Podcasting for Authors: Promote & Grow

The secret to successful podcast guesting isn’t just getting on any show—it’s getting on the right shows. As an author, you want to speak to listeners who are already interested in your topic, your story, or your ideal reader profile.

Start by thinking about your audience. Where do they hang out? What do they care about? Then look for podcasts that speak to those same people—whether directly related to your book or to the themes, problems, or passions it connects to.

Here’s how to find them:

• Search by genre, topic, or audience type on platforms like Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.

• Look for podcasts that interview other authors in your niche—you’ll likely be a fit too.

• Consider podcasts that focus on reader communities, not just writing or publishing.

• Join author Facebook groups or communities and ask where people have been featured.

• Use tools like Listen Notes to find podcasts by keyword or category.

• Look at who’s hosting book club podcasts, librarian chats, or genre-specific shows.

• Don’t overlook smaller shows—they often have loyal, engaged listeners.

• Make a spreadsheet or tracker so you can keep track of show names, hosts, and contacts.

• Focus on alignment over audience size—it’s about relevance, not just reach.

Getting on the right shows starts with understanding your audience and where they’re already listening.

Lesson Activity

Map Your Ideal Podcast Targets

Research podcasts that align with your book and audience.

Complete these prompts:

• What five podcast types (genres, themes, or audiences) align with your book?

• What five real podcast shows would you love to appear on?

• What do these podcasts have in common?

This exercise ensures you focus on relevance—not just reach.

A great pitch is like a great back-cover blurb—it’s short, clear, and makes the person want more. Podcast hosts are looking for guests who bring value to their audience, not just someone promoting a book.

The key is to position yourself as a resource, not a request. Focus on what you can offer their listeners—whether that’s a fresh take, a behind-the-scenes story, or a deeper discussion around your book’s themes.

Here’s how to craft a great author pitch:

• Keep it short—3–5 sentences is ideal.

• Start with who you are and why you’re reaching out.

• Mention something specific you like about their show (this shows you’ve listened!).

• Share a topic or angle you could talk about that would suit their audience.

• Include your book title, but don’t make it the focus.

• Add 1–2 talking points or sample questions.

• Link to your website, book, or previous interviews if you have them.

• Personalise each pitch—no copy-and-paste templates.

• Be polite, professional, and clear about your ask.

• If you don’t hear back, follow up once—then move on.

Approach podcast hosts like a collaborator, not a cold caller. Your pitch should offer value, not just visibility.

Lesson Activity

Draft Your Author Pitch

Write your first podcast pitch draft.

Complete these prompts:

• How will you introduce yourself in one clear sentence?

• What topic or angle would you offer their audience?

• Why is your message a strong fit for this specific podcast?

This activity helps you shift from “asking for exposure” to “offering value.”

No one tunes into a podcast hoping to hear a sales pitch—so as an author, your job is to spark curiosity, not push copies. The magic happens when you talk about your book in a way that feels natural, useful, and genuinely interesting.

The trick is to focus on the value behind the book—the story, message, lessons, or entertainment it brings. Whether you're a fiction writer or nonfiction expert, sharing insights, inspiration, or personal experiences will connect far more than listing your Amazon link.

Here’s how to talk about your book with impact:

• Share the “why” behind the book—your motivation, research, or personal journey.

• Talk about the themes or ideas the audience can relate to.

• Use stories or examples, not just descriptions.

• Avoid reading from the blurb—tell it like you would to a friend.

• Mention your book casually in context—not every sentence needs to include it.

• Be generous with your knowledge or storytelling.

• If people like what they hear, they’ll look you up—no hard sell needed.

• Include a clear call to action only once, usually near the end.

• Let the host guide the promotional part—it feels more natural.

• Keep it conversational, not commercial.

Let your personality and passion do the selling—focus on connection over conversion.

Lesson Activity

Practice Talking Without Selling

Think about how you’ll naturally mention your book in conversation.

Complete these prompts:

• What’s the story behind why you wrote your book?

• What theme or idea from your book connects most with listeners?

• How could you mention your book in one relaxed, conversational sentence?

This helps you build confidence in sharing your work without sounding promotional.

Once you’ve landed a podcast appearance, it’s time to shine. A strong interview isn’t about having a perfect script—it’s about showing up prepared, present, and ready to connect. The better your delivery, the more memorable—and shareable—your message becomes.

This isn’t just PR. It’s relationship-building. When you treat each interview as a conversation, not a commercial, you leave a lasting impression on both the host and their audience.

Here’s how to deliver a great interview:

• Listen to a recent episode of the show before you go on.

• Have 2–3 clear talking points ready to guide your conversation.

• Keep answers punchy—don’t ramble, but don’t rush.

• Share stories and examples—they’re more powerful than facts alone.

• Be ready with a clear answer to: “What’s your book about?”

• Smile while you speak (even if it’s audio-only)—it changes your tone.

• Don’t over-prepare scripted answers—it should feel natural.

• Thank the host before, during, and after.

• Send a follow-up message or thank-you post once the episode airs.

• Be yourself—that’s what people connect with.

A great interview is about generosity, not performance. Show up with value, warmth, and clarity.

Lesson Activity

Craft Your Key Interview Messages

Prepare the messages you want listeners to remember.

Complete these prompts:

• What are three things you want listeners to remember about you?

• What short story or example could bring one of those messages to life?

• How would you summarise your book in one engaging sentence?

