Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 50: This Just In - Audible AI Crackdown

Episode Summary:

Episode 50 was supposed to be a celebration.

Instead, it’s breaking news.

In this milestone episode, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, dives into Audible’s quiet but significant crackdown on AI voice cloning technology. Without public announcement, ACX (Audible’s production platform) has begun rejecting audiobooks produced using AI text-to-speech voice clones—even when the voice is the author’s own verified clone.

What does this mean for authors?

It means fewer affordable options.It means more financial barriers.And it means a major shift in how audiobooks can be produced and distributed.

Renée breaks down why this move likely isn’t about quality—and what alternative platforms (like Spotify for Authors) are doing differently. If you’re planning to publish an audiobook—or already have one—this is an episode you cannot afford to miss.

What You’ll Hear:

• What Audible quietly changed (and why it matters)

• How AI voice cloning works—and why it’s not inherently harmful

• The real cost of studio-quality audiobook production

• Why this decision impacts independent authors the most

• The financial incentives behind Audible’s narrator marketplace

• Why Spotify for Authors is emerging as a strong alternative

• How Spotify’s royalty structure compares (70/30 split)

• The future of AI in publishing—and why adaptability matters

Quote to Remember:

“I will always advocate for authors. Technology should make publishing more accessible—not more restrictive.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

Spotify for Authors

smartpublishingservices.com – courses, blogs, and publishing resources

Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she’s the only one in the world

Email: [email protected]

Milestone Note:

50 episodes strong—and still committed to helping authors write, publish, and amplify their voices.