Writing and Podcasting Advice

By Felice GerwitzBusiness

Writing and Podcasting Advice episodes

August 23, 2019Blogging
Blogging – Episode 10
Blogging is one of those online platforms that takes very little work these days to set up and begin. It is used as a platform for authors, podcasters, and people who believe they have a message that they want to share. In this episode, we will examine blogging and how this can help your online presence.
Sponsorship – Ultimate Christian Communicator’s Conference.
Many authors are told they must have a blog with a large following to get a book contract and while there is some truth in this, blogs take time, work and good blogs have a ton of social media work that goes on behind the scenes.
Blogs crop up daily and I am sure the statistics are frightening. I can write, each podcast I create in the hundreds now are mini-blog posts. They contain the content I will share as well as some well-placed search engine optimization phrases. However, I often find it is easier to podcast than it is to write! Why is this?
Marketing. If you are going to blog you have to market. Sorry. It is a sad truth. Many blogs languish because no one knows about them. Some bloggers write to make money, they get readers by giving things away or they talk about deals with links to said deals. Then, their sites are covered with ads with pop up ads and all types of noise so that you can barely read the writing.
Are you like me with too many ideas and too little time? If you are considering a blog here is what I’d recommend you do:
Reason For Blogging:
Purpose
Can you write?
Do you have a topic you are passionate about?
Will you run out of information?
How often will you post?
The technology of Blogging:
Can you set up a website or will you hire this out?
Are you a techie? Will you learn?
How are your marketing skills?
Do you have social media accounts that are for your business/blog?
Will you set up an email with an autoresponder?
Do you want your blog to succeed? Here is the secret sauce of the day… you must be passionate about your topic and your topic must be original. You can not copy someone else’s blog or style and call it good enough. How many mommy blogs are out there after the Pioneer Woman made it big? I’m sure a ton of copy cat versions. Now Lee films on the Food Network has a bunch of book deals, a store and so much more. She was real, authentic, humorous and now her blog looks nothing like it first did. But that’s okay! It changed and adapted.
You can look at successful blogs and say, why is this good or why do I like this blog? In that way, you can figure out a style you can live with and that reflects the five points above. The saying if you build it they will come only works in the theatres. In real life, if you build it (aka a blog) you need to be sure your marketing is top-notch or you will be spinning your wheels.
So, here are more questions to ask:
The Bottom Line:
Will writing this blog take time away from writing a book or podcasting?
Will writing this blog be the perfect way to showcase my podcast, service or books?
Will I enjoy writing this blog and it is a passion of mine?
Will the benefits outweigh the time constraint.
Do I have the social media savviness to get the word out?
If you begin a blog, stick to it. Give yourself a time limit to get it off the ground and share it with everyone. Don’t give up. Make business cards, hand it to friends, mail them to those you think will benefit. Remember the smaller your niche the better it will go, and have fun with it!

