Forgotten Follow-up

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

In some ways, my continual pitching podcast hosts is like putting together a puzzle. You have to turn the different pieces around so they fit into the right picture. If you’ve done puzzles, sometimes toward the end you discover you are missing a key piece.

I’ve had this sort of experience with PodMatch which has a database of over 90,000 podcasts. I reached out for help from support and for a couple of days, I had more matches of podcast hosts to pitch. In fact, I booked a couple more podcasts, then the matches again stopped. I asked support what else could I do and received a short list of suggestions.

The first suggestion almost leaped off the page:

1. Go through your messages and send some follow-ups. 

During the months I’ve been with PodMatch, I have not gone  back to any of the podcast hosts who did not respond and follow-up with a second pitch. I had forgotten to follow-up.

 

I’m aware there are many reasons why I didn’t get a response. Some of those podcast hosts didn’t see my pitch as a fit for their show. But there are many other reasons why they didn’t respond and a second pitch may generate interest. Here’s a few of the other reasons (speculation on my part) why they didn’t respond: 

--Maybe they never received my pitch

--Possibly the pitch went into their spam

--Or my pitch arrived at the wrong time when their schedule was stacked.

--Or maybe they were distracted and rushed when they read my first pitch and didn’t give it careful consideration.

Through PodMatch, I do not have their email address to follow-up. I do have the ability to send a follow-up message. My plan is to return to the first matches (even six months ago) and craft a second follow-up pitch. In my pitch, I’m going to highlight my own connections and how I promote each podcast. The suggestion from the PodMatch help support was brilliant and worth some of my effort.

Sometimes in these articles, I confess to being behind as an acquisitions editor processing the flurry of Morgan James Publishing submissions. In some cases, I’m many weeks behind in reaching out to an author and processing their work. Last week I got a creative follow-up email from an author. He reached out and said it had been weeks since we communicated and he believed my silence told him that we were not interested in his submission. Then he said he was leaning toward self-publishing. 

His unusual and pointed follow-up caught my attention. For the first-time I looked at his submission and scheduled a time to explore publishing this book. He used a brilliant and attention getting strategy.

As editors we have mounds of material to process and a simple gentle follow-up is a good way to catch the editor’s or literary agent’s attention. Everyone needs to follow up no matter what you are pitching--books, magazine, speaking gigs or anything else. 

Each of us have limited time to pitch our books or our writing. There are also crazy things that happen which prevent others getting our pitches. Timing is a huge element with pitches--which is another reason a gentle follow-up is important. 

What are you neglecting to follow-up? Do you have other ideas about follow-up? I look forward to your comments.

Tweetable:

Follow-up is one of the most important skills for every writer according to this prolific editor and author. Read the stories and learn the details here.  (ClickToTweet)

Many authors have an unrealistic idea about the details of publishing. 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS is a practical easy reading book to help you. Get my decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses. 

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Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,700 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

Take Control of Your Interview

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Whenever you are interviewed, the questions and shape of the conversation is mostly outside of your control. You can only control your answers and the stories you will tell during that conversation. In the business, this interview control is called media training.

I enjoy watching an author get interviewed on The Today Show or Good Morning America or some other program. As I watch it, I’m listening carefully to see if the author answers the questions. I notice that sometimes they do and sometimes they do not. Also I want to see how they weave the name of their book into their answer. Some authors do it too much and it becomes annoying while other authors don’t even include the name of their book. How you answer the question, what stories you tell and how you include your information is something you can control (if you think about it and take action).

Some media experts will charge large amounts of money to train an author for a six to eight minute interview on a national program. During this training, they will role play with the author, ask questions and coach them on how to talk aboutd their book and weave that information into the stories they tell. The information should look like a natural part of the answer and not something contrived. To do this process successfully takes forethought and planning for the author.

Also I’ve watched this interview process go in the wrong direction for the author and her book. Years ago on a short deadline, I wrote Vonetta Flowers’ book, Running on Ice. She and her partner, Jill Bakken, won the gold medal in the bobsled during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah. 

