How to Return an Audible Book on Amazon: Author's Perspective

Returning an Audible audiobook on Amazon can be a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps. However, it's essential to understand the reasons behind the return and the implications it has on authors.

Steps to Return an Audible Audiobook

To return an Audible audiobook on Amazon, follow these steps:

Log in to Audible: Visit and log in to your account. Access your account details: Click on your account name in the upper right corner and select Account Details. Find your purchase history: In the account details section, look for Purchase History or Your Audible Library. Select the audiobook to return: Locate the audiobook you wish to return. Click on the three dots or the Return option next to it. Initiate the return: Choose the option to return the audiobook. Confirm the return: You may need to provide a reason for the return. After confirming, you should receive a notification that the return has been processed.

Audible has a generous return policy, allowing returns within 365 days of purchase. However, they may limit the number of returns to prevent abuse of the policy.

Consideration Before Returning an Audiobook

Before initiating a return, consider the following:

Already Listened to the Full Book: If you have already listened to the entire audiobook, it is not advisable to return it. Returning it means that the author and producer do not receive payment, and their income is reduced. Returning a book you have fully listened to is considered stealing. Return for a Reason: The return facility is meant for situations where you accidentally buy the wrong title, realize the audiobook is not what you expected, or have a significant issue with it that compelled you to stop listening.

Returning an audiobook for reasons other than these can be ethically and financially problematic. If you return an audiobook after reading the entire book, you are stealing that content. Repeatedly returning and then returning books after reading can lead to Amazon banning your account.

The Impact of Returns on Authors

Audio files, especially books, are costly to produce. The return policy is one of the reasons why many potential audiobooks never make it to Audible. Many authors are hesitant to create audiobooks knowing that they might receive minimal compensation due to the high return rates.

When an audiobook is returned, the payment is often reversed, and the author's earnings are reduced. This has a direct impact on the author's income and may discourage them from producing more high-quality content.

Before deciding to return an audiobook, consider the ethical implications and the impact on the author. Support ethical returns and leave valuable feedback to help authors improve their work and provide better audiobooks in the future.