The post Blogging appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
17 min
August 19, 2019Connections
Connections In Writing, Podcasting & Publishing – Episode 9
It’s all about connections, who do you know, how can you get an interview on a podcast, how can you promote your book? Connections mean everything in the industry saturated with mediocre and many time false information about the writing and publishing industry.
Thanks to the: Ultimate Christian Communicators Conference ~ this event is for anyone seriously considering increasing their exposure as a speaker at upcoming events as well as those interested in learning from leaders in the industry! Not to be missed, the conference can be attended live or you can purchase the recorded set.
My story began backward, I had a speaking platform before I had a book. This is actually a great way to begin because when you have a book, product or service, you already have a willing and waiting group of people who are interested in buying what you have to sell. That is one reason I recommend that you begin a podcast if you have allot of information worth sharing.
I’ve worked with many people in the writing, publishing and podcasting world. I’ve met some heads of large publishing companies and learned that I’m very happy as a self-published author. As I may have shared in the past, I received and turned down a four-book publishing contract. Were there times I regretted this? Yes, but then I know that it was all for the best.
One of the introductions to a large publisher came from a friend. He was actually an author but his day job was as an investment planner. I met him at a conference after he heard me speak, liked what I had to say and we had a nice conversation at my book table afterward. He wanted to introduce me to this publisher (who was his publisher) as well as one of his clients. Connections!
Connections help us in time of need. When I had my book publishing offer and read over the contract I realized that I needed to give this company the right of refusal with any of my upcoming books. I also knew that this company had a very narrow focus and my other books would have a larger market. These were not decisions I made lightly. It helped that I could go to a friend who had signed a book deal with another publisher and compare notes. I realized that with my goal, which was to run an online platform my goals were a bit different than most.
We live firmly in the world of home, family, and schedules. For those of us who run businesses, we also live in a world of people we’ve never met, people who are dear friends, and we form many symbiotic relationships. In my online world I know many people, in fact, my Facebook feed can attest to this and there is a small fraction of my friends that I have met in real life. Yet, many of those friends and connections are real and basically in this age of technology a mouse click away.
How do we use our connections? That is the real question. Before we delve into this, I want to share what I call a “secret sauce” piece of information. I’m a cook can you tell? This information will make a difference in how others perceive you online. The secret is to be a friend before you begin asking for favors. I can not tell you all the times I receive emails from people who ask to be interviewed. Either the emails are from slick advertising companies representing these authors or product providers, or the person themselves.
I think, are we friends on Facebook. I look – no. Are we connected on LinkedIn? No. Twitter? No. Instagram? No again.
If I am not your friend on social media and you ask me something, even if you have the best product known to man out there, I’m frankly just not that interested. Interviewing takes time and work. I have to find out all about you, look at your books or service, understand a bit about your history or back story. I will in addition promote, promote, promote your interview once it is complete. Work. Lots of work.
Do you see why connections are important? I’ve had people begin sharing my posts, comment on my podcasts, or send me emails after receiving something from my mailing list. These are connections, they are people I may know or interact with. Sometimes, rarely someone sends me an email and it interests me so much I’ll ask for an interview, but that happens rarely. An interview is a favor.
Here are my top tips for making the right connections:
Be sure to connect on social media. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.
Do they have a podcast? Be sure you listen, comment and share.
Do they have a blog? Comment.
Share, share, share. DO you see them posting on social media? Share it with your friends.
Give. Give. Give.
I love to read and in my spare time that is what I do! It is an escape and I try to read one spiritual book, one business book, and then one fun book. I followed my own advice and after reading a book that I received for free on Amazon Kindle, I followed the author and bought all the other books in the series. She invited in her books to subscribe to her email to get a free book, and I did. I found myself enjoying her short emails and then a request. Receive ARC (Advanced Reader Copies) to find typos etc. and in return comment on social media and where the books are sold – disclosing that I received a free copy. Since I liked the author I was in. Then, the author emailed me back (after I sent links to the reviews) surprised I wrote three different reviews. Seriously? Who would post the same review three places? Obviously, someone who doesn’t know about the importance of SEO (search engine optimization – a must for those of us who know what that means.). So, I thought why not ask, this lady seems really nice – I should interview her! And, she said yes. So, at some point, I’ll have her on this show.
Connections. They take time but they work. And, friends you will be surprised at how a seemingly benign and kind thing turns into something more!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this episode, connect with me on social media, and please follow this show, give me a star rating on your favorite podcast app, and share this episode with a friend!
Hope you plan on coming to the Ultimate Christian Communicator’s Conference so we can meet in real life! And, I hope to talk to you soon!
The post Connections appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
21 min
September 14, 2017Author Erin Odom
Newly Published Author Erin Odom with Felice Gerwitz
Podcast #8
Erin Odom, author! Hear how newly published author, Erin Odom received her first book contract. Here she discusses getting “found” by an agent who signed her to a contract at Zondervan, publishers. In this episode, Erin shares her success first in blogging, then in obtaining an agent and finally in holding that copy of her published book in her hands!
Erin Odom, author of Just Making It: Hope for the Heart of the Financially Frustrated, published by Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian! She blogs at Thehumbledhomemaker.com Erin blogs about motherhood, homemaking, healthy living and family finances.
Show Notes: New Author Erin Odom
Here is her new book:
Just Making It: Hope for the Heart of the Financially Frustrated,
Blog in 2011 started a blog – htttp://www.thehumbledhomemaker.com
Self-publishing books – available on her website and Amazon
Grew passionate about writing and sharing money saving tips.
Wrote several other books- self published
Contacted by other publishers – didn’t feel it was right
Christian literacy agent contacted Erin, because of her blog.
Researched the agent.
Prayed – God said, walk in this… his timing was right. Signed with the agent.
Sent in a book proposal when God’s timing is right. Almost two years later. Sent to her agent.
Within a month book offers came in – Erin accepted the contract with Zondervan.
Practical tips:
Compelling book idea meet a need
To be able to write
To have some type of platform

