by Norman W Wilson, PhD
What is podcasting? And can a writer use it to advantage? There are three definitions that seem to cover the basics.
A podcast is a series of digital files (either audio or video) that are released episodically and downloaded through web syndication
Podcasting is an online audio content that is delivered via an RSS feed.
A podcast is an audio file that is created with some computer code that allows the file to be downloaded to your computer.
Unfortunately, even though these definitions are standard, they are not much help. Simply put, a podcast is a radio show that is downloaded to your computer. Unlike the traditional radio show, a podcast enables you to cross wide geographical boundaries using the internet; whereas, the traditional radio show is limited to the length of his assigned band.
Podcasts allows a listener to select what, when, and where he or she wishes to listen. This is certainly its chief advantage for the listener and it is this person that the podcast host needs to most concerned about. And that concern brings me to the real force behind podcasting, content. Content, to clip an outdated slogan is "your most important product." [From General Electric]
The downside to podcasting is that anyone can record his or her voice and post it as a podcast, resulting in a plethora of non-informational junk. As a writer, you must work with dedication, skill, and chutzpah to insure interesting content.
As a part of your total self-promotion package be sure to including podcasting. Depending on the site you use, it provides a large audience; it allows our audience the opportunity to download your program for their immediate listening or to save it for a later time.
In a previous article, "Market You? Or Market Your Book" I pointed out that there is something more than just talking about yourself or about your book. Your podcast should have subject content and not self content and not book content.
If the main character in your novel is a forensic specialist talk about forensics and how it is used to solve crimes. Get an expert in for an interview. Reference back to your novel. Mention your website. And don't forget to plug your guest's accomplishments and website.
There are any number of podcasting sites. Below is a small list of some you may wish to check out.
http://audacity.sourceforge.net
The numbers are not in as far as financial results of podcasting are concerned. Remember, a comprehensive marketing plan has as its purpose selling your books. Use whatever helps you reach that goal.
Norman W Wison and his wife Suzanne are Camano Island residents. This essay used by permission from the author. His website is http://www.shamanicmysteries.com
Thanks for a helpful and informative article!
Posted by: Jacquie Rogers | 09/02/2010 at 12:59 PM