Question: How can I find guest interview and speaking opportunities on podcasts and vlogs to promote my book?

Answer:

In today’s digital landscape, audio and video have emerged as powerful media for authors to expand their reach, share their expertise or messages, and promote their books. Appearing as a guest on communication channels such as podcasts (streamable audio) and vlogs (video blogs) offers a unique opportunity to connect with target readers in an engaging, personable way. As of May 2025, there were 4.52 million podcasts available worldwide, with around 584.1 million people across the globe listening to podcasts. One in three of these listeners in the U.S. tune-in to podcasts and vlogs on YouTube, making it the most popular platform for this type of content. YouTube’s global users are expected to reach 2.85 billion by 2025, due to the diverse content it offers.

So, how does an author get in on these trending forms of communication and promotion? By thoroughly researching, carefully strategizing, building relationships, and putting yourself out there.

The Benefits of Guest Appearances on Podcasts and Vlogs

The most effective book marketing plans include a variety of initiatives both online and offline. The more readers see or hear about you and your book, the more likely their interest will be piqued, hopefully leading to a sale. The key benefits of appearing on a podcast or vlog and speaking about your book include:

Global reach – Podcasts and vlogs are distributed on global platforms that reach listeners and viewers all around the world. Next to social media, they can provide the greatest exposure to potential readers, allowing authors to connect with untapped audiences.

Enhanced credibility – Landing interviews and speaking opportunities with popular and well-respected content creators can boost an author’s credibility and authority, increasing reader respect for the work and encouraging them to more seriously consider making a purchase.

Networking – Getting featured on a podcast or vlog is just the beginning of relationship building. Nurturing these collaborations can lead to long-term connections and future opportunities.

Connecting on a deeper level – Readers love meeting their favorite authors in person, but this isn’t always possible. The next best thing is being able to listen to or watch interviews with these authors. Podcasts and vlogs often allow a deeper dive into topics, themes, writing process, and more, giving authors the space to fully share their ideas and messages.

Book-related podcasts and vlogs can also be valuable avenues for acquiring independent book reviews. Even if a creator or channel isn’t currently offering interview or guest speaking opportunities, they may be accepting book submissions for review. A positive review or influencer recommendation can give your book the boost it needs to go viral.

Where to Find Guest Opportunities on Podcasts and Vlogs

With 4.2 million active podcasts and 114 million active YouTube channels, how can anyone possibly create a narrowed list of content creators and channels that are a potential fit for a guest appearance? By thoroughly researching and vetting the content that is out there. The three most popular platforms for distributing podcasts and vlogs are Spotify, Apple, and YouTube. All three platforms allow you to browse and search the available content, and YouTube specifically has a whole category of channels called “BookTube” that distribute book-related content.

There are also platforms that match content creators with potential guests, provide directories of searchable content, or offer important statistics for creators and channels. Some of the more popular include RadioGuestList, MatchMaker, PodMatch, ListenNotes, Rephonic, Feedspot, and ChannelCrawler. They may require a fee to join and use their services, but many offer free trials to give them a test run.

As you are reviewing podcasts and vlogs to see which have the potential to be a good fit for you and your book, ask yourself these questions:

•  How long has the creator/channel been active?
•  How many episodes or videos have they uploaded?
•  How many listeners/subscribers do they have?
•  Are they currently inviting authors for interviews or guest speaking, or, accepting books for review?
•  Does their audience align with your target audience?
•  Do they focus on specific genres, topics, or themes?
•  If the creator/channel has any ratings or reviews, are they positive?

Being able to reach a large audience is important, but if you’ve written something that is more niche, it may be more beneficial to find niche creators and channels that focus on your specific genre, topic, or audience. Your research may uncover some YouTube channels that also have a podcast series, and vice versa.

To help get you started, here is a list of some trending podcasts and YouTube channels that distribute book-related content including book reviews, book recommendations, author interviews, guest speakers, and more:

Podcasts:

The Book Review, from The New York Times
NPR's Book of the Day, from NPR
You’re Booked, by Daisy Buchanan
Bookmarked, by Reese's Book Club
You Are What You Read, by Adriana Trigiani
Kris and Mads, by sisters Kristen and Maddie
Totally Booked with Zibby, by Zibby Owens
I'll Read What She's Reading, by Reggie, Mikayla, and Kennedy
Books, Beach, & Beyond, by Erin Hilderbrand, Tim Talks Books, and N Magazine
Bibliophage, by Pleasant Phantom
The Lives of Writers, by Autofocus Literary and Michael Wheaton
The Book Case, by GMA – Kate and Charlie Gibson
The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers, by Joanna Penn
Between the Covers, by David Naimon
Black Chick Lit, by Dani and Mollie
Bookwild, by Kate Hergott
Debutiful, by Adam Vitcavage
Killer Author Club, by Kimberly Belle, Heather Gudenkauf, and Kaira Rouda
Libro.fm Podcast, by Libro.fm Team
The Drunken Odyssey, by John King
Reading the Room, by Jaylen Lopez
Well-Read with Glory Edim, by Glory Edim
The Book Nook, from Fable