The post Author Erin Odom appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
22 min
September 07, 2017Podcasting Tools
Podcasting Tools
Episode #6
You may think that podcasting tools only means the microphones, the soundboards or what is the best computer program to use in creating a quality product. Well, while those things are important it is the “tools” you use beforehand that makes a significant difference. In this episode of Writing and Podcasting Advice, Felice tackles the tools of the trade and what she uses almost every time she prepares to create a new podcast.
Show Notes. Podcasting Tools
Ideas notebook – use technology – such as a smart phone – I also use a calendar and create ideas for upcoming podcasts in groups of 4 or more per month. You can use a word processing software or some people like Evernote.
Script: I outline each show – making sure to add information such as where to find the show notes, o to how get the pdf I might create for the show or even where to get more information, perhaps an extra audio or opt-in for a sample product. This is typically written in a word processing software. If you want to collaborate with someone you can use the Google Docs free software with a Gmail account.
Recording room. A friend used to record her songs in the bathroom because of the amazing acoustics in that small space. I use a room with carpeting and wall hangings that absorb the sound … you don’t want anything that causes reverberation or echoing that can cause a horrible sounding audio.
Interviewing: I use paid software like InstantTeleseminar (affiliate link here). What I like – you can use your cell phone to call in, interview one or multiple people at a time, and add an intro, and outro music or commercials – and download the finished product to your own computer! It is awesome. The downside, the audio sounds like a phone call.
Another alternative is to use Skype – some people prefer this. I don’t personally use Skype but I’ve been interviewed by people who do – You can look at your windows or mac computer for apps to record the conversation on your computer. You may need to combine tracks with your own audio editor.
You can record on your iPhone or Android phone. Recently one of my podcasters sent me an audio recorded on her iPhone and I was shocked at the great quality of the audio. She doesn’t have the most recent phone, either. It worked great. Look for recording apps in your app store. You may be surprised at the quality results. We’ve come a long way in the improvement of software.
Recording microphones. My two personal favorites are simple USB plug in microphones. The first is a Samson CO1U Studio condenser mic. I use this with a cover (to prevent the “popping” typical of saying an “p” word. This mic is awesome for interviews or presentations. It will pick up sounds across the room, so you will get audience background noise – laughter, clapping, etc. The second is the audio-Technica ATR2100-USB. You have to hold this microphone close to your mouth for good quality audios but the plus side, you can’t hear background noise. It is a very good quality.
Recording software. There are so many options I’m not sure where to start. You can use an online option like InstantTeleseminar however if you want to record on your computer two free software can not be beat! The first is audacity, the second is GarageBand standard on a Mac. I use both a PC and a Mac. The Mac quality for recording is wonderfully rich. I tend to use the Mac and save it to a mp3. You plug in your microphone and go! This software also allows you to edit. Visit youtube for videos on step-by-step solutions.
Album Cover Art. Here you need a graphic artist or someone that understands good quality cover art. iTunes standard at this time is 1600x 1600 dpi or 2400×2400 dpi. This has changed recently, in the not so distant past the dimensions were 1400×1400 – this is something we keep track of with all of our podcasters on this network and others I run.
ID3 Tagging. Each audio must be tagged. It is similar to adding a byline to a document so that you add your copyright information. I use ID3Tagger software but there are many out there.
Add or submitting your podcast to the iTunes store. One way to do this is going to be answered in storage. Are you storing your audio on your own website/server, or are you going to use a storage company such as Amazon S3, Libsyn, or Blubrry. These submissions to iTunes, GooglePlay, Stitcher, TuneIn, etc. are very important and must be done correctly. Your correct feed submission is important as well. *we handle this for all our podcasters
Graphics – must use copyright free for any marketing or social media campaign. Also, we recommend to our podcasters that each episode should have a special graphic or picture. My favorites are Depositphotos,
Image editing online – Canva, PicMonkey, or install GIMP (which is like Photoshop). You can subscribe to Adobe online tools or Microsoft products. I have moved to a yearly subscription over purchasing the software since it is less expensive and keeps me up to date with the latest improvements. I use Microsoft publisher but there are a few steps I go through to get the finished product. It is a software I’m comfortable with having used it since 1992 – yes, that long, so it is second nature to me.
Email – many use MailChimp because it is easily integrated into WordPress websites, I use ActiveCampign.
Software links: Podcasting Tools
Subscriber software: here
How to publish podcasts using WordPress: more information here
More free podcasting tools here

