Company expands free beta to democratize audio publishing for indie authors; announces key strategic advisors

PORTLAND, Ore., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Spoken, the innovative audio storytelling platform purpose-built for self-published authors, today announced the expansion of its Beta program, empowering users with AI to narrate, publish and stream stories free of charge. In a short period, Spoken has already grown to over 3,000 registered users, highlighting the untapped demand for intuitive, engaging audio publishing. Spoken is also announcing its strategic advisory board which includes prominent publishing, consumer brand and tech industry leaders who will help it shape the future of independent audio storytelling.

Spoken. Help Storytellers. Tell Stories.

"The self-publishing revolution transformed how authors reach audiences, but access to audio has remained locked behind outdated barriers," said Phil Marshall, CEO of Spoken. "Built by storytellers, for storytellers, Spoken dramatically lowers the cost and complexity of professional-quality audio, unlocking a whole new Spoken Economy for writers of all forms, and for readers who love to listen. Creators are finding homes in social media, including TikTok and Instagram, but writers have had no such innovation until now."

Spoken is Meeting the Demand for Audio Storytelling

Listening is the new reading. Audiobook sales are expected to surpass eBook sales this year, highlighting audio as a key part of today's mobile lifestyle. Additional market analysis indicates:

  • Half of American adults listen to spoken-word media every day (The Spoken Word Audio Report, NPR, Edison Research)
  • The global audiobook market is expected to grow 26.2% YoY and eclipse $30 billion by 2030 (Grand View Research)

"The complexities faced by self-published authors are enormous," said M.L. Buchman, bestselling author and audiobook self-narrator. "In addition to crafting stories, we bear the burdens of production, distribution and revenue management. We write, market and become small-business entrepreneurs and all that implies. Audio often remains out of reach or an afterthought. Spoken fundamentally changes this, making audiobooks attainable for all indie authors."

Three Core Innovations for Indie Authors

Spoken directly supports authors and listeners, addressing core pain points in audio storytelling, publishing and streaming:

  • Spoken Studio: An AI-driven analysis and narration workflow enabling authors to create and publish high-quality, custom-voiced, immersive audio quickly, easily, and during the Beta program, for free
  • Spoken Network: A free hyper-personalized discovery and streaming network built with community in mind. Listeners directly follow, support and engage with authors
  • Spoken Economy: A flexible creator-directed monetization model to optimize revenue, without exclusivity, coming after the Beta program

Strategic Advisory Board Announced

"Working with world-class authors, story-brand experts and tech visionaries to build Spoken is thrilling," said Spoken co-founder Andrew Wallner. "We're energized by the novel intersection of domain expertise rallying behind Spoken and our promise."

Spoken's advisory board includes:

  • Joshua Meyer, Co-founder of Coqui, and expert in AI-generated digital media
  • Adam Hanft, Renowned brand strategist, digital innovator and consumer storyteller
  • M.L. Buchman, USA Today and Amazon bestselling author and self-publishing expert
  • George Kassabgi, Serial entrepreneur and AI technology executive
  • Peter Zuckerman, Bestselling and award-winning author and publishing strategist
  • Mike Larson, Author and creator monetization strategist

"The Spoken team understands what so many tech companies miss," said Josh Meyer, strategic advisor to Spoken. "AI only works when it serves real people. By focusing on indie authors and their needs, they've built the easiest, smartest way to turn books into audiobooks, effortlessly."

Explore the Spoken Beta

"Democratizing access to audio is critical for indie authors and the future of spoken-word storytelling," said Joseph Nassise, New York Times Bestselling Author, and Spoken Beta user. "The Spoken team's focus on the needs of storytellers and listeners is evident in the brand's DNA, from promise to product. I recommend curious authors give the Spoken Beta a try."

Spoken is completely free, and during the Beta, it's free for authors to narrate and self-publish their work. Join the Spoken Beta at ihave.spoken.press.

About Spoken

Spoken is a revolutionary storytelling platform designed to help storytellers tell stories. By integrating AI-enabled analysis and narration, streaming, and social engagement, Spoken is an end-to-end ecosystem for authors and listeners. Founded by tech entrepreneurs and passionate storytellers, Spoken empowers writers to create, publish and monetize their work.

For more information, visit Spoken.press. Follow Spoken on social media for updates, or join our Discord or SubReddit for discussion. Listen to this announcement, now streaming on Spoken.

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SOURCE Spoken Inc.

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