YouTube Channels:

Book Break, by Pan Macmillan
Service95, by Dua Lipa
Stephanie Matarazzo
Haley Pham Vlogs
Louisiana Channel
Morgann Book
David Perell
Friends & Fiction
Mike's Book Reviews
Global Book Network
The Book Report Network
Emmmabooks
Jack Edwards
PeruseProject
Little Book Owl
The Book Leo
Better Than Food
Leaf by Leaf
BooksandLala
Mina Reads
*emmie*
Booked and Busy
Withcindy
A Clockwork Reader
BookswithEmilyFox

How to Pitch Yourself to Podcasters and Vloggers

Once you’ve identified a list of podcasts and vlogs that could be a potential fit for you and your book, we recommend listening to or watching their content to familiarize yourself with the format and topics. You’ll then want to pull together the following assets:

Author Media Kit: An author's media or press kit is his or her calling card, and is crucial for garnering attention. The purpose of a media kit is to give you an edge over all of the competing books coming across a content creator’s desk, and cut their research time in pulling the interview, conversation, or review together. It is a compilation of the following:

•  Professional author headshot
•  High-quality cover images with a brief book summary
•  Compelling author biography with mention of areas of expertise, awards and accolades, and any major appearances.
•  One-sheet that includes information such as ISBN, publisher, release date, website, social media accounts, and contact information.
•  A list of suggested talking points or interview questions.

Not all content creators will request an author media kit, but it’s important to have one ready, in both digital and physical formats, in case they do.

Customized Email Pitch: A generic, mass email blast will quickly get overlooked by content creators. Your goal with the email is to grab their attention and make it very difficult for them to say “no” to whatever you are proposing. Here are some tips for writing a compelling email pitch:

•  Use a clear subject line: "Author Guest Pitch: [Your Name] - [Book Title or Very Brief Book Description]".
•  Always make sure you personalize your pitch emails to the content creator, by name.
•  Mention a specific episode of their show or a video that you enjoyed and why. (to show you’re familiar with their content). If pitching a book for review, mention one or two books they’ve reviewed that are similar to yours.
•  A brief author bio highlighting relevant accomplishments.
•  A hook about your book, and why it would be of interest to their audience - include specific reasons your content will resonate with their listeners or viewers.
•  A short list of suggested talking points or interview questions.
•  A link to your digital media kit.

Give content creators at least one week to respond to your email before following up, and then reach out with a reminder only once or twice before considering it a "no".

How to Set Yourself Up for a Successful Appearance

Congratulations on successfully booking an appearance with a podcast or vlog! Getting the gig is only half the battle—now you need to fully prepare yourself to ensure you make the most of the opportunity.

Before the appearance:

  If you are joining the content creator through an online video or audio conferencing program, you will need a computer, tablet, or phone to access the chosen software. You may also need to obtain a webcam and external microphone if the built-in tools on your device are low quality. In addition, you’ll also want to ensure you can access the software without issue before the live event.
  Review several of the content creator’s episodes or videos to familiarize yourself with their format and approach.
  Ask if there is a general outline or list of interview questions, and practice your book pitch and answers to commonly asked questions.
  Record yourself answering questions to review for clarity, pacing, and tone.
  Confirm all of the details for the appearance including date, time, length, live versus recorded, software
required, etc.
  If the appearance will be broadcast live, you will want to promote the upcoming event on your social media channels, on your website, and in your author newsletter, so that fans and followers can tune-in.

During the appearance:

  Arrive or join early.
  Dress appropriately if you will be seen on video – professional but comfortable.
  Have a glass of water nearby, no clinking ice.
  For video and audio recordings, use a quiet, well-lit room or space with zero distractions.
  Ensure you have reliable internet if needed.
  For video recordings, use a pleasing backdrop with little clutter, such as an organized bookcase, or nice piece of artwork.
  Answer questions clearly and completely, stay on topic, and don’t over-promote your book. Talk about your book in the context of the conversation, and let your passion do the selling. Most hosts/creators will give you space at the end to plug your book and share links of where your book can be found for purchase.

After the appearance:

  Be sure to thank the host and/or creator. A sincere thank-you note or follow-up message can lead to future opportunities, collaborations, or referrals to other content creators.
  If recorded and available through distribution channels such as Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, promote your appearance on social media, on your website, and in your email newsletter. If you can, tag the content creator when sharing on social media.
  Review your appearance and take note of what you did well, and what you think you can do better in
future appearances.

For authors, guest interviews and appearances on podcasts and vlogs offer a unique opportunity to reach new readers, establish credibility, and build lasting connections. With the right approach—from research and strategy to preparation and follow-up—these outlets can become valuable assets in your promotional toolbox. If you manage each opportunity with professionalism, authenticity, and a genuine desire to serve their audience, you’ll not only elevate your own platform, but also sell more books.

Photo credit: mixetto from Getty Images; Photo credit: Wirestock from Getty Images; Photo credit: Pichsakul Promrungsee from Getty Images; Photo credit: undefined from Getty Images

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