How Do You Get on a Podcast as an Ebook Author?

Quick Answer: Search for podcasts that cover your book's topic (not just podcasts about books), listen to at least one episode, and send a short pitch that leads with what you can offer their audience. Include a one-sheet with your bio, suggested interview questions, and book details. Target 10 to 15 shows per launch. Expect a 20 to 30% acceptance rate from well-targeted pitches.

The biggest mistake authors make when pitching podcasts is leading with their book. Podcast hosts care about their listeners, not about your sales goals. A pitch that says "I can teach your audience three techniques for managing anxiety during career transitions" is more compelling than "I wrote a book about career anxiety and want to discuss it."

The Pitching Process

Find relevant shows. Search Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Listen Notes (listennotes.com) for keywords related to your topic. Look for shows with active publishing schedules (episodes in the last month) and a "Be a Guest" page on their website.

Listen before pitching. Listen to at least one full episode. Note the host's style, the audience's level of expertise, and the format (interview, solo, panel). Reference something specific from the episode in your pitch.

Write a short pitch. Four paragraphs: a greeting and one-sentence reference to their show, what you can offer their listeners (the angle, framed as value), one sentence about who you are and your relevant background, and your book title with a link. Attach a one-sheet with your headshot, bio, and three to five suggested interview questions.

Send to the right contact. Use the email on the podcast's website, not a generic contact form when possible. Address the host by name.

After Getting Booked

Prepare three key points you want to convey. Practice telling one or two stories that illustrate your expertise. Test your audio setup (a quiet room and a decent microphone make a real difference). Have a single call to action ready for when the host asks where listeners can find you.

Bottom Line

Podcast interviews are free, long-lasting, and highly effective for non-fiction authors. Pitch shows that cover your topic, lead with audience value, and prepare three takeaways worth remembering. For the full podcast strategy, see Author Interviews and Podcast Appearances.

Q: How many podcasts should you pitch per book launch? A: Target 10 to 15 well-matched shows. A 20 to 30% acceptance rate on targeted pitches means you'll land 2 to 5 interviews, which is enough to generate meaningful exposure.

Q: Do you need a large audience to get on podcasts? A: No. Most podcast hosts care more about what you can teach their audience than about your follower count. A compelling angle and relevant expertise matter more than platform size, especially for niche shows.