What is Podshow Press?

Podshow Press is the book publication division of Podshow (yes, real books which I know sounds very analog). We have created Podshow Press in order to create a community around what we see as the growing demand for high-quality audiobooks and as a way for those authors to gain audiences and monetize their work in ways that have never been done before.

What do I have to do to be considered for publication by Podshow Press?

First, dance for us. No, but seriously... Is your title hosted EXCLUSIVELY at Podshow? If not, then I'm afraid it's not eligible for consideration. End of story. Podshow has to be the exclusive host of your show files. You can of course use our free hosting and then link back to those files anywhere on the internet you want. In fact we suggest you do. You can still have your episodes listed on sites like Podiobooks.com or on your own website as long as those links go back to your show files on the Podshow PDN.

Why must my podcast files be hosted exclusively on Podshow?

Because we are offering a 100 percent royalty rate to our author--Podshow Press is not taking a dime of the profits from sales of the book. And because I said so.

Can't you just make an exception in my case? My book is so good.

Sorry. Dem's da rules. Keep asking and I might consider you to be difficult.

What happens if I'm difficult?

What usually happens. Some people may choose to work with someone who is less difficult.

I want to get a book deal with a major publisher.

Do not ever waver from your dream. If in your heart, you want to persue a deal with a major trade publisher, you have to do that and we wish you nothing but luck. Just remember us when you're a big star and promise to still return our calls.

What kind of advances do you give?

Now, that's funny. You want a 100 percent royalty rate AND an advance? Oh man, my sides hurt...

This whole thing sounds stupid.

Nobody's twisting your arm. If you're not interested, that's totally cool with us.

I have a book that was previously published and is now out of print. Can I be considered?

Absolutely. As long as your book is indeed out of print and you create a podcast that's hosted exclusively on our network. If this is you, let's talk.

I've put my serialized audiobook up on Podshow. Now publish me!

Whoa... hold up, Trigger. Because of all the time and work it takes to physically set up a book for publication, we are limited to the number of books we publish per year. We can't publish everybody's book but show us you can get an audience, that you know how to market yourself, that you really want it and you'll get our attention more than those who don't.

How do I get your attention?

Once you've set up your book, shoot an e-mail to me saying hello. Tell me, in a couple of paragraphs, about your book.

What is in the Podshow Press contract?

Our secret Toll House Cookie recipe, which is why we can't tell you the details until we choose to work with you.

Seriously, Dude, what is in the Podshow Press contract?

Now you're being difficult. See above. re: "difficult".

If I sign the contract, you're going to want to own the copyright to my book, right?

No. Any publishing deal from any reputable publisher will be an agreement to exclusively license your book for the duration of the contract. Podshow Press is no different.

I wrote a book but I do not have a podcast. Will you read my manuscript?

Perhaps. However books that come pre-produced as a podcast will in all likelihood get first consideration. If you have a manuscript but no podcast, send a ONE PAGE query letter first. Let me clarify though that I am leaning toward books that are currently podcasts or books from current podcasters as the first titles we acquire.

Where will Podshow Press books be available?

Amazon worldwide, Barnes & Noble online (bn.com) and nearly every single place online that sells books. Podshow Press books will be distributed by Ingram.

Why not in brick and mortar stores?

Because large trade publishers have a stranglehold on brick and mortar it is virtually impossible for a new, and small indy publisher like us, to get shelf space in a retail chain location. Your Borders may seem huge but it probably only carries about 50-100k total titles, nearly all of them major trade publications. We think this system of limiting new publishers availability and the homogenization of the market is what has wrecked the book publishing biz, which has steadily declined since the dawn of the large retail chain. But don't get me started. New media and the internet allows us to reach anybody within reach of the web and keep our costs and prices down to be very competitive. Besides, since we're distributed by Ingram, you can always special order one of our books from your favorite local bookstore, just don't be surprised if they charge you extra for that privilege.

Are you in competition with Podiobooks?

Absolutely not. Evo Terra and I have spoken quite a bit about working together. In fact I encourage all Podshow Press authors to link their Podshow-hosted files to their listings on Podiobooks. Podiobooks is a great community and we want to encourage authors to take advantage of all the opportunities new media has to offer.

Are you in competition with Audible?

Hell yes. Podshow Press isn't going to have the audiobook version of your favorite best-selling author's big books but I promise you we will have lots of very high-quality content FOR FREE. Have you listened to their stuff? It sounds horrible.

How much does it cost to listen to a Podshow Press book?

All Podshow Press titles, as with everything on the Podshow Network, is FREE, baby. Subscribe now. You won't regret it.

When are your first titles coming out?

We have begun signing authors for release in 2008.

Are you interested in the book I'm writing about Adam Curry?

Only if it's scratch and sniff and can be printed on hemp.

Best,

Mark Yoshimoto Nemcoff

Editor-in-chief, Podshow Press