As you may know, I just released a new book on Law of Attraction. I've also set up a site where anybody can download the book free of charge, receivethebook.com.
One of the things I decided to test during this promotion as a podcast via PR Web. This service allows people who submit a press release via PR Web to attach an audio interview. Because people are allowed to chop up the finish product and use it any way they like, you're able to reach people who deal with audio on the web.
There are two options for people who want this service. A short, 5 minute interview will run you $100. A longer 10-20 minute interview is $200. I opted for the short one as I felt people were more likely to see the headline and take a chance on listening to something that wouldn't take a lot of time.
Once you choose which length you want, you let PR Web know a few times you're available to talk and they set an appointment. At the scheduled time, you call a conference line and there is somebody on the other end waiting to interview you. You go over the process for a few minutes and then the tape starts rolling.
Once you have something on tape, it goes to the editing room to be polished up, and the final product is linked to your press release. Here's what the end result sounds like...
I was happy with the results. However, keep in mind that I have a weekly radio show and I'm used to the pressure of having the tape roll and quickly getting something acceptable on it. There wasn't a lot of prep for this interview... I didn't know what they were going to ask me or what the process is. If you're not somebody who is used to getting your statement out there quickly, without a lot of false starts, stutters, and mistakes, I can imagine the process would be a bit stressful.
This recording has only been on the PR Web site for about a day, so it's too early to tell what the end results of it will be. So far though, I can't say anything has happened because of it. However, if you had people who were curious as to whether you'd be a good radio interview, I can see how you'd want to take the chance on something like this.
In the end, a lot of what you get out of something like this is what you make happen with it. For example, I'm linking it here, which is read by people who might very well might be lead to buy my book.
Who knows? I did this as a test to see if it works as much as a promotion for the book, so in that case, it was a success, regardless of what happens in the end. I'll certainly keep you posted...
I'm going to be writing over the next few days about the "behind the scenes" aspects of this launch, so make sure you sign up for the fee, bookmark the site, and check back often.
And until then, make sure you drop by receivethebook.com and get a copy of my new book free of charge.