To Build a Podcast

XPress Access | July Edition

This month I’d like to focus on audio recording, something that I’m learning more about on a daily basis. I began recording immersive audio fiction earlier this year after Substack launched their podcast integration. I did some research on what recording software to use, the hardware needed, and how to modify the sound quality at a basic level to optimize the listening experience.

Audio has enabled me to find new readers (or listeners, in this context) while adding an extra layer of value here on The Storyletter. I decided to put my own audio stories behind a paywall since it is a premium service that takes a lot more time to produce and is a monthly expense. However, the biggest thing for me was making sure that my main newsletter had an audio option for those that are on-the-go and don’t have time to read. (I know Substack provides AI voiceovers for posts now, which is an amazing component to say the least, but I figured if I do it myself it adds a much more personal touch)

I believe that providing a personalized audio option to your Substack will increase your discoverability and the overall enjoyment your subscribers have with engaging in what you have to say. It takes extra time and effort, but I’ve found that the hardest part is getting set up. Once you’ve got a routine down, the extra work is minimal compared to the value gained.

And that’s what we’ll be going over in this post. I’ll introduce Audacity—what it is and how it works—since it’s the program that I use. There are other options out there, but this video breaks them down much better than I can. I’ll also go into where I get my sound effects and license-free music, among other nice-to-know tidbits.

We’d love to see you join The Storyletter as we continue to grow and provide readers and writers a place to share their love of fiction. If you aren’t a paid subscriber, know that most of what I learned about Audacity is in this video. Hopefully that helps get you started too!

(Just to be clear, I’m not sponsored by any of these companies or products)

Becoming an XPress member means you’ll get access to the following:

• Exclusive original fiction and immersive audio stories

• Private Discord

• Gift Shop discount code

• Extra newsletter each month like this one

• Enhanced fiction submission experience w/ editorial services

• Contest entry

• Our undying gratitude for your support!

Join us as we dive into this further…