A book reviewing podcast and blog

In my podcast Maya's Reviews, I take the reviews that I have written on my blog (also Maya's Reviews) and transform them into audio form not only for more exposure for the author's novels but so that my reviews are more accessible and enjoyable for people.

My listeners are mostly bookworms like myself!
 

When I first started thinking about a podcast version of my blog, I did so because I had not only been listening to podcasts more frequently but also because I recognized that not everyone has the luxury of sitting down and actually reading a review. Sometimes it is easier to listen to something rather than reading, for others it's just more enjoyable.

With that in mind, I started researching the do's and don'ts of podcasting, the best equipment, etc. It was confusing (I'm no techie) but it was also SO much fun. I started my podcast June 17, 2021. And I've had so much fun since then.
 

It typically takes me about 30 minutes to film, and then maybe an hour to edit depending on how many mistakes or 'ums' I made. It takes longer to actually read the novel I am reviewing, but I read anyways so really the podcast was just an extra step in my routine.

I use all free programs, so the only funding I needed was to buy a microphone, which I got from target (the Blue Snowball mic is godsend). I use Audacity to record and edit, then upload to Anchor, where I ad my sponsored segments, intro music, etc. I also use TunestoTube and Canva for uploading my audio to YouTube.
 

The potential money I could gain from the podcast was not my main goal. An awesome bonus? Sure. Necessary? No. Within a day of podcasting, I got sponsored by Anchor, whose sponsor rate is 15 CPM at the moment. So far, I've made 30 cents, so I'm clearly making it big, guys.

Anchor made it really easy to get sponsors, so I didn't really have to put much effort in that department.

Podcasting has really helped with my mental health, surprisingly. I actually get to talk out loud about the amazing novels that I read.
 

Like I mentioned earlier, I use my Blue Snowball mic plugged into my ancient laptop to record through the Audacity program. I also edit on Audacity. Once I'm done with that, I upload my edited audio to Anchor, where I set up the description and title of my episode. I also ad my intro jingle and sponsored segment through Anchor.

I haven't yet had the privilege of interviewing someone, though I would love to interview some amazing author's about their novels.
 

I promote my podcast through Twitter, but not very well, I must say.

44% of my listeners are from Spotify, 30% from Anchor itself, 22% from Web Browser, and 4% from Apple Podcasts.
 

Have fun! Don't worry too much about how many people are listening; it doesn't matter as long as you are enjoying having a podcast.

Also, if it's too much, take a break! If your listeners like your content, they won't be going anywhere. Prioritize your mental sanity, people.
 

Below are all of my links:
- LinkTree: linktr.ee/mayathebookworm
- Contact: mayagbookreviews@gmail.com
- Blog: mayagreviews.wordpress.com/
- Goodreads: goodreads.com/mayathebookworm
- Twitter: twitter.com/mayathebookworm
- TikTok: tiktok.com/@mayathebookworm
- Tumblr: mayareviews.tumblr.com/
- BookBub: bookbub.com/profile/506802021
- BookSiren: booksirens.com/reviewer/OAY6CHD?email_login=true
- Anchor: anchor.fm/maya-reviews
- YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCQIMirFeETnBJuiXzMEWT3Q?sub_confirmation=1
- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/0c8vZZXWd0wu730D9sbhuY
- Google Podcasts: google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy81ZmJjNjY2NC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
- Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mayas-reviews/id1572892140
- Pocket Casts: pca.st/qgbepjzf
- Breaker: breaker.audio/mayas-reviews
- Radio Public: radiopublic.com/mayas-reviews-G40OgX