The Growing Importance of Podcast Interviews: The Biggest Mistakes Authors Make—And How to Fix Them
Fall is one of the busiest seasons for authors—and for good reason. It’s prime time for book launches and media opportunities, including one of the most enduring and effective channels for author promotion: podcasts.
Podcast interviews aren’t a “one-and-done” moment. What were are learning is that episodes often live online indefinitely, reaching new listeners months or even years later. According to podcast research, 97% of listeners don’t just listen to the latest episode, but also explore a podcast’s back catalogue. This longevity means a single interview can spark new opportunities—speaking invitations, consulting inquiries, book sales, or media connections—long after it airs.
But to truly benefit from podcasts, authors need more than a wish list of dream shows. They need a strategy.
The Biggest Mistakes Authors Make—And How to Fix Them
- Only Pitching the Biggest Shows
Fix: Balance your list with smaller, targeted podcasts for a stronger overall impact.
At Smith Publicity, we encourage authors to reach for big, relevant shows—like The Mel Robbins Podcast, 10% Happier with Dan Harris, The Tim Ferriss Show, HBR IdeaCast, or The Joe Rogan Experience—when they’re the right fit.
But here’s the truth: many high-profile podcasts fill guest spots with people the host already knows—industry peers, event speakers, or trusted referrals. What is a more powerful strategy is for authors to build a wide base of exposure with targeted shows in your niche. Smaller, highly engaged podcasts have passionate audiences and often lead to deeper, more direct connections.
- Not Prepping for the Show
Fix: Create a checklist and prepare for every appearance.
- Confirm the interview time zone.
- Ask if the show records on video (often via Zoom) so you can be camera-ready.
- Research and listen to past episodes for style, length, and tone.
- Note recurring opening questions and be ready with your answer.
- Match the host’s tone—if they don’t curse, neither should you.
- Test your tech in advance—especially your microphone. (Tip: hold it at least three inches from your mouth for clear sound.)
- Over-Promoting the Book and Not Ready for a Conversation
Fix: Lead with value—share insights and stories first; let book mentions feel organic.
- Keep the show and host’s names in sight during the interview; using them naturally improves conversation flow.
- Have a timer visible to gauge pacing.
- Prepare concise, one-minute answers to common questions like “Tell me about your book?”—but customize stories for the show’s audience.
- Jot down points during the conversation that you may want to circle back to.
- Treat the interview as a conversation, not a rigid Q&A. Ask the host for their perspective.
- Share personal stories—not just polished soundbites—to make your message memorable.
- Not Leveraging the Episode and Podcast Host Relationship
Fix: Treat every episode as evergreen content and build genuine host relationships.
- Promote the episode when it airs to your social platforms and newsletter—and again weeks or months later, especially if there’s a seasonal tie-in or relevant news hook.
- Follow up with the host afterward. Ask how you can support their work and keep the relationship alive. Hosts are valuable, long-term allies for authors.
This fall, as you’re booking events, interviews, and launches, don’t just dream about landing the biggest podcast out there. Build a strategy that includes the right mix of aspirational and niche shows, prepare thoroughly, and be the kind of guest hosts want to invite back. Done right, a single podcast interview can be the seed for opportunities that grow for years.
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