Four years later, Vonetta and Jill defended their title in Turin, Italy during the 2006 Winter Games. Katie Couric interviewed Vonetta on The Today Show. While the interview was interesting and well-done, I was yelling at my television because Vonetta made no mention of her book, Running On Ice. It was a missed opportunity when she appeared before millions of potential readers. 

To be honest, it was a failure that the publisher didn’t invest in any media training for Vonetta to help her. The author can’t weave the name of her book and availability of it into the conversation without media training. 

As I’ve mentioned in these articles, someone has to hear about the benefits of your book and the name at least a dozen times before they will decide to purchase the book. 

As authors, we need to seize each of these opportunities and take control of which stories you tell and how you answer the various questions.

Here’s some additional action steps:

1. Before you are interviewed, take a few moments to review your talking points or the specific stories and information you want to give during the interview. This review will put the action firmly in your mind and action plans.

2. Take the time to review whatever you can find about the person who is going to be interviewing you.What is the purpose of their program? Take a guess at some of their agenda in interviewing you. Then use this information to merge it with your talking points and the information you want to convey during the conversation.

3. During the interview, you take control of your answers and no matter what is asked, make sure you include your key points. 

As I’ve written in these articles, during the last six months, I’ve been using PodMatch to book conversations with different podcasters. In fact, I’ve recorded or booked over 50 interviews. In this process, I provide a list of quesions and an introduction (what I can control). The focus of each podcast host is different and nothing that I can control. 

During the podcast recording (some are live and some are recorded), I make sure my agenda is achieved. I want to tell people about my social offer where they can go to Publishing Offer and get a printed copy 10 Publishing Myths including the shipping along with over $20 of valuable bonuses. Besides this special offer, I also mention the missing 11th Myth which a listener can get for free at terrylinks.com/11thmyth. This second offer is a free way the listener can get on my email list and I can continue to build a relationship with that person. 

I want to finish this article with several resources:

1. Be aware of your control and responsibility during the interview.

2. Get Brad Phillips book, The Media Training Bible: 101 Things You Absolutely, Positively Need To Know Before Your Next Interview. Read this book and apply the information to your interviews. 

3. Several years ago, I interviewed media expert Gayl Murphy. Listen to this free webinar and get her free ebook, Interview Tactics Special Report.

When you are interviewed, are you taking control? Do you know of some other resources in this media training area? I look forward to reading your comments.

Tweetable:

As an author, when you are interviewed, do you take control of your interview and make sure you include your talking points? Get some action steps and resources from this prolific author and editor.  (ClickToTweet)

New Podcasts:

In these articles, I’ve encouraged you to use PodMatch or some similar tool to book and record podcasts. Last week two more podcast recordings launched.

Linda Goldfarb (@Lindagoldfarb) and I spoke about Publishing Myths That Ruin the Success of Writers on the Your Best Writing Life Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/3EETRXi 

Nathan Bollman (@nathan_bollman) and I debunked publishing myths on the Just A Dude Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/4cNghCC

Ana del Valle and I spoke about Hybrid Publishing Exposed: What No One Tells Writers… on The Novelist Studio Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/3RsAaFa 

Dr. Doug Gulbrandsen (@DougGulbrandsen) and I spoke about busting publishing myths on the Inspire Vision Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/44ytNaY 

Currently I’m working with my third publisher as an acquisitions editor. During these years, I’ve spoken with many authors about their expectations, dreams and desires for their books. I find many unrealistic expectations. Many aspects of the publishing process are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses. 

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,700 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

The Endless Making of Books

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

It is a Bible verse that I think about often about some words from King Solomon, the wisest man to walk on the planet.  He said, “Be warned, my son...Of making many books there is no end.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12, NIV) According to some people over 11,000 new books are published every day. That amounts to a massive amount of new literature entering the market.

