Podcasts are downloadable media that can take the form of music, talk shows, comedy skits, etc. What makes podcasts different are the fact that rss feeds allow listeners to subscribe to a creator’s content. A podcast aggregator (such as iTunes) will automatically download new content from a creator you’ve subscribed to. You don’t need an iPod, or even a non-iPod .mp3 player. A good percentage of podcast listeners only use their computer to play the audio files.

Podcasts are the opposite of broadcasting–they are narrowcasting. What does this mean? Whatever content you create, be it fiction, music, political commentary, etc., there is most likely an audience out there already looking for it. 

Tee Morris, Scott Sigler, J.C. Hutchins

(I should include Mark Jeffries here, but I don’t personally know him and he has moved on to new internet ventures). Tee Morris was the first person to podcast a previously published novel. Scott Sigler was the first to podcast an unpublished novel, and is now on his 4th podcast novel, with a listenership in the 5 figure range. J.C. Hutchins came into the game a year later but currently has a 5 figure listenership as well for his current podcast novel, 7th Son: Book 2 - Deceit.

As I’ve learned, it’s all about the marketing, baby. And podcasting your novel is a good way to build an audience. Of course if your content doesn’t cut it, it won’t matter in the least. But I have spent the last six months learning about podcasting (recording, editing, publishing, etc.).

I’ve done my due diligence. I contributed to a support podcast for NaNoWriMo participants called The NaNoMonkeys. I’ve worked on some skits for the Tag in the Seam podcast. I’ve done promos for several podcasts. I love working in Adobe Audition (I’ve become addicted to the whole process, actually). Now it’s time to start my own puppy. Wish me luck!

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