Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Podcasts for Indie Authors



My new favorite thing? Podcasts.

Holy cow, there is so much information available for writers on podcasts. Call me a slow learner, but before reading a post by another blogger, I hadn't considered podcasts as a learning tool for writers. (I wish I could remember the blogger's name who turned me on to podcasts for indie authors. If I ever find out his name, I'll be sure to update this post.)

New to podcasts? Here's what you can do:
  • Go to Stitcher.com or download the free Stitcher app from the app store
  • Create a Stitcher account
  • Browse shows based on your interests (publishing, writing children's books, current events, whatever)
  • Sift through the many choices (I typed in "Indie Publishing" and over 500 shows popped up)
  • Add interesting shows to your list
  • When you're ready to listen, download a show and play
The blogger-I-can't-remember had given a few suggestions, and so far I've tried four. I like them all and would highly recommend them. Here they are in the order of my preference:
  1. Joanna Penn from the Creative Penn--Most of us have read Joanna's blog, The Creative Penn. Her podcasts are produced with the same topics in mind. She asks pointed questions in her interviews and boils it down for all authors--the small time and big time. Her podcasts focus on indie publishing, but there's plenty of information for all writers and publishers. Plus she has a cool accent.
  2. Rocking Self Publishing--Simon, a guy who also has a cool British accent, has great interviews with successful indie authors who offer inspiration and nuts and bolts ideas. His style is relaxed and friendly. He has a great way of turning the conversation back to the topic at hand.
  3. Sell More Books Show--This weekly podcast, hosted by Jim Kukral and Bryan Cohen, has a nice back and forth style. They go through the top five publishing news events from the week and offer their opinions. It's interesting to see their take on current publishing news, like Amazon's new preorder option for indies.
  4. Self Publishing Podcast--This podcast, hosted by Johnny, Sean and Dave, is entertaining but packed full of colorful language--just a warning. They do a bit of self promo, but it's done in a way that gives authors ideas of what can work and what's worth trying. These guys are fearless and innovative.
Listening to podcasts is an entertaining and productive thing to do while walking or hiking. I simply download a show before my workout, then learn while I'm on the go.

Do you listen to podcasts? If so, are there any you can add to the list? Do you listen to other podcasts? Please share!


19 comments:

  1. I haven't listened to many, but there are some good ones out there. I know author Rusty Webb listens to them all the time and was even a caller on one with Sanderson.

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    1. Alex, I'm also a fan of Joel Osteen and now listen to his podcasts as well.

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    2. I don't listen to his podcasts but I do watch him sometimes on Sunday mornings!

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  2. I haven't done podcasts yet. I have a tough time listening without visuals - but these sound worth it!

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    1. Jemi, I wasn't sure if I'd like it but now I love it. I tell ya, it makes the walk/hike fly by. Next for me? I might start listening in my car. It's a great way to get information while I'm doing something else.

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  3. What an interesting resource. I'm not sure what to think but I appreciate your explanation and recommendation. I'm always looking for something to teach me some promotion.

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    1. Susan, I figured it was a great way to learn new info while out on a walk. I tell ya, I'll continue searching for other fun stuff to listen to.

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  4. I haven't listened to them. No time. But they sound like a great resource.

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    1. Natalie, I'd heard about podcasts but didn't think I had time. But I have time in the car, and time out on a walk. It's fun to learn new things during those times.

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  5. You know me - anything I can slurp up with my ears - I'm good.

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    1. Leslie, I know! Next up for me must be audiobooks. I've only done CDs in the car :)

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  6. I should really listen to them. I'm sure I'd enjoy them, I've just been hardheaded 'cause I like reading better lol. Thanks for the links! :)

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    1. S.K., I know how you feel about your love of reading vs. listening. I'm the same way. But when I walk or hike, I usually listen to music. Now I listen to podcasts!

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  7. I really love my reading, but I'm finding it difficult to read fine print at night...
    It's actually a good idea because it gives the eyes a rest.
    I must give it a try.
    Writer In Transit

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    1. Yes! It gives the eyes a rest. And sometimes it's nice to process information in a different way.

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  8. Hi, Julie. Thanks for sharing about this podcast site. I'll check it out.

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    1. Oh, Susanne, I do hope you'll give podcasts a try. They're so much fun!

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  9. I love podcasts. These are great links, Julie. Thanks.

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  10. I don't think I've ever listened to a podcast before. Thanks for letting me know about it.

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