Audio Publishers Association: Supporting the Spoken Word Industry

Audio Publishers Association: Supporting the Spoken Word Industry

The Audio Publishers Association (APA) serves as a central pillar for the audiobook industry, providing a collective voice for the professionals who bring stories and information to life through sound. Established to foster growth and collaboration, the APA ensures that the business interests of audio publishers are advocated for on a national scale.

The Mission and Purpose of the APA

Founded in May 1986, the APA is a nonprofit trade association based in New York City. Its primary mission is to advocate for the common and collective business interests of audio publishers. By bringing together various stakeholders, the association works to stabilize and grow the market for spoken word products.

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Membership and Eligibility

Membership in the APA is inclusive of the entire audio supply chain. It is open to audio publishing companies as well as allied suppliers, distributors, and retailers of spoken word products. This extends to any professional field related to the production, distribution, and sale of audiobooks, ensuring a comprehensive network of industry expertise.

Industry Contributions and Activities

The APA provides essential infrastructure for the audiobook market through several key initiatives. These activities help members make data-driven decisions and stay connected with evolving trends.

  • Consumer Insights: Conducting national consumer surveys to understand listener behavior.
  • Data Collection: Gathering critical industry statistics to track market growth.
  • Networking: Organizing trade-show exhibits and an annual conference for professional development.
  • Communication: Publishing a regular newsletter to keep members informed of industry shifts.

Key Facts

  • Founded: May 1986
  • Legal Status: 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization
  • Headquarters: New York City, United States
  • Leadership: Led by President Sean McManus and Executive Director Jim Dinegar
  • Financials (2024): Reported revenue of US$ 949,090 and expenses of US$ 875,087

Organizational Overview

The following table summarizes the core administrative and financial details of the Audio Publishers Association.

APA Organizational Summary
Detail Information
Tax ID Number 13-3614862
Field of Operation Audiobook Industry
Official Website www.audiopub.org
Annual Revenue (2024) US$ 949,090
Annual Expenses (2024) US$ 875,087

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Audio Publishers Association?

The APA is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to advocating for the business interests of the audiobook industry.

Who can join the APA?

Membership is open to audio publishing companies, as well as distributors, retailers, and suppliers involved in the production and sale of spoken word products.

Where is the APA located?

The association is headquartered in New York City, United States.

What services does the APA provide to its members?

The APA provides national consumer surveys, industry statistics, a newsletter, trade-show exhibits, and hosts an annual conference.

What is the legal status of the APA?

The APA is registered as a 501(c)(6) organization, which is a specific tax-exempt status for business leagues and trade associations.

References

  1. "APA Board of Directors". Audio Publishers Association. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
  2. "Audio Publishers Association". Nonprofit Explorer. ProPublica. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
  3. Moyer, Jessica E. (2010). The Readers' Advisory Handbook. American Library Association. p. 20. ISBN 9780838910429.
  4. "About APA". Audiobook Publishers Association. Archived from the original on February 9, 2014. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  5. Hoffman, Preston Jones (November 1988). "An Evaluative Directory to Producers and Distributors of Unabridged Books on Cassette Tape". University of Illinois Graduate School of Library and Information Science. Archived from the original on July 2, 2010. Retrieved January 10, 2014.