I suspect many authors are following a false myth. They believe if you publish a book, then because it exists, people will buy it and it will sell. These people are following the untrue statement in the Field of Dreams movie: if you build it, they will come.

What can you do? You need to be telling others. You need to be focused on spreading the benefits of your book. You need to keep on promoting no matter what sort of response (mostly silence). You need to keep looking for new tools to use in your journey.

It is not easy. It is not simple. It never ends but you can do it. Get help. Build a solid foundation and keep on the journey. It’s the only way it will succeed. If your passion and promotion stops, then the journey stops. If your passion and promotion continue, then the journey continues.

Seize opportunities when they happen.

We need to be reading our email, answering our phone calls and taking action. As I’ve written in these articles, you have to be aware of the opportunity, then seize it (take action) for anything to happen.

For example, I received an email from another writer this week who complimented me on my weekly newsletter article. In the same email, he suggested this article could appear on a popular blog where he writes on a regular basis. I saw this email as an opportunity to touch more people with my original article. Instead of just emailing back and saying yes, I pulled up the Word file of the article and took a hard look at the message. Then I focused the article on one or two key links, included a GIF image and my headshot. When I responded, I sent a complete package that could be used for this guest blog post. 

Also last week I corresponded with another author who sets up a once a week virtual conference with writers. I pitched my participation. She responded with some possible dates and her need for a specific topic, a headshot and a short biography from me. I sent these elements and haven’t heard a response. Because it has been a couple of days and I haven't received any response. I’m going to resend my email and ask for confirmation from this author. Did she even receive my submission? The question is a fair one because each of us receive many emails and there is a great deal with technology that is outside of our control. Your gentle follow-up is a critical part of the process.

Face the Challenges

Our world is in constant motion with many challenges and changes. Repeatedly I’ve learned there is much that I can’t control or do anything about--except for one person: me. Last week through a spam email from a long-time friend who I rarely communicate with--that a technology service I’ve been using for about 20 years to send my newsletter is closing on May 15th. There was no email notification or any other communication from this service. I called their support line and verified this closing news. Imagine the chaos that would have happened if I had not read and responded to the spam message I read? My email list and all of the work that I’ve poured faithfully into this service for years would suddenly disappear.

Because I got the change information, in the next few weeks I will be transitioning and changing things to a different service with the overall goal of a smooth and seamless transition. I will be reaching out to a few people to get help. At the end of the day I need for the critical technology tools to continue. I’m realistically facing the challenge and going to get through it. The other option is to shut it down and stop--which I am determined not to select.

I want to finish this article with some practical steps for every writer:

• Keep writing
• Keep pitching your book 
• Keep seizing opportunities
• Keep meeting new people and touching new readers
• Keep trying new tools
• Keep getting together face to face with other writers
• Keep learning and exploring new methods
• Keep being consistent and reaching your audience

The journey for each of us is different but it is an important one to keep on keeping on. The only way your journey can stop is if you quit and I don’t want you to quit. If I can help you in your journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.What steps are you going to take and what am I missing? Let me know in the comments below.

New Podcasts:

In these articles, I’ve encouraged you to use PodMatch or some similar tool to book and record podcasts. Last week another one of my podcast recordings launched.

Jon Coogan and I spoke about how to write a book which really sells on Mindset Mavericks Podcast. Listen to our conversation at: https://bit.ly/41BucGJ 

Tweetable:

The wisest man who ever lived told us about the endless making of books. This prolific author and editor gives some detailed actions for every writer with their books. Learn more here.  (ClickToTweet)

During my decades in publishing, I’ve heard the unrealistic expectations of writers. The reality is many aspects of the publishing process are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses.

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,700 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

Why I'm Podcasting (and You Can Too)

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

During a recent visit from my youngest son and his wife, we were talking about podcasts. They listen to these broadcasts all the time and they admitted even listening while at work. Both of them are in the tech industry with intense positions and listening to podcasts is a part of their routine.  