Disclosure:
This post may include affiliate links where I may receive compensation via click-throughs, however I use other things that are often not affiliates as well.
The post Podcasting Tools appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
29 min
August 31, 2017Podcasting Ideas
Podcasting Ideas – It’s More Than Just Talking
Episode #5
I’ve talked to dozens of people who have considered hosting a podcast but few last beyond a couple of episodes. In this podcast, I discuss different ideas and how to create a lasting impression on your listeners as well as grow your base. Listen as I share what I’ve learned since launching a podcast almost ten years ago and ways to keep your ideas creative.
Sponsor Media Angels, Inc.
Interested in the book to help you launch your writing career? The Information In A Nutshell Series:
Writing and Publishing or Business Tips and Taxes for Writers. Do you have a child who is a budding author? Try Reach For The Stars! All available on Amazon.
Show Notes: Podcasting Ideas
Product Podcasting Ideas:
If you have a product, such as a book or a class consider teaching aspects of your book or class in each podcast.
Use the podcast as a launching spot for trying new book ideas. If the idea is successful you will know by audience feedback.
Use the feedback from your audience to create a new product.
Test your new product on your audience – tweak before selling.
Use your podcast to jump start sales, promote your upcoming book and suggest pre-sale orders
Service Podcasting Ideas
Are you a consultant, or service provider? Use the podcast to show our knowledge on a topic where you consult.
Use your podcast to create interest in a social media group you host. Begin a line of questioning in your podcast that you answer in your social media group, or privately through consultation.
Podcast about your services – what is it that you do, explain.
As an author-consultant, I interview special guests that my authors would want to know more about such as someone who knew about setting up book signings at big retailers, award-winning authors, agents, and publishers.
What successful guest can you host who will bring value to your audience and help share your show?
The post Podcasting Ideas appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
36 min
August 17, 2017Podcasting Basics
Podcast Basics with Felice Gerwitz
Episode #4
So, you think you want to podcast? Where do you begin? In this episode, longtime podcaster, Felice Gerwitz shares the information she’s learned through the years. Her first podcast, the Information in a Nutshell(TM): Writing and Publishing Show began in 2008. Learning the ropes through trial-and-error, using a phone to record and a shoe-string budget, her show ranked as one of the top shows in the writing and publishing space. Technology has now improved to bring cutting edge sound and a wonderful variety of possibilities.
Sponsor Media Angels, Inc.
Interested in the book to help you launch your writing career? The Information In A Nutshell Series:
Writing and Publishing or Business Tips and Taxes for Writers. Do you have a child who is a budding author? Try Reach For The Stars! All available on Amazon.
Show Notes: Podcasting Basics
Having passion and drive is a necessity, yet it is important to know what to say and when. An outline of your show and show notes is helpful, yet not necessary for everyone. Some podcasters like a more natural approach while others may read word-for-word from notes. Having a to-do list or a check list may be helpful as well since there are many moving parts to creating a podcast. A good microphone and computer are important and there are free online resources for recording. Yet, without a good outline or information, people may not tune back week after week. One way to understand the process is by listening to some experienced podcasters. As you listen to their shows, listen with a critical ear and see if you can catch any of the points in their presentation.
Listen to experienced podcasters here, here, here and here for ideas.

How to set up your episode: Podcasting Basics
Either create a podcast series or a stand alone episode
Break down the time, and what you want to say – approx 20-60 minutes.
Play intro
Welcome the listener
Give the episode and show name
Give the episode number
Give information about where to find the show notes
Give information about how else to listen to the show
Ask for a star rating on iTunes or Google Play, etc.
Body of your podcast – pre and post commercial
Play your commercial
Thank your listeners and tell them, again – where to find the show notes
Give a call to action
Play the outro

