The Romance Reviews

Monday 12 July 2010

Talk Radio - Opening Up a New Avenue

Talk Radio isn’t really a new concept. Many have been doing it for years. What’s changed is the way it’s done and who’s doing it. Businesses and non-business people are doing it. All it requires is a phone and computer.

There are different aspects when it comes to choosing the podcast format for you. Blog Talk Radio is one of the largest, if not the largest site for resting your laurels. Here, you can sign up as a listener or a host. Of course like everything else, you can upgrade to a paid account and have access to features to enhance your ability to reach listeners.

As authors, we’re always hearing, find your target audience. Talk radio gives authors an opportunity to reach an audience of your genre; have guests and take calls from listeners. It’s a real way to interact with people and let them get to know you.

Currently, they have over three hundred episodes in the Book category alone from authors, editors, reviewers, publishers and promotion gurus. Promotion is how I actually came upon Blog Talk Radio. I was doing some research and one of the pages had a link. I listened and was impressed with what I heard and thought, ok, this can be an avenue for promotion. Like some of us, ideas are great, but implementing them isn’t always so easy. Breaking down the barrier of introverted authors is one of the biggest challenges. Almost as difficult as finding an interesting topic to talk about don’t you think?

If you look through the different podcasts, you’ll see some names I think many of us know – Phoebe Jordan, Nikki Leigh, Rachelle Chase, and maybe some others.

What I didn’t see which leaves a niche wide open is no podcasts on specific genres. I would think having those would not only help authors and readers find a commonality, but allow for a wide range of interviewees within the genre.

Still afraid of taking the step? I am – it’s something new to learn and changes aren’t really my cup of tea. However, in their drop-down menu under Home, click on help and let them take away your fears. They give you the low-down and how to in what appears to be a simple manner.
I know this may not be conducive to dial-up internet, but for those maybe doing an interview would be ideal.

I’m pondering and will look into things a bit deeper

Bekki
http://bekkilynn.net/

[July 21st, follow me over to Happily Ever After where I’ll talking about Book Signings and Thinking Outside the Box]

8 comments:

Savanna Kougar said...

Bekki, it's been a couple of years, but I listened to a paranormal Cerridwen author, Melissa Alvarez, on blog talk radio. She was also a psychic and did readings. She had on authors and small print/e-publishers.
Actually, that's how I learned more about Aspen Mountain Press. I heard the owner, Sandra, on with Melissa.

I think it could be fun, and a way to reach readers. However, it would take a lot of dedication and perseverance.

Bekki Lynn said...

Yeah, most definitely dedication. From what I understand a lot of them do the shows whenever and have them ready to post. A lot like blogging in that respect.

Being a guest is always an option for those who don't really have the time or inclination to have their on show.

It's fun looking at all the different options available.

Linda Banche said...

Nice post, Bekki. I'm not sure I want to do radio. I love email, and I can talk on yahoo loops and facebook, but the idea of radio doesn't do too much for me. Maybe I have to think about it some more.

Lindsay Townsend said...

Thanks for this, Bekki! Another possible way to market...

Bekki Lynn said...

I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the idea, Linda.

I think it's an option that one day might actually be fun if we can get past the personal issues we have with public speaking.

I seem to manage it at work -- put on a different persona.

Bekki Lynn said...

It really is, Lindsay.

Even local radio stations have
gone online so it is a viable market to get into.

I've loving finding new possibilities for us all to consider.

Savanna Kougar said...

Interesting... I think in most circumstances, I'd do okay on radio, obviously depending on everyone involved... who interviewed, who didn't... it could be fun, but it would be a lot of preparation.

Stephanie Burkhart said...

Bekki, you pique my interest. I think this is a great market to get into. I knew it was out there, but I haven't investigated yet. Thanks for bringing this here.

Smiles
Steph