The arithmetic, in full

Base production is a $5,000 studio floor plus $0.08 per word beyond 30,000 for an audio book and a $15,000 studio floor plus $0.25 per word beyond 30,000 for a film book. Nothing is priced per finished hour, and nothing is priced by how much a salesperson thinks you can pay.

Worked out: 50,000 words is $6,600. 90,000 words is $9,800. 150,000 words is $14,600.

Add-ons are also drawn off the word count, never off the base price. Voices cost 1% of the word count for every 2 voices. Sound effects cost 1% for every 5 effects. Blocks always round up. A chosen, cut and mixed score is a flat $1,500.

Why the industry's answers vary so wildly

Most audiobook quotes are given per finished hour, which means you cannot calculate anything until someone else has estimated your runtime for you. Per-hour rates then swing on the narrator's standing, the studio's overhead and how the deal is brokered.

Word count is the only figure an author already holds. Pricing off it means the quote is yours to check, not ours to defend.

What is included, and what is not

Production covers casting, narration, direction, editing, mastering and delivery at retail specification. A 50% deposit begins the build; the balance falls due on delivery. There is no retainer and no subscription.

Not included: cover art, editing of the manuscript itself, or retail distribution fees charged by storefronts.

Asked and answered

How much does a 90,000-word audiobook cost?

$9,800 for base production at a $5,000 studio floor plus $0.08 per word beyond 30,000, before any voices, effects or score are added.

Is it cheaper to make an audiobook than a video book?

Yes. An audio book is a $5,000 studio floor plus $0.08 per word beyond 30,000; a film book is a $15,000 studio floor plus $0.25 per word beyond 30,000. An audio book is simply less work to build.

Do I pay everything up front?

No. 50% begins the build and the balance falls due on delivery, or you may pay in full if you prefer.