There are an estimated 3.5 million podcasts. As you can imagine, many different types and possibilities. Early on I decided to guest on other people's podcast instead of starting my own podcast. The path of guesting on the podcasts of others looked easier for me than figuring out how to host and produce my own podcast. 

Through the years, I’ve been a guest on podcasts and I used a simple tripod and my iPhone to connect to these events. Then over two months ago, I joined PodMatch, set up my profile and began to pitch then book various podcasts. I’m continuing to pitch new podcasts and book new recordings. While I’ve been with PodMatch, I’ve booked or recorded over 30 podcasts. According to the behind-the-scenes information on PodMatch, I’ve had 3,700 downloades and 1.5M on social media. 

As I look back at my own journey into podcasting, I recalled that a year ago I didn’t even have a webcam on my desktop computer. I purchased a webcam and set it up on a tripod and began using it for my podcast recordings. 

This webcam has a built in microphone. One of the podcast hosts used earphones and listened to the quality of my webcam microphone. He encouraged me to use an external microphone. Several years ago I purchased this external microphone but I had not hooked it up so I could use it each time. I learned to use this external microphone as another step in my podcasting journey. 

Some podcasts will only use the audio recording while others use the video and the audio recording. When the video is used, there are other elements to consider. For example, is your lighting right? What is the background and is it distracting to the viewer? For example, I have a closet door right behind my desk next to my bookcase. This door looks better on camera if the door is closed. Also I make sure the other visuals look tidy and organized whenever I am on camera.

For the lighting issue, I purchased a light which I use each time to help my appearance and I also make a point of turning off any distracting light in my background. Finally I purchased some inexpensive headphones and wear them each time which cuts down on any distractions and extra noise. 

I’m writing about these details because to the viewer, these details matter. You want the viewer to be focused on the conversation you are having with the podcast host and not distracted by some annoying detail in your background.

Connecting with the Right Podcast

How you set up your PodMatch profile is important because you tell about who you are and give some sample questions for the podcast host. I’ve created a list of sample questions related to my book and specifically what I want to talk about and promote during the podcast. I wrote about how I’ve set up my PodMatch profile in this article. I encourage you to follow the link and use the information for your own profile and gameplan.

Create Your Stories and Talking Points

As you are on a podcast or a radio broadcast or have someone interviewing you for a print article, have you thought through the stories you will tell and your talking points? It's an important part of your preparation to be interviewed. Within publishing, we call this media training. For example, if you are going to be on Good Morning America or The Today Show, your segment will only be a few minutes. If you are taking media training, an expert can run through your talking points and that process can take all day to prepare for those few minutes of interview.

During the conversation with the host, if you have your talking points in mind, you can steer the conversation and tell the stories that you planned to tell during the interview. The podcast host is guiding the conversation and keeping an eye on the clock. They will ask you a final question or two then end the broadcast. When it is over, you want to make sure you have included the main points that you wanted to include in the conversation.

Prepare Before the Podcast

Who is interviewing you? What is their focus? How can you take your talking points and make it relevant to this particular podcast? This preparation only takes a few minutes but will help you connect with that podcast host.

Why Do This Preparation?

At the end of the interview, you want the podcast host to love the conversation you had on the broadcast. You want the listeners to take action (for example buy your book) but you also want to have more opportunities in the future for additional podcasts. Part of being a professional is taking the time to prepare and then execute with excellence.

In this article, I’ve included a lot of detail about what I’ve learned through my podcasting. I have more to learn in this area. For you to successfully use podcasting or any other aspect of the publishing business, it takes thoughtful work, planning and execution. The details matter and how you use and apply those details will affect your results. How can you apply this information to your book and your podcasting or interviews? What am I missing from this article? Let me know in the comments below.

Some of My Writing In Other Places:

I continue recording new podcasts but in recent weeks, I’ve had a couple of guest blog post articles.

