The launch was news to several high-profile Finnish authors (who) learned their audiobooks were on Spotify only when the service went live.

The arrival of audiobooks on Spotify is creating waves, but not all of them are welcome. While industry experts see potential for market growth, the Finland launch has exposed a significant communication gap between some publishers and their authors.

A Boon for Listeners, A Question for Authors

Digital media expert Kari Haakana believes the platform could be a powerful customer acquisition tool, stating, “It may bring people who don’t have audiobook subscriptions to listen to audiobooks.” However, he sounds a note of caution for creators, adding, “Consumers may win in the short term… But will that mean authors will benefit? I don’t know.”

Authors Caught by Surprise

The launch was news to several high-profile Finnish authors, including Koko Hubara and Pajtim Statovci (Otava), and Juha Itkonen (Gummerus). They learned their audiobooks were on Spotify only when the service went live.

Statovci criticised the lack of consultation, telling Yle, “The issue should have been communicated differently… by immediately inviting the authors to a joint discussion.”

While authors acknowledged their contracts grant publishers distribution rights, the failure to forewarn them has caused friction. Hubara highlighted issues with vague compensation details, and Itkonen captured the feeling of powerlessness, saying, “Nevertheless, it highlights that the writer is somehow in a weak position, in the dark and helpless. Decisions are made without us being heard.”

The Publishers’ Perspective

Publishers defended their position, citing legal constraints. WSOY CEO Timo Julkunen and Otava’s sales chief Nona Ratia both stated that their confidentiality agreements with Spotify prevented them from informing authors of the specific launch date in advance.

Despite the rocky start, publishers are optimistic about Spotify’s potential. Ratia commented, “We think it is a good thing that there are several players… We believe that overall literature sales will grow.” 

The challenge now is to ensure that this growth is communicated transparently and shared fairly with the authors at the heart of the industry.

#FinlandAudiobooks #FinlandSpotify #FinlandBookMarket

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.