So You Want to Start a Podcast: Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story, and Building a Community That Will Listen

There are millions of podcasts, but only 16 percent of them last beyond nine episodes, writes Meinzer, host of the By the Book podcast, in this practical-minded manual that asks pointed questions intended to help readers find their voice and refine their product. Her tips on defining one’s niche, cohosting, landing and conducting interviews, getting the right equipment (she recommends using “decent,” not top-end, mics), and growing one’s audience are clear and direct. Readers may be surprised at how much work and preparation goes into what might appear to be a couple of folks hanging out and shooting the breeze for an entertaining 45 minutes or so, but that’s precisely Meinzer’s point. Her many tips, such as to keep one’s opening banter brief, cultivate diversity (66% of hosts are white men), and develop a thick skin for harsh criticism, will also go a long way. Dabblers who think it will be easy because “my friend Dave and I are really funny” will (rightfully) be discouraged, but those serious about mastering podcasting will find Meinzer’s insights invaluable. Agent: Liz Parker, Verve (Aug.)