Whether you are interested in starting a podcast, or you already have one on the go, sometimes it can be helpful to get some extra guidance.
You want to make sure that you are creating the right kind of content that is relevant and interesting, and presenting it in a format that is easy to follow and engaging for your audience.
We have put together this list of the best podcasting books to help you get the advice and guidance that you need. Keep reading to find out which books will be most helpful to you.
What To Look Out For When Choosing A Book For Podcasters
When it comes to choosing the right podcasting book for you, there are a few things that you should be looking out for:
- Experience – Think about your experience level and make sure that the book you choose is suitable. If you are brand new to podcasting then you need a book that covers the basics in a way that is simple and easy to understand. This type of book will not be helpful for you if you already know how to make podcasts and you are looking for more in depth information about how to get more listeners or monetize your podcast.
- Updates – Are you reading the most recent edition? Podcasting is an exciting and ever changing field as technologies develop and trends shift. The best podcast books are either recently published or updated to ensure that the information is relevant.
- Focus – You may need a book that focuses on a particular element of podcasting, whatever is your weakest point – equipment, content, marketing etc. Choosing a book with a narrower scope will give you more in-depth information, making you an expert on that particular topic.
- Author – Consider how much experience the author has in podcasting. Are they a reliable and trustworthy source? Do they have their own successful podcast? What evidence is there that the advice they are giving should be heeded?
If you’re considering purchasing a book for a podcaster friend or need a last-minute birthday gift idea, an audiobook could be the perfect solution. Here’s a brief tutorial on how to present an audiobook as a gift.
The Top Podcasting Books To Read This Year
Podcasting Made Simple – Daniel Larson
This is the ideal book to get if you have never made a podcast before. It will take you through a step by step guide for starting your own podcast.
The information is simple and to the point, making it easy for you to understand what you need to do.
After reading this book, you will feel much more confident about creating content that leaves your listeners wanting more.
You will also know how to plan an effective launch plan to ensure that your podcast gains momentum.
Podcasting For Dummies – Tee Morris & Chuck Tomasi
This book will help you to decide which niche to cover in your podcast and how to promote your podcast to ensure that you get a good amount of listeners.
It takes you through important information about audience demographics, useful trends, recording and editing.
If you want to find a book that will give you a good chance at making money from your podcast then this is ideal for you.
Podcasting – Amanda Mayo
The full title of this book is ‘Podcasting- How To Start A Podcast And Create A Profitable Podcasting Business’.
If you already have a podcast that isn’t going very well or you are ready to start making one, it will tell you everything you need to know.
All you need is the passion and the will to succeed, and this book will help you with the rest.
You will find out more about the different types of podcasts and which one will be best for you, how long your podcast episodes should be, and how to interview your guests.
So You Want To Start A Podcast – Kristen Meinzer
This book gives you more of an indepth look at how to start your own podcast.
It tells you how to find appropriate guests to interview and how to encourage their cooperation with your podcast, how to develop the skills you need to be a good host, how to edit your content, and how to market your podcast to develop a following.
It will also help you to find your own, unique ‘voice’ for your podcast, a tone that is consistent with your subject matter.
Power Podcasting – Derek L Zboran
‘Power Podcasting – How To Start A Podcast That Grows Your Sphere Of Influence’ is the book to read if you are already working on building an online presence.
Perhaps you have an online business, or you are building followers to become a social media influencer.
A successful podcast can be a useful tool when it comes to online presence and influence. It also gives you another outlet to express yourself and explore your interests.
This book will also tell you how to use your position as a podcast host to develop a personal network of mutually beneficial relationships.
The Little Book Of Podcasting – Jerry Hamilton
‘The Little Book Of Podcasting: 7 Simple Steps To Starting a Successful Podcast’ is a succinct book that gives you some useful tips on how to start up your own podcast.
It will guide you through the steps of choosing your subject matter, identifying your audience, creating valuable content, promoting your podcast, developing a brand, and producing quality audio.
Podcast: Learn How To Stop Babbling & Start Podcasting Like A Pro – Mike Eiman
This book is focused on how to plan out your podcast content and scripting. It will give you confidence when it comes to speaking, interviewing, and putting together your episodes.
It can be difficult to strike the perfect balance between overscripting and under-preparing for your episodes.
You don’t want to sound like you are babbling nonsense, but there needs to be a level of fluidity and spontaneity to the content to keep it interesting. This book will help you find that balance.
Make Noise: A Creator’s Guide To Podcasting And Great Audio Storytelling – Eric Nuzum
This is another book that is focused on podcast content, specifically how to make your content stand out from the rest.
The podcasting World is oversaturated and it can be difficult to carve a space for your podcast and make a name for yourself.
This book will tell you how to do this with your content and your skills as a podcast host and producer.
It will teach you how to put yourself in the mind of your audience and understand what they want, what they need, and how to deliver it.
Profitable Podcasting – Stephen Woessner
This book is for people who want to make money from their podcast rather than keep it as a hobby.
It is heavily focused on the financial element of podcasting and how to ensure that your podcast will be successful.
You will learn how to achieve top rankings, secure sponsorships, gain a following through strategic marketing, and record and edit professional content.
It is not a light book – it will take some concentration to understand and absorb the information – but it will be worth the effort when your podcast begins to turn a healthy profit.
Content Rules – C C Chapman
The full title of this book is ‘Content Rules – How To Create Killer Blogs, Podcasts, Vidoes, Ebooks, Webinars, (And More) That Engage Customers And Ignite Your Business’.
This book will show you how to incorporate podcasts into a wider social media and content strategy for your business.
It is perfect for helping you to design and carry out a detailed plan or promoting your business, and how quality content can assist you with this.
The book will ensure that your content is cohesive and consistent, as well as interesting and engaging.
Everybody Has A Podcast (Except You) – Justin, Travis And Griffin McElroy
This bestselling book is a ‘how to’ guide to podcasting. It was written by the McElroy brothers who have over a decade of experience creating successful podcasts.
This is an audiobook, since audio content is their speciality, and it’s entertaining as well as useful. You will learn about what mistakes to avoid and how to be successful.
If you have any interest in podcasting, whether it is as a hobby or a business, you will find this audiobook very beneficial.
Podcast: The Beginner’s Guide – George Sims
‘Podcast: The Beginner’s Guide To Podcasting And Making Money As A Speaker.
Everything You Need To Know About Equipment, Launch, Marketing, And Interview’ is a very helpful resource if you want to create a podcast but you aren’t sure where to start.
It not only tells you how to make the podcast, but also what equipment you need to get started and how to publish your episodes.
There is also some useful information about monetizing your podcast.
What Else Do Podcasters Buy
Podcasting equipment is always high on a podcasters wish list, whether starting out or growing a podcast. Items such as microphones, computers, mixers, stands and filters are amongst the most popular. A starter kit can be a great option or they can try listening to some of the best podcasts for inspiration in to where to start.
Summary – The Most Successful Podcast Books
Whether you are new to podcasting or want to improve your skills, choosing the right book can be very helpful.
It will give you the information you need to succeed, and the confidence to create the content that interests you. You will also be able to monetize your podcast and turn it into a profitable business.
