Getting started with podcasting as an author

Here’s the full podcast

Episode Notes

The main resource you’ll need is time – figure on two or three hours (or more) to put each episode together – be realistic!

Will your podcast be aimed at readers or other writers – decide this early.

Does your idea have legs? Can you jot down 20 ideas for episodes? How easy is it to come up with ideas for future shows?

What’s the value that you’ll be bringing to your audience?

What’s the rationale for your show? Will it have a theme or an objective that will tie all the episodes together?

How will you benefit from the time that you invest in the show?

Will you have a co-host to share ideas with?

Will you have informative guests?

How good are you at reaching out to people? You will need this skill if you want guests.

Podcasting Equipment for Beginners

Links below are affiliate links so using them will support the podcast – they don’t cost you anything, but amazon rewards me for each sale.

You will need a microphone, and most people start with a USB microphone – I’m not an expert on this but I have tried a few. I settled for a cardioid condenser microphone and this works well for me – I live in a quiet area and I have a home office that makes a decent place to record. Your choice will depend on several factors so I suggest you do some research – see below.

Entry-level microphone for podcasters:

Blue Snowball: https://amzn.to/2YDiiN0

A better USB microphone for podcasters:

Blue Yeti: https://amzn.to/2VoUwm8

I haven’t tried this one, but it’s worth checking it out – the Neat Beecaster professional microphone: https://amzn.to/3g0Flaq

In the UK try this microphone for podcasting

For quite a while, I used the Auna 900 USB and I like it a lot: https://amzn.to/3eHUtcv

An excellent microphone setup for podcasters:

NEAT King Bee Cardioid Solid State Condenser Microphone with Pop Filter and Shockmount- this is my latest and was used for this podcast

https://amzn.to/31r6Dmb

You’ll also need a USB audio interface. I use the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd gen

https://amzn.to/2Zl8syD

And to complete this microphone setup, you’ll need a couple of extra items – an XLR cable

https://amzn.to/2BOARoq

and a stand such as the Samson MK10 which I find to be sturdy and reliable

https://amzn.to/2Vt6yuB

Software for Podcasters

You will need audio recording and editing software (often referred to as a DAW – a digital audio workstation).

Free: Audacity https://www.audacityteam.org/

Mid-price: Reaper http://reaper.fm/

Premium: Adobe Audition https://www.adobe.com/products/audition.html

Headphones are optional but will be useful. Pick a comfortable pair of over-ear headphones that enclose your ear so that sound doesn’t leak out to your microphone.

https://amzn.to/3dD96g5

Podcast hosting

You will be investing time and energy into your show, so invest in proper hosting.

Plans vary widely – for a recommended podcast host and discount coupon, see below:

I use and recommend Pinecast.

Please use this coupon code to get 40% off for 4 months:

r-9929b4

You save money and I get a small reward if you use this coupon code. Here’s the link: https://pinecast.com/

Writers’ toolbox

Podcastage on youtube

 

Booth Junkie:

The Audacity to Podcast podcast is an excellent source of info: theaudacitytopodcast.com

If using Reaper, there are a lot of tutorials online:

I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please share it with your friends. You can also support the show by subscribing and leave a review and a rating:

Writing Talk Podcast
Writing Talk Podcast
Michael Campling

A Podcast on the Craft of Writing by Author Michael Campling

Your ratings and reviews will enable the podcast to continue and to improve – thank you.

Please Consider Supporting The Podcast on Patreon

Become a Patron