We’re kicking off the new year in a BIG way with “YOUR STORY”
And our friends at Author Nation and Reader Nation are helping us!
You're invited to kick off 2026 with a unique opportunity to bring your story, and your voice(s), to life through "Your Story," a first-of-its-kind audiobook storytelling competition that celebrates not only great writing and audio, but the heart, purpose, and personal journey behind it.
We’ve teamed up with Author Nation and Reader Nation to give indie authors a platform to reach new audiences and be celebrated not only for their craft, but for the personal “why” behind each story.
The top 10 contest entries will be streamed on our YouTube channel where Reader Nation readers will vote for the grand prize winner!
Why are we doing this?
Our collaboration with Author Nation is a response to industry trends and anticipated audiobook market explosion in 2026.
WE’RE NOT JUST LOOKING FOR GREAT STORIES
(+ GREAT DIGITAL NARRATION)
We’re looking for the story behind the story and why it mattered enough for you to make it -- and we've got some BIG PRIZES to celebrate that!
Using Spoken Studio, narrate and submit a short audio work (under 10,000 words) using single, multi-voice or duet digital narration, along with a brief author commentary that explains the spark and the personal truth behind it.
”Audio is the fastest-growing segment of the publishing industry. So when the Spoken team came to us with this idea, we thought it was a great way to usher in the new year.”
– Joe Solari, co-producer of Author Nation and Reader Nation
“This is a perfect time for authors to build creative momentum, and the contest helps expand visibility. And with our invitation to Reader Nation participants to vote, this is another way to reach a captive audience of readers.”
– Suze Solari, co-producer of Author Nation and Reader Nation
A growing number of indie authors are narrating full-length audiobooks, as well as shorter works, including teasers. Some stick with single narration, while others are casting voices for every character and exploring duet narration, as well as cloning their personal voice. "Your Story" celebrates the writers who are embracing storytelling in new and exciting ways through Spoken.
“This isn’t just about a great story. It’s about why you are the only person who could have brought it to life,”
– Spoken CEO and sci-fi author Phil Marshall
“Your Story” puts voice, connection, and authenticity at the center of the audiobook experience. Projects will be evaluated on the story itself, the performance, and the personal story behind it. Authors are invited to submit a short work (less than 10,000 words, such as a short story or the beginning of a novel) narrated on Spoken, along with a personal commentary that gives readers a deeper understanding of the story behind the story, and the person writing it.
Submissions are open January 12 - February 20, 2026
Entries will be reviewed by a panel of distinguished indie author judges and narrowed down to 10 finalists. The finalists will be featured on a dedicated YouTube playlist hosted by Spoken, with the readers of Reader Nation invited to vote for their favorite story in March.
The Grand Prize winner will receive:
• Fully-produced YouTube audiobook
• Cinematic book trailer
• Post-contest interview
• Free promotion of their story on YouTube
• Ticket to Author Nation 2026
• VIP ticket to Reader Nation 2026
• One year of a Spoken subscription
All finalists will receive free Spoken publishing credits (100,000 words), featured placement in Author/Reader Nation and Spoken newsletters, and an invitation as a panelist on an exclusive Winner Webinar hosted by Spoken and Author/Reader Nation on March 25.
More details can be found at www.spoken.press/yourstory.
As always, thanks for being part of our story. And thanks for inviting us to bring yours to life.
The Spoken Team
