I’ve finalized a few short stories and flash fiction pieces, and submitted them to different markets. One is an attempt at horror, another with a more humorous take, and the other is a flash fiction piece dealing with corporations and magic. I’d love to be able to share these stories, but these submissions are only valid if they are unpublished, and some markets consider posting stories to websites like this to be a form of publication, so I’d rather not risk it just yet. I’ll of course update my three readers as to the results when, and if, they come back.
I had an interesting discussion with some friends, and more than one suggested that I look at maybe doing a podcast of these stories, maybe something of a serial fashion. I’d thought about this briefly some time ago, but hadn’t given it any real attention until they brought it up. I’m not sure if it was the thought of hearing my own voice, or the additional effort that I imagine was involved.
I’d love to hear any thoughts others might have on this, as I’m definitely not an expert in this arena. Would you listen if I released audio of my stories? Is it better suited to long fiction, like a novella or novel? Do I use my own voice, or bribe someone else (I can’t afford Sean Connery, sorry)? Rather than start my own podcast, do I look up existing story-casts and try to hit those up? Doing this will require a bit of forethought and planning, but I’m willing to give this a shot if it