This is an update to the original version, posted in 2015. Times have changed!
I am perpetually hungry
for podcast guests! Here are some frequently asked questions.
Who are you looking for to be on the podcast?
Most guests are people who read - all ages, all genres. The books you read do not have to be new releases.
How can I get on the schedule?
Contact me, readingenvy [at] gmail. We will discuss the particulars.
Since I post an episode every two weeks, I try to record every two
weeks. I have Thursday nights blocked out for recording but am
completely flexible - otherwise I would not be able to have podcast
guests from overseas!
Can I bring a friend?
Yes! I think the magical number is three people at once, including me.
If you have another reading friend who wants to be on the podcast at the
same time, that would be great. I have at times paired strangers
together.
How are the episodes recorded?
Right now I record in Zoom. If I record in person, I record directly in Audacity.
What are the technical requirements?
It works best if each person has at least a headset mic and is plugged
into an internet connection (not just wireless). That said we have
successfully recorded podcasts using internal mics, cellphones, etc. If
we are new to each other, we might decide to test the connection ahead of time.
If you live within an hour radius I will probably try to record in
person, because the sound quality is better without the internet
involved.
How can I prepare for the episode?
This depends on how many people are on the episode. If it is just two of
us, each of us will bring three books to talk about. These should be
books you liked and read recently enough that you can discuss them.
Please don't feel like you have to pick the THREE GREATEST BOOKS OF ALL
TIME because that really isn't the point. If there are three of us, each
person only needs to bring two books. Be able to summarize the book and
find an excerpt to read if possible (some books are not as conducive to
excerpting, and if you have an advanced reader copy of a book, we can't
include excerpts.)
I also ask guests who are new to the podcast about what they like to
read in general, and let guests plug any online presence or project they
want to, as long as that isn't their sole reason to appear.
I've never done anything like this before and I'm hesitant/nervous
Don't worry! I remember my nerves the first time I was on the SFF Audio
podcast. Sometimes things go wrong - Siri will start talking, a dog will
bark, a phone will ring. I can edit that kind of thing out. I also edit
out awkward pauses and people that go on too long. Ha. I'm not just
posting raw audio to the internet. I don't record on separate tracks so
if one person's noise covers up another person's comments, that can be
more difficult. We will try hard to overcome all obstacles, but I'm a
big fan of the "good enough" philosophy. You love to read? We'll make it
work.
Some people have used the strategy of a nickname, and that is always fine. Nobody has to know it is you.
Another suggestion I make is to listen to a few episodes. It will give you a sense of format, scope, and depth.
I'm an author/publisher/editor and want to pimp my latest project. Are you interested?
I have had authors from time to time, but usually I am asking them
because I think they have an interesting perspective or I already know I
enjoy their work and want them to talk more about it. I also try to
stick to the concept of authors-who-read. So probably not, but you can ask.
Since we're on the topic, will you review my book?
You can ask, but I only take review copies for books that interest me. I
already have several avenues to acquire review copies and still want
time to read non-review books. I also do not talk about every book I
read on the podcast, because I read over 200 books a year.
