Amazon to face lawsuit over audiobook distribution
Christine DeMaio, who writes as CD Reiss, is taking on Amazon's Audible in court, claiming they're making it tough for authors to have a choice.
She says Audible's 90-day exclusive deal gives better royalties—40% if you stick with them, but only 25% if you try other platforms.
The lawsuit calls this unfair and says it keeps competition out of the audiobook world.
DeMaio wants this to become a class action
DeMaio wants this to become a class action so thousands of authors can join in, and she's asking for over $5 million in damages from both Audible and Amazon.
With Audible controlling more than 60% of the US audiobook scene (Apple has about 20%), lawyers argue their pricing punishes authors who don't go exclusive.
The case is moving forward in New York federal court, with more hearings on the way.