Random House Audio is dedicated to crafting unique and immersive audio experiences for our authors, with an eye towards inclusive and equitable casting practice. Working closely with SAG/AFTRA talent allows us to do that. Our relationship and partnership with the union, as well as its members, are of utmost importance to us.”
- Dan Zitt, Vice President, Content Production for the Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group.
“Audiobooks narrators are professional performers and should be treated that way. Like all pros, they want to protect their families’ health and plan for the future. SAG-AFTRA membership helps them to do that. As a long-time producer of audiobooks, I owe my livelihood to bringing my clients the best talent available. And that’s SAG-AFTRA talent-forward-leaning professionals who consistently deliver at rates that work for their clients and for themselves,”
- John McElroy, who runs a three-time Grammy Award winning production company.
"On the basis of my SAG-AFTRA Narrator’s strong and beautiful narration of Whispers of Betrayal, by Adela Edgecombe, I’ve nominated the audiobook for an Audie. I just want you to know that we see great value in hiring SAG-AFTRA talent and it is my intent to work with you again soon. She identified herself as a SAG-AFTRA member in the opening and closing credits and we are proud of that. Thank you for making it so easy to work with SAG-AFTRA."
- Maryann Karinch, Producer with Armin Lear Press
For Producers/Publishers
By signing a SAG-AFTRA audiobook contract you get seasoned, professional narrators and a superior audiobook product. By signing a SAG-AFTRA contract, you are also contributing towards the narrators’ medical and pension eligibility.
Contact Information
If you have questions about audiobook work, call any of the SAG-AFTRA staff representative below:
| Location | Name | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Richard Larkin | richard.larkin@sagaftra.org | (212) 863-4242 |
| Washington-Mid Atlantic | Jane Love | jane.love@sagaftra.org | (301) 657-2560 x4859 |
| Miami | Andrea Henderson | andrea.henderson@sagaftra.org | (305)-663-7094 |
Audiobooks Industry Resources
Below find a list of resources to help guide you through your audiobook career.
SAG-AFTRA Videos
SAG-AFTRA Foundation Videos
Casting Opportunities
Penguin Random House Audiobooks Mentoring Program
Additional information to come; please email
Click here to see a list of the Audiobook Steering Committee.