Preparation builds confidence—and confidence creates impact.

If this course is helping you already, I’d really appreciate a quick review. It helps more people discover podcasting with confidence

Being featured on a podcast is only half the work—what you do afterwards matters just as much. Promotion helps you reach more people, build stronger connections, and create long-term value from a single interview.

The good news? You don’t need a huge following or a big budget—just a clear plan to share, repurpose, and keep the momentum going.

Here’s how to maximise every appearance:

• Share the episode on your social media, newsletter, and website.

• Create audiograms, quote graphics, or story slides to make your posts stand out.

• Tag the host and the show to encourage resharing.

• Write a short blog post or LinkedIn article recapping key points from the interview.

• Add podcast links to your email signature and media kit.

• Keep a “Featured On” section on your website for easy reference.

• Say thank you publicly—it shows appreciation and gives the show a boost.

• Use listener feedback or questions to create more content.

• Include the interview in your book launch or promo plan.

• Encourage people to follow you, visit your site, or download a freebie after listening.

Every podcast you appear on is an opportunity to grow your audience and deepen your impact—if you share it well.

Lesson Activity

Create a Podcast Promotion Plan

Plan how you’ll maximise your next appearance.

Complete these prompts:

• Where will you share your podcast interview? (social media, newsletter, website)

• What format could you repurpose it into? (quote, blog, video clip)

• What action do you want listeners to take after hearing you?

Promotion turns one conversation into ongoing visibility.

Hosting your own podcast is a bigger commitment—but it can offer huge rewards. It gives you a platform to go deeper into your world, share your process, connect with readers, and create content that keeps working long after a launch ends.

It’s not for everyone—and that’s okay. But if you’ve got more to say, an ongoing message to share, or you want to build a community around your voice, then it might be the next step in your author journey.

Here’s what to consider:

• Do you have enough content or topics to sustain a podcast over time?

• Could a podcast help you grow your email list, Patreon, or brand partnerships?

• Are you open to interviewing others or co-hosting to share the load?

• Would your readers enjoy behind-the-scenes insights, readings, or Q&As?

• Podcasts work well for educators, series writers, and niche genres.

• You don’t need to publish weekly—seasons or mini-series are valid formats.

• Hosting gives you full control—but it also means managing tech, editing, and promotion.

• Think about how the podcast fits with your writing schedule and energy.

• A podcast can become a core part of your author ecosystem.

• Still unsure? Try guesting first to test the waters.

Hosting your own podcast is a long game. But if you have something to say and the desire to share it regularly, it could be a powerful next move.

Lesson Activity

Explore Your Hosting Potential

Consider whether starting your own podcast fits your goals.

Complete these prompts:

• What three topics could you consistently talk about?

• Who would your ideal listener be?

• What benefit would hosting bring to your writing career?

This helps you assess hosting as a strategic choice—not an impulsive one.

Podcasting isn’t just for launches—it can become a powerful, ongoing part of your author career. Whether you're releasing a new book, building your readership, or growing your personal brand, podcasting helps you stay visible, relevant, and connected.

But like writing, it’s a long game. The secret to sustainable success is making podcasting work for you, your schedule, and your goals—not the other way around.

Here’s how to keep the momentum going:

• Schedule regular podcast guesting periods—don’t leave it to chance.

• Treat podcasting as part of your content strategy, not just publicity.

• Reuse clips, stories, and quotes from interviews across your platforms.

• Keep a running list of potential shows and topics to pitch.

• Set goals: more interviews, better reach, stronger audience connection.

• Build relationships with podcast hosts—they often invite returning guests.

• Track what works: which shows drive traffic, engagement, or book sales?

• Use podcasting to build bridges to speaking gigs, collaborations, or media.

• Revisit your key messages as your brand evolves.

• Don’t forget: podcasting should support your writing, not replace it.

When podcasting becomes part of your author rhythm, it can grow with you—book after book, year after year.

Lesson Activity

Build Your 6-Month Podcast Plan

Create a simple forward plan.

Complete these prompts:

• How many podcast appearances would you like in the next six months?

• Will you focus on guesting, hosting, or both?

• What milestone would make you feel proud of your progress?

A clear plan turns podcasting into momentum—not just motivation.

Thank you for being part of Podcasting for Authors.

Whether this course has sparked new ideas, helped you gain clarity, or built your confidence—we’re really glad you joined us.

You’ve explored how podcasting can support your writing, your book, and your author brand. Now it’s time to pause, reflect, and decide what comes next.

The aim of this course has never been to turn you into a full-time podcaster (unless that’s something you want).
It’s about giving you the tools, confidence, and clarity to use podcasting in a way that works for you as an author.

So before you move on, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned.

You’ve explored…

• Why podcasting works so well for authors

• How to guest on podcasts with confidence and purpose

• How to talk about your book naturally, without sounding salesy

• How to prepare for and deliver strong podcast interviews

• How to use podcasting to build your author brand long term

You don’t need to do everything. But taking intentional action—even one small step—can create meaningful opportunities for your writing journey.

Lesson Activity

Take a few minutes to write down:

• One thing you feel more confident about after completing this course

• One podcast-related action you’ll take in the next 30 days

• One long-term goal you now feel better equipped to work towards

These reflections will help you carry the learning forward—and use podcasting in a way that truly supports you.

If this course has helped, I’d really appreciate a quick review. It helps more people discover podcasting with confidence