Frequently Asked Questions
Download FAQs
What file format are the audio books in?
We offer our audio book downloads in two formats - MP3s and M4Bs. Learn more about our audio book formats here. Some members may still have WMA audio books in their download library. WMAs are an older, Windows-specific format.
What are download credits?
Download members are issued 1, 2, or 3 credits per month, depending on their plan. These credits are traded in toward a downloadable audio book. Generally, one audio book costs one credit, though a small number of our titles – approximately 5% - will require two credits to download.
What is the Download Hub?
The Simply Audiobooks Download Hub is software application that makes downloading your audio books easier. The Hub will download your audio books, notify you when they are done, and then store them all in one easy location.
Can I listen to my audio books on multiple computers?
Can I listen to my audio books on multiple computers? You can listen to your audio books on any computers as long as you are playing a WMA file or an MP3.
WMAs are an older, Windows-specific format, which are not compatible with Apple products.
MP3s are one of the most common formats for audio files, and are compatible with nearly all portable music players. They also play in Windows Media Player, iTunes, VLC, Winamp, Real Player, and Zune Software. You can make your own copies by burning to CD however, copies are not to be distributed.
WMAs are an older, Windows-specific format, which are not compatible with Apple products.
MP3s are one of the most common formats for audio files, and are compatible with nearly all portable music players. They also play in Windows Media Player, iTunes, VLC, Winamp, Real Player, and Zune Software. You can make your own copies by burning to CD however, copies are not to be distributed.
What is the bit rate of the audio books?
Majority of our audio books are 128kbps, but for some it's as low as 80kbs for the MP3 file formats.
What hardware and software do I need to download?
MP3 downloads require: PC or Mac / Browser - Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari / MP3 Player - iPod or MP3 player with at least 256MB of storage space.
M4B downloads require: PC or Mac / Browser - Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari / MP3 Player - iPod or compatible MP3 player (check your user guide) with at least 256MB of storage space.
M4B downloads require: PC or Mac / Browser - Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari / MP3 Player - iPod or compatible MP3 player (check your user guide) with at least 256MB of storage space.
Do the audio files ever expire?
No. Once you apply a credit for a downloadable audio book you are purchasing the rights to that audio book and it's yours forever.
Do my download credits expire?
Download credits expire after 60 days after their issue date. However, once you apply a credit towards a book you have all the time you want to download and play it.
What if i don't have a device?
If you're planning on listening to audio books on the go then we recommend you purchase a device. You can get one for around $50 from Amazon or BestBuy.
You can also burn the audio books to CD(s) and listen in your portable CD player, car, home stereo, or on your computer.
The file asks me to install a skin file that might compromise my computer, what do I do?
The skin file we include with all our audio books are 100% safe and will not compromise your computer in any way. Just click 'Yes' when prompted to install the skin file and proceed to the next step of the download process.
Can I burn the original 150mb or 250mb file I downloaded to back up my audio books?
If your download was an MP3 (iPod) download - yes. If your download was a WMA download - to ensure that you have the media rights to play the file, you will have to record the audio book to CD through Windows Media Player after you have claimed the license. Failing to do so will result in the audio book not being able to play.
What is the average file size of a downloadable audio book?
A 5 CD audio book would be roughly 120MB.
How long does it take to get a book?
Rental shipments take an average of 2-6 business days each way. Audio book shipments are pre-sorted by UPS and then sent to local USPS outlets for regular home delivery.
How do I change my membership plan?
You can edit your membership plan from the My Account page while you're logged in. We have a variety of service plans for unlimited CD audio book rentals club members. If you are on the prepaid yearly subscription plan and want to upgrade or downgrade your membership effective immediately please contact us.