Summary of "How To Pitch Podcasts And Be A Great Podcast Guest With Matty Dalrymple"

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
Host: Joanna Penn
Guest: Matty Dalrymple and Mark Lefebvre
Release Date: June 23, 2025

Introduction

In episode 815 of The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers, Joanna Penn engages in a comprehensive discussion with Matty Dalrymple, author and host of the Indie Author Podcast, and co-author Mark Lefebvre. The conversation centers on effective strategies for pitching to podcasts and excelling as a podcast guest, addressing common pitfalls and emphasizing the importance of building meaningful relationships with podcast hosts.

The Role of Podcasting in Book Marketing

Joanna Penn initiates the discussion by highlighting the enduring value of podcasting in the literary world, especially amidst the rise of short-form video platforms like TikTok and BookTok. Matty Dalrymple emphasizes that podcasts offer a unique opportunity for deeper connection compared to the fleeting engagement typical of social media.

Matty Dalrymple [18:23]:
"The strength of podcasts is the depth of the connections you can form... you have 30 minutes to dive into your topic in depth."

This depth allows authors to share substantive aspects of their work and personal experiences, fostering a stronger bond with listeners that can translate into loyal readership.

Translating Podcast Appearances into Book Sales

A key focus of the conversation revolves around how podcast appearances can drive book sales. Matty underscores the importance of approaching podcast interviews with a service-oriented mindset rather than a sales-driven one.

Matty Dalrymple [20:14]:
"If you go into a podcast interview with the mindset that you're looking to get book sales, it's not going to be as effective... as if you go in to provide value to the host and the listeners, many other benefits, including book sales, will follow."

By offering valuable insights and engaging content, authors can naturally pique listeners' interest in their books, leading to increased sales without overt self-promotion.

Advice for Fiction Authors

Mark Lefebvre acknowledges that fiction authors might find it more challenging to pitch podcasts compared to non-fiction writers. He advises focusing on the unique aspects of their writing process, character development, and research to create engaging interview topics that resonate with podcast audiences.

Mark Lefebvre [21:50]:
"Fiction readers love to hear about the research you put into your book, or are your characters based on real people... it can make for an interesting and engaging interview."

This approach allows fiction authors to showcase the depth and creativity behind their work, making their pitches more appealing to podcast hosts.

Successful Podcast Pitching Strategies

The trio delves into actionable tips for crafting successful podcast pitches:

1. Provide Value: Emphasize how your appearance will benefit the podcast’s audience.

   Mark Lefebvre [25:20]:
   "Emphasizing how the topic will help the host and be interesting to the audience is crucial."

2. Personalize Your Pitch: Demonstrate familiarity with the podcast by referencing specific episodes or themes.

3. Be Flexible: Offer multiple angles or topics to discuss, allowing the host to choose what fits best with their show's narrative.

4. Avoid Generic Pitches: Steer clear of broad, impersonal pitches that do not address the specific podcast’s focus.

   Matty Dalrymple [27:16]:
   "Copy and paste pitches that reference unrelated topics make you deletable."

5. Include a Demo: Provide links to previous interviews or a demo reel to showcase your ability to engage effectively as a guest.

Building and Nurturing Relationships with Podcast Hosts

Matty and Mark stress the importance of building authentic relationships with podcast hosts beyond mere transactional interactions. They advocate for genuine connections that can lead to long-term collaborations and mutual support.

Mark Lefebvre [49:16]:
"Understanding where your audience and interests overlap can open up fantastic opportunities for podcast appearances and other collaborations."

They highlight that nurturing these relationships can lead to future opportunities, such as co-authoring books or cooperative marketing efforts, thereby extending the benefits of a single podcast appearance.

Overcoming Challenges in Podcast Interviews

The discussion also addresses common challenges faced by podcast guests, such as nervousness or lack of experience. Mark suggests practicing with friends and familiarizing oneself with the podcast’s format to build confidence.

Mark Lefebvre [38:13]:
"Find someone to sit down with and practice answering potential interview questions. Observing their reactions can help refine your responses."

Matty adds that thorough preparation, including researching the host and the podcast’s style, can significantly enhance the quality of the interview.

Reasons to Continue Podcasting and Starting New Podcasts

When asked why they persist in podcasting, both Matty and Mark cite the invaluable connections and the continuous learning opportunities it provides. They encourage new podcasters to pursue topics they are passionate about, emphasizing that authentic enthusiasm can resonate deeply with audiences.

Matty Dalrymple [52:16]:
"My podcasts have directly contributed to writing my memoir and shaping my upcoming books. They’re not just promotional tools but integral parts of my creative process."

Mark Lefebvre [54:17]:
"Podcasting offers learning opportunities, community building, and the chance to collaborate with other authors, which are all compelling reasons to keep it going."

For those considering starting a podcast, the advice is to focus on genuine interests and to ensure that the content aligns with the passions of both the host and the intended audience.

Conclusion

Joanna Penn wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of thoughtful podcast pitching and being a valuable guest. She encourages listeners to implement the strategies discussed to enhance their podcast appearances and ultimately their book marketing efforts.

Joanna Penn [56:00]:
"Check out Matty’s and Mark’s resources, apply these tips, and watch your podcast appearances become powerful tools in your authorial toolkit."

Notable Quotes

• Matty Dalrymple [18:23]:
  "The strength of podcasts is the depth of the connections you can form... you have 30 minutes to dive into your topic in depth."

• Matty Dalrymple [20:14]:
  "If you go into a podcast interview with the mindset that you're looking to get book sales, it's not going to be as effective..."

• Mark Lefebvre [25:20]:
  "Emphasizing how the topic will help the host and be interesting to the audience is crucial."

• Matty Dalrymple [27:16]:
  "Copy and paste pitches that reference unrelated topics make you deletable."

• Mark Lefebvre [38:13]:
  "Find someone to sit down with and practice answering potential interview questions."

• Matty Dalrymple [52:16]:
  "My podcasts have directly contributed to writing my memoir and shaping my upcoming books."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as an invaluable guide for authors aiming to leverage podcast appearances for marketing and personal branding. By focusing on delivering value, personalizing pitches, and building authentic relationships, authors can maximize the benefits of their podcast engagements.