Podcasts and books have a lot in common. They’re both about sharing ideas, teaching lessons, and telling great stories. The difference? One is spoken and the other is written. That means your podcast can be the perfect foundation for your book.
But it’s not just about copying and pasting your podcast transcripts into a Word doc and calling it a day. Instead, focus on capturing the essence of your episodes and adapting them for readers.
This might mean:
- Expanding on stories you’ve shared briefly in audio form
- Adding context or research
- Structuring the content so it flows like a book, not a podcast series
For help with storytelling in books, Joanna Penn’s blog is packed with advice on writing nonfiction and turning content into published works.
How to Turn Podcast Episodes into a Book
Here’s how to get started if you want to turn your podcast into a book:
1. Review Your Podcast Episodes
Go through your past episodes and note recurring themes, standout stories, and frequently asked questions. These can form the backbone of your chapters. If you use a tool like Descript, it makes it easy to search transcripts for key phrases or topics.
2. Create a Rough Outline
Once you’ve identified key episodes, group them into a logical order and form a rough outline. Think of your podcast episodes like puzzle pieces, how do they fit together to form a complete book?
3. Add Detail and Polish
Remember, in a podcast your voice brings energy and emotion. In a book, your words have to do that work. Add vivid descriptions, stories, and examples. Show, don’t just tell.
4. Get Accountability
Writing a book takes time. Having someone to check in with can keep you on track. That might be a writing buddy, a book coach, or even a structured program like Self-Publishing School.
Your Podcast Is a Goldmine of Content
If you’ve already got a podcast, you’re sitting on a goldmine. All that experience, insight, and storytelling is ready to be shaped into something bigger.
You don’t have to start from scratch, you just need to take the first step. Writing a book might seem daunting, but your podcast has already done so much of the heavy lifting.
Want to Learn More About Turning a Podcast Into a Book?
In my latest episode of Podcasting for Business Owners, I chat with Em Gee about how she turned her podcast into a bestselling book. We cover the creative process, how to keep your voice and personality alive on the page, and her best advice for first-time authors.
Need Help with Your Podcast?
If you’d like expert support to launch or manage your podcast while you focus on your big-picture goals (like writing a book!), book a free call with me here.