The post Podcasting Basics appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
28 min
August 10, 2017Should You Podcast
Should You Podcast?- Advice in a Nutshell with Felice Gerwitz
Episode #3
As an author and publisher, I realized very quickly that without a platform I could not sell books. In this episode, I share podcast advice for those seeking a way to use this amazing online platform. Here is a short quiz you can ask yourself to see if podcasting is right for you.
This is a four-part series with different aspects of podcasting covered.
Sponsor Media Angels, Inc.
Interested in the book to help you launch your writing career? The Information In A Nutshell Series:
Writing and Publishing or Business Tips and Taxes for Writers. Do you have a child who is a budding author? Try Reach For The Stars! All available on Amazon.
Show Notes: Should Your Podcast?
Are you ready for the challenge?
Who should podcast?
Why should you podcast?
Can you answer these questions honestly?
Score and outcomes are given in this broadcast.
Do you have a service or product to sell?
Are you passionate about your work?
Are you passionate about your message?
Can you explain things clearly to others?
Do you have a call to action – something you’d like the listener to do?
Can you be brief in your explanations?
Do you have resources to share?
Do you have success stories to share?
Do you have an hour to devote to podcasting each week?
Do you have time to promote your podcast?
The post Should You Podcast appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
21 min
August 04, 2017Writing Talk
Let’s Talk About Writing with Felice Gerwitz
Podcast #2
Want a short cut way to getting your book in print? In this episode of Writing and Podcasting Advice, Felice explains her journey and how to avoid the same mistakes. The process may not be simple, yet seeing your work published is rewarding once you know the process.
Visit our Sponsor – Media Angels, Inc
Sponsor Media Angels, Inc.
Interested in book to help you launch your writing career? The Information In A Nutshell Series:
Writing and Publishing or Business Tips and Taxes for Writers. Do you have a child who is a budding author? Try Reach For The Stars! All available on Amazon.
Show Notes: Writing Talk
Basic steps to getting published
Know your market – your reader
Research
Do you want a publisher? Research agents and publishing companies. (If not skip down to #7)
Fiction? Write it and then submit it
Non-Fiction – you can write a query letter
Learn to write a query letter
Self Publish (option for those who decide not to seek other publication)
Of course, there are many steps in between. In this episode, we cover some basics and will delve into specific details in upcoming episodes.
Don’t you wish it was easy? In hindsight, the best advice I can give you is to market first. Do you speak to small groups? Do you know something that no one else does? Do you have information that someone needs? These things make the best books.
Knowing your market is very important. If you write something ouside of your frame of reference – while not impossible it will take an inordinate amount of time (jumping online to research is not a guarantee of good information.) Authors that travel to exotic locales – wait until you get the five or six figure book deals
That’s what I love about podcasting – it helps me stay in touch with my audience but also gives me the clarity and focus to be share ideas that are would not make it into a full book – think of podcasts as bite-sized information – next episode #3 will be an overview of podcasting.
So why did I write a book on writing and publishing?I was asked to speak on the topic of writing and publishing at a large conference and decided in my research to recommend some tried and true books – all about 400+ pages as well as some new books – went to the library, hopped online to purchase a few and what I could not find anything new or inspiring to a new author –
I was asked to speak on the topic of writing and publishing at a large conference and decided in my research to recommend some tried and true books – all about 400+ pages as well as some new books – went to the library, hopped online to purchase a few and what I could not find anything new or inspiring to a new author.
It was easy to read and not break the bank
Takes about the same amount of time to read as if we had a one-to-one meeting about writing and publishing
It didn’t overwhelm the reader – one of the books I found at the library talked about distribution woes!
A few but important resources
Give authors info
The post Writing Talk appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
23 min
July 27, 2017Writing and Podcasting
The Writing and Podcast Advice Show with Felice Gerwitz
Are you ready to launch that new book idea or your very own podcast? Look no further. On the Writing and Podcasting Advice Show you will learn the basics on how to get started with your very own project. Felice Gerwitz is your personal advisor and here to help you. Are you ready? Let’s make this year your very best.
Sponsor Media Angels, Inc.
Interested in book to help you launch your writing career? The Information In A Nutshell Series:
Writing and Publishing or Business Tips and Taxes for Writers. Do you have a child who is a budding author? Try Reach For The Stars! All available on Amazon.
Show Notes: Writing and Podcasting Advice
I love helping entrepreneurs. Since 2002 I’ve worked with aspiring authors as an author-consultant and absolutely love helping people in the publishing process. I’ve advised a Catholic ministry on starting a publishing company and just finished our second mega-book project with nineteen different testimonies apiece. In the process of working on other people’s works as well as my own I’ve made my fair share of mistakes.
This podcast is to help you avoid them!
I am the author of nineteen books and the one that focuses on what I do here, is in the information in a Nutshell Series: Writing and Publishing – in this book I give you a nutshell version of what it takes to write and publish a book. It is very brief and like sitting with me for four hours where I share exactly what you should know to get your book published.
So, what is your project?
Do you have a book idea?
Do you want to publish a work that is already complete?
Are you interested in finding good ideas?
Do you have a great idea for a podcast? I am looking for talent!
There are many people out there more talented than I am in writing, publishing OR podcasting but the difference between many of them and myself? They are sitting around thinking about it and I DID IT!
So, let’s get going – you and me. Join me weekly on this broadcast and let’s get that project in front of the widest audience possible!
The post Writing and Podcasting appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
13 min

About Writing and Podcasting Advice

From the publisher's feed

Want to write a book? What about podcasting? During the weekly episodes of the Writing and Podcasting Advice Show, Felice Gerwitz shares her long term experience in the publishing industry and as an…

Share Writing and Podcasting Advice

Sign up to save your podcasts

Writing and Podcasting Advice

Writing and Podcasting Advice episodes

About Writing and Podcasting Advice