The Almost an Author website got hacked and was down for a month or so but is now back. Here’s my article about maintain a submission record and follow up: https://bit.ly/3Qn0b82 

For Writers on the Move. I wrote about How to Hire the “Right” Publicist at: https://bit.ly/3EDUdx8  This process is not simple and you must ask the right questions in this process and I explained some of this process in this article.

Finally I published another article published on the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference blog about the Hidden Costs of Publishing at:  https://bit.ly/4hSyjVO

Tweetable:

This prolific author and editor explains why he’s been podcasting (and you can do it too). Learn the details in this article. (ClickToTweet)

Let’s be honest. Publishing is a complex business and much of the process is outside of anything an author can control—no matter how they publish. I I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors realistic expectations  and practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses. 

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,700 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

More Lessons on New Doors

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Last week I wrote about how I’m knocking on some new doors through podcasting and using PodMatch. In this article, I want to continue that topic with some new insights and actions for you.

As I was looking around inside PodMatch, I saw a book for someone like me who wants to be a guest on podcasts. I reached out to the author and asked for a review copy of the book. He responded and sent the book. I wrote a review and posted the review (my responsibility). It’s a step you can take when you see a new book. Instead of buying it, reach out to the author and ask for a review copy. If they send it, then write and post a review. It’s something you can do with new books but also with books that have been in the market for a while. 

When I received a review copy of PODMATCH GUEST MASTERY, I began to read it. My experience reminded me of a basic publishing principle I have learned when I started writing query letters or book proposals or news releases or back covers or any other type of writing in the publishing world:

1. If you are starting something new, you need to learn the system before you leap into it.

2. Gain the inside track on how the system works by learning from successful people who use the system.

3. Pick up on their habits and suggestions for your own work.

As I read this book, I liked the simplistic structure of the book. With 16 successful PodMatch experts, each one was asked a series of questions. They answered the questions with a word limit of 1500 words. This word limit made the answers short and to the point and uniform. 

Also each contributor was given a promotion page in the back of the book for their podcast or website. Finally each one offered a special website gift to connect them to the readers.

Could you use the format of this book for something you are writing? It's a nonfiction pattern which could be duplicated with other tools and other systems. It’s something to consider and possibly incorporate into your writing life.

Another aspect I learned reading this book about guest podcasting, if you don’t learn the rules and the system, you will waste a lot of time, energy and possible rejection from other podcasters. Yet if you learn the rules, you will be able to succeed and use the system for your needs and the promotion of your book. For every system, there is a learning curve and a path for success--if you are aware and use it.

Here’s my review with some more bits of insight and advice:

“This is a quick reading book and 16 successful PodMatch guest members give their advice and insights about effective use of PodMatch. I’ve been in publishing for years but I’m new to PodMatch and this book contains valuable yet not unexpected information. Like any system, you will get out of PodMatch whatever you put into it. Repeatedly these authors stress the importance of careful and targeted pitching to the podcast hosts where you are matched through PodMatch. Then (and equally important), watch the podcast and get to know the host and format BEFORE you are interviewed on their program. Finally know your focus and where you are sending listeners for your particular topic and make a point of making it easy for the listener to connect with you.”

 

“Without this type of focus, you will struggle to be a successful guest. I highly recommend PODMATCH GUEST MASTERY for everyone who is a guest on podcasts and especially on PodMatch.”

I’ve been using PodMatch for about four weeks and I’ve booked at least 15 podcasts. These podcasts are scheduled over the months ahead--something you can control as you schedule them. Here’s a couple of the podcasts which are now live:

Joe Dimino (@jdimino) on the Neon Jazz podcast interviewed me about publishing myths watch it on your favorite channel at: https://bit.ly/40Fb1g5 

Kyle Yates (@TheVibesBrdcst) interviewed me on The Vibes Broadcast Podcast. Watch our conversation. Also notice the different live links in Kyle’s show notes which is another benefit from the podcast.

When each of these podcasts launch, if I don’t have an image to promote, I create one using MockUp Shots. Also I promote the podcast on my social media channels. Finally I don’t promote it once but put the post into a file for regular rotation on social media and an ongoing promotion. Each of these steps is a way to distinguish yourself from other guests and build relationships with the podcast hosts.

When you start a new marketing campaign, what lessons do you learn? Am I missing something? I look forward to your comments to this article. 

Tweetable:

Are you beginning to use a new tool or system? This prolific author and editor details some insights and lessons to use for success.  (ClickToTweet)

Through my years in publishing, I’ve written for over 50 publications and more than 60 books with traditional publishers. Several of my books have sold 60,000 to 100,000 copies. I’ve also written different types of books such as biography, children’s books, how to/ self-help, co-authored and devotional books. From speaking with different authors about their books, I find many unrealistic expectations. Many aspects of the publishing process are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote  10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses. 

How to Knock on New Doors

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

As writers, it is important to get our books in front of new people on a consistent basis. It’s why in these articles, I encourage you to make new connections on LinkedIN and other actions. In this article, I want to give another resource so you can tell others about your book and stories: podcasting.

During a recent meeting with David Hancock, the founder of Morgan James Publishing, we were talking about how to get more traffic to my special offer. He suggested I use PodMatch. It’s a monthly subscription but he also told me that if you schedule too many podcasts, you can also put it on hold for a few months. It’s important with these different opportunities to see the potential and also the different options with it--some which might not be obvious when you sign up with it. 

After I joined PodMatch, I carefully filled out my profile (which is often one of the first steps whatever you are starting). I made a point to focus on my 10 Publishing Myths book and my special offer. Every aspect of my profile points to this book. Follow this link to see my profile. 

PodMatch has internal training about how to use their system. These videos are short, interesting and to the point. I watched each one of them as I began working with the program.

This program uses the keywords and other data in your completed profile to match you to podcasts in their system. On the dashboard you can get these matches several times a day and they come in trios or three matches at a time. With the matches, you read the profile of the host which tells you the type of guest they are looking for, then I crafted a message or pitch to each match with an emphasis on the type of guest they want or targeted to that host. 

Within the first week of pitching, I booked six new podcasts and more of them are on the way. Also podcasts hosts can pitch you through their internal system. A journalist in India, Khudania Ajay pitched me to come on his podcast live. I've done a number of podcasts before PodMatch but they were all recorded, then produced and launched. I had never done a live podcast but accepted Ajay’s offer which was filmed in the morning in India but I’m in California so it was midnight here. Before the recording, Ajay moved me to an earlier time so it was locally 10:30 pm. My point is to take the offer and do it--no matter what time of day it happens. I made a point to tell stories and if I’m honest it was not my best podcasting appearance but it happened. I gave Ajay a five star review and he gave me one for the appearance. All of these details add up to more exposure and more podcast bookings. My key point is to take advantage of the opportunities whenever they happen for you. It's not easy to pull off but take a risk and try it.

I booked six new podcasts in the first week and I have more podcasts which I will be booking through this service. Maybe you are like me and reluctant to join another service where I make another modest monthly payment. Here’s another way to look at it, if I get on these podcasts and sell more books, then it is worth the regular investment. 

Within PodMatch on the dashboard there is a ranking of the top performing members. I noticed one of my Morgan James authors was placing among the top ten in the system. I reached out to him. He had no idea of his ranking and told me he has done about 15 podcasts. I learned it does not take a lot of activity to get on this list--just consistency and willingness.

If you look at my PodMatch profile, you will see that I am intentionally pointing to one place which is my special offer of 10 Publishing Myths. I have made a simple way to do that with the website www.publishingoffer.com which someone can remember orally and it goes directly to the place.

Through their syste, PodMatch will match my profile with different podcasts. What I've been doing consistently is looking at the pitches and what type of guest the host is looking for their program. After reading that material, I use it when I shape my pitch. If I don’t see a connection then I pass on pitching that podcast and go on to the next one. I’m consistently pitching and I continue to book new opportunities.

When I make a connection and see they are based in the US, I offer to send a signed print copy of my book to the podcast host if they send their mailing address. It’s a way to stand out from other possible guests to send this signed book. What steps can you take to stand out and be distinct in your pitch?

 

When I do the podcast or speak with a podcast host (such as a pre-interview), I make a point to tell stories and be entertaining. Why because these hosts are looking for people who understand their podcast and know how to tell good stories. It makes you memorable to that podcast host. From my experience, success breeds success. As I have a number of successful podcasts, these hosts will talk with each other and they will book me so I can speak to their listeners.

What are you going to do to apply this opportunity for your own writing life? I hope you will take the action, join PodMatch and spread your message to new readers. Let me know your plans in the comments below. 

Tweetable:

If you want to reach new readers with your book marketing, you have to knock on new doors. This prolific author and editor gives some action ideas and resources in this article.  (ClickToTweet)

When I’ve worked with different publishers on a variety of  books, I’ve learned the hard way that much of the publishing process is outside of anything an author can control. As an editor, I’ve spoken with different authors about their books, I’ve found many unrealistic expectations. There are actions every author can take with their books. I wrote  10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses.  

Flexible Learning

As a writer and editor, I’m constantly learning and trying new programs or new tools or new ways to explore opportunities and grow. I’ve written about a number of different opportunities in these entries in The Writing Life such as:

• Live events or conferences
• Reading Books
• Teleseminars
• Membership courses like my Write A Book Proposal course

Today I want to highlight one more opportunity which has great flexibility: podcasts.  Many people are using this tool to get their message and information out to new people. As an author or entrepreneur, you can learn how to create a podcasting course. Just follow the link to learn more about how you can create a course. Podcasting is another tool that you can use as an author to build your audience and establish yourself as an expert.

There are thousands of podcasts with great information for you to learn about almost any subject. Many of us are carrying a smartphone with us. Make sure you have the podcast app on your phone. Then through iTunes you can search for podcasts which appeal to you and subscribe to the podcast.  As that podcast adds more programs, you can download the program on your phone and listen to it whenever you want.

Many people listen to podcasts as they exercise or walk. If I don't have something like a podcast to engage my mind, I find exercise is boring. If I exercise while listening to a podcast, I can gain some new insights during the process. My local church puts past sermons on podcasts. There is an endless variety of topics and subjects for podcasts.

Four Possible Podcasts

I'd like to highlight three different podcasts for writers and authors. I selected these podcasts because they are long enough to have some substance to them and with valuable insight for every author or would-be author. I recommend you listen to several of these podcasts and see if the content helps you. If not, try something else which will help you with your writing life.

Recently I was on a live radio show It’s all About the Questions with Laura Steward. Our interview was a live AM radio broadcast throughout Florida. To Laura's credit, she also recorded  and edited this this broadcast as a podcast. Follow this link to hear our interview.  I love the flexibility of this interview. You can download it to your desktop or your phone or catch it as a podcast.

Writers and Authors on Fire is another recommended podcast. I've known the host John Vonhof for many years. The quality of the interviews and the information for writers is excellent. I've heard a number of these interviews and appreciated the contents. John interviewed me and here is my recent podcast at Writers and Authors on Fire.

Another podcast that I've been listening to is Authorpreneur with Jim Kukral. I've heard several of these interviews and appreciated the information and education for authors in this podcast.

Finally I recommend Author U, Your Guide to Book Publishing by Dr. Judith Briles. I've known Judith for many years and she has a large volume of podcasts and many different topics in this podcast. I would encourage you to download several of them and gain from this information.

You may like a different set of podcasts. My main point in this article is to celebrate these flexible learning tools but also to encourage you to listen to these resources—or even start your own podcasting course.

Which podcasts do you listen to? Let's get your ideas in the comments.