Table of Contents
Getting on book podcasts can seem tricky, but I promise it's doable once you know the steps. If you keep reading, you'll learn simple ways to find the right shows, craft pitches that get noticed, and make lasting connections with hosts. Sound good? Stay with me—you'll be surprised at how straightforward it can be to share your book with a new audience. In just a few minutes, you'll have a clear plan to start booking those podcast appearances!
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Find podcasts that match your book’s genre and audience by searching directories like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Focus on shows with active listenership and regular uploads for better chances.
- Craft a simple, tailored pitch highlighting who you are, your book’s topic, and why it fits the show. Share interesting angles or stories to catch the host’s attention.
- Create a professional media kit with your photo, bio, book summary, and links. Having it ready makes outreach smoother and boosts your credibility.
- Personalize your messages by mentioning specific episodes or topics you enjoyed. Show genuine interest to increase your chances of being booked.
- Send your pitches 4-6 weeks ahead and follow up politely if you don’t hear back after a couple of weeks. Add new info to stay relevant.
- Prepare for interviews by researching the host, practicing answers, and having stories ready. Stay authentic and confident during the talk.
- Promote your episode after it airs on social media, your website, and email. Tag the host and create quick clips or quotes to attract more listeners.
- Build good relationships with hosts by engaging on social media and thanking them. These connections can lead to future opportunities and collaborations.
- Add data and stats about podcast growth to strengthen your pitch, showing how appearing on shows can expand your reach.
- Accept that rejections happen. Stay polite and use them as chances to improve your pitch and find better-suited shows. Persistence pays off.
- Track your outreach efforts with a simple system to stay organized. It helps you follow up timely and see what strategies work best.
- If budget allows, consider paid ads to boost your visibility and attract more listeners to your appearances and book sales.
- Turn your episode into content for social media, blogs, or emails. Sharing clips and quotes keeps your guest appearance working for you long after it’s out.
- Getting on multiple podcasts helps you grow your network, establish authority, and increase your chances of being recommended for new shows.
How to Get on Book Podcasts
If you're an author looking to boost your book's visibility, landing a spot on a book podcast is a smart move. Podcasts have exploded in popularity—there are over 4.52 million podcasts worldwide as of 2025, with more than 584 million people tuning in regularly. This makes them a goldmine for connecting with readers and industry insiders alike. But how do you get your foot in the door? The key is understanding what makes a compelling pitch and how to approach podcast hosts effectively.
1. Find Podcasts That Match Your Book and Audience
The first step is to identify podcasts that align with your book’s genre, themes, or target readers. With so many podcasts available, it’s essential to focus on those whose audience would be interested in your work. For instance, if you’ve written a children’s book, look for podcasts that feature kids’ literature or parenting topics. Use podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or specialized sites such as Podbean or Listen Notes to search by niche. Remember, the more relevant the podcast, the better the chances of being accepted as a guest.
Statistics show that in 2025, around 73% of Americans have listened to a podcast at least once, with 55% being monthly listeners. That’s a huge audience eager for new content, so cherry-picking the right shows is all about quality over quantity. Prioritize podcasts with a steady upload schedule and engaged listeners; this increases your chances of a successful appearance.
2. Prepare a Clear and Interesting Pitch
Once you’ve identified your target podcasts, craft a pitch that’s succinct, engaging, and tailored. Podcast hosts receive dozens of queries, so make yours stand out. Clearly explain who you are, what your book is about, and why it’s relevant to their audience. Highlight any unique angles or stories that can make your appearance memorable. Offer to provide valuable insights, such as behind-the-scenes stories, writing tips, or lessons learned, that would captivate listeners.
A good pitch is friendly, professional, and straight to the point—think of it as a friendly introduction with a reason to invite you on. Including a brief sentence about your credentials, any previous media appearances, or notable reviews can add credibility. For example, mention if your book recently hit a bestseller list or received rave reviews, as this can pique interest.
3. Create a Professional Media Kit
A media kit acts like a resume for your author brand. It should include a high-quality author photo, a short bio, a summary of your book, and any relevant achievements. Providing clear links to your website, social media profiles, and previous media appearances makes it easier for hosts to verify your credentials. Some authors include sample interview topics or suggested questions to help hosts see the potential content of your episode.
Having a polished media kit not only streamlines your outreach but also makes you look professional—something that podcast hosts respect when choosing guests. Remember, podcasts are visual in a way—they imagine what you bring to the table, so make it appealing and easy to review.
4. Personalize Your Outreach to Podcast Hosts
Generic mass emails rarely land bookings; hosts appreciate when you take the time to personalize your message. Mention specific episodes you enjoyed or topics you admire, demonstrating that you’re genuinely interested in their show. Connect your book or expertise to themes they've discussed previously or recent episodes, showing that you’re a good fit. This personal touch can make a big difference in getting noticed.
For example, instead of saying, “I’d love to be on your podcast,” say, “I especially loved your episode on X because my recent book touches on similar themes, and I believe your listeners would find it interesting.” Personalization indicates sincerity and effort, which podcast hosts value highly.
5. Reach Out and Follow Up at the Right Time
Timing matters. Send your pitch well in advance—ideally 4 to 6 weeks before you want to appear—so hosts have ample time to consider. If you haven’t heard back after a week or two, send a polite follow-up email. Sometimes, hosts get busy or miss messages, and a gentle reminder can do the trick. However, avoid spamming; persistence is good, but overdoing it might hurt your chances.
Pro Tip: When you follow up, add a new piece of value—perhaps a recent review or a relevant article—making your message more engaging. Also, keep track of your outreach efforts, so you don’t accidentally double-email or forget previous contacts.
6. Get Ready for the Interview
Once you land the spot, prepare just like you would for any important talk. Research the host and their previous episodes to understand their style and audience. Have talking points ready—stories about your writing journey, key themes in your book, or interesting insights that add value. Practice answering potential questions to sound confident and natural.
Keep your main messages clear and stay authentic; listeners can tell when someone is genuinely passionate. Remember, a good interview can leave listeners eager to learn more about your work or even buy your book.
7. Promote Your Podcast Appearance
Don’t keep your appearance a secret! Once your episode goes live, share links across your social media, website, and email list. Tag the podcast and host to increase visibility and show appreciation. The more you promote, the more people will listen, which can translate into new fans or sales.
A smart move is to create related content—like a blog post, video clip, or quote from the interview—that can keep the conversation going and attract even more attention.
8. Build Relationships with Podcast Hosts
Approaching podcasts as a two-way street can open doors for future opportunities. Engage with hosts on social media, thank them publicly for the episode, and share feedback. Building genuine connections can lead to repeat appearances, collaborations, or referrals to other podcasts.
Remember, podcasting is community-driven. The more you show that you’re supportive and authentic, the more chances you’ll have to get on other shows and grow your author platform.
9. Use Data and Statistics to Your Advantage
Sharing relevant data about podcast consumption and growth can make your pitch more compelling.
For example, mentioning that podcast listenership increased by nearly 7% in 2025 shows how important these platforms are for reaching audiences.
Use statistics to position yourself as a valuable guest who can attract listeners; for instance, highlight that 73% of Americans have tried listening to podcasts.
Including insights from recent industry reports or studies can also boost your credibility with hosts.
For example, you could say, “With over 4.52 million podcasts worldwide, appearing on the right shows can really expand your reach.”
10. Know How to Handle Rejections and Rejections Are Normal
Not every podcast will say yes, and that’s okay.
Sometimes, hosts are overwhelmed or already booked; other times, your pitch just isn’t the right fit.
Don’t get discouraged—use rejection as a chance to refine your approach or find better-suited shows.
Stay professional and polite in every interaction; a kind “Thanks for considering me” can leave the door open for future opportunities.
Remember, persistence often pays off in the long run, especially since the podcast industry keeps growing.
11. Track Your Outreach Efforts
Keep a simple spreadsheet or use CRM tools to monitor which podcasts you’ve contacted, responses received, and follow-up dates.
This helps ensure you don’t double-pitch the same host and makes follow-ups more strategic.
Having organized records means you can analyze what's working and tweak your approach over time.
A good system also keeps you from missing out on potential interviews because of lost emails or forgotten contacts.
So, treat your outreach like a mini project—planning and recording every step can make a big difference.
12. Consider Paid Podcast Promotions or Advertising
If your budget allows, investing in paid promotion for your podcast appearances can boost visibility.
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or even podcast-specific advertising services can help target your ideal audience.
Paid ads often lead to more listens, reviews, and engagement, which can translate into book sales.
Look for promos that highlight your guest appearance and encourage listeners to check out your book or author website.
Just remember, a well-placed ad can be worth it if you’re looking for quick exposure and a larger audience.
13. Repurpose Your Podcast Content for Other Marketing Channels
Turn your podcast interview into multiple pieces of content—share clips on social media, write blog posts, or email summaries to your mailing list.
This way, your guest appearance continues working for you long after it airs.
Creating quote graphics or short video snippets from the interview can grab attention on Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn.
Also, embedding the episode link on your website or in your email signature encourages ongoing traffic.
Don’t forget to include a call to action—like asking listeners to buy your book or follow you for updates.
14. Leverage Podcast Guesting to Grow Your Author Platform
Getting featured regularly on podcasts isn’t just about one appearance—it’s about building a network.
Ask hosts if they know other podcast owners or guest experts who could be a good fit for you.
Participating in multiple shows can help you establish authority and get more word-of-mouth recommendations.
Over time, this builds a community of listeners and fellow authors who can support your marketing efforts.
Remember, each appearance is an opportunity to deepen your relationships and expand your reach.
FAQs
Search for podcasts related to your book's genre or topic. Look for hosts with an audience that matches your target readers. Review previous episodes to ensure your book's themes align with their content.
Create a clear, concise message highlighting who you are, what your book is about, and why it would interest their audience. Personalize it for each host to show genuine interest and understanding of their podcast.
Follow the hosts on social media, comment on their episodes, and engage genuinely. Attend their live events if possible. Building rapport over time can increase your chances of being invited as a guest.
Share the episode across your social channels, website, and email list. Tag the podcast and host to increase visibility. Encourage your network to listen and share to maximize exposure.
