Simple Ways Authors Can Benefit from Podcasting by guest @SuzKelman

Thanks for the information. I used to volunteer as a radio show host for BRPP Radio Network on BlogTalk radio for two years and loved it but the thought of starting my own has been scary. I feel like I don’t know enough of the behind-the-scenes to start my own.

You were brave to jump into podcasting! Thanks for the tips. I have to say it does sound like fun to have your own show.

You mentioned iTunes a couple of times – since I’m not a Mac user I never go there. But I’m curious if the podcasts hosted by iTunes are exclusive to that outlet or if they show up in other places like YouTube. I’m also curious how podcasts translate into book buys – as in, how much of a cross over is it between readers and podcast listeners?

Hi Dana,
Both great questions. “The blonde” of blondie and the Brit uploads to the channels, so I am by no means an expert on the technical aspects of that, but I can tell you we are also on Podbean which you can listen to if you don’t have iTunes. My understanding is there aren’t linked, and KJ uploads them separately. So, we are not exclusive to iTunes. Also, the book sales are hard to track, occasionally I have someone tell me they bought a book after listening to the podcast, but that isn’t our number one goal. The idea is to connect more with our audience and create evergreen material that we can use on social media to build our brand. Also, we learn so much from the authors we interview and also build relationships with them. When we both launched books last year, we did a multi-promotional campaign working with a group of authors that we had met and interviewed on the podcast, so though we can’t see exact sales from podcasts the by-product has created sales as we have built relationships. Also, both KJ and I have got consultancy jobs from people who found us on the podcast. Thanks for your interest 🙂

I’ve thought about podcasting to go along with my book blog but having the proper equipment (and lack of a quiet space – never fails my dog starts barking at nothing whenever I’ve done a few videos). But I recently learned that a local library has a sound booth for doing sound recordings. I thought I would throw that out there in case others are in the same boat and encourage them to check out their library.

Hi Donna,
Great information, thank you for sharing. If you listen to our blooper reel you hear plenty of pets making themselves known and also my cookoo clock. Finding that quiet space can be challenging.

Thank you for comment!

Thanks, Rachel and Suz, for a very relevant post. Thanks, also, to commenters who gave tips about their own podcasting experience. I’ve heard about the potential for podcasts and have wondered how (if?) they would work in conjunction with a blog. It appears they can, so I’ll factor this into my to-do list. Recently I took part in a Twitter chat about podcasts, and the people posting there definitely piqued my interest. I look forward to exploring this!

As an older writer, not well-versed in the tech world (not at all versed, in fact) the idea of a podcast interview both intrigues and frightens me.
Something about old dogs and new tricks. However, this week I got a smart phone and am beginning to find to podcasts I enjoy, and I can understand why listening to and learning from them has become a successful way to be informed and entertained. At 83, I’m not sure I should do it while I’m driving, but the pods are great while doing dishes or sitting at a desk waiting for inspiration. Thanks for writing this piece and helping me catch up on the ways of the world.

I’ve recently fallen in love with podcasts and have been looking into making my own. Great post

Editing … I’m a freelance editor but that means I deal with words, not sound. That kind of editing scares me 🙂 I have to admit, it’s the technical side of podcasting that puts me off, but thanks for the tips (and the warning).

I’m new to podcasting and was surprised to find I could produce and post my podcasts to iTunes and loads of other sites for free using Podbean. I’ve since invested in a good quality mike but it can be a great zero cost option for authors looking for new ways to raise awareness of their books.

Hi Tony, thank you for your comment, I’m glad that is working out for you!

Hi Lola,
Yes, that was the biggest learning curve for us too, but there are companies out there that you can have edit for you. So, don’t let that hold you back if you are interested in podcasting. 🙂

Hi Kelly,
Glad you enjoyed it!

I’ve never even considered podcasts as a way to subtly promote! I love this idea — a fresh approach to marketing that embraces changing technology. For those of us who would like to approach podcasters who might cover books in our genre, is there a way to do it without coming off as “spammy”? (That’s my biggest fear.)

Love this idea although I’m not sure I’m brave enough to start one of my own!

I’ve been sorely tempted to try this on many occasions. I love participating in podcasts and think it would be fun, but it’s probably going to have to go on the backburner for the moment. But you certainly made it sound less daunting than I thought it was!

Love Podcasting for more exposure and I am toying with the idea of having my own podcast so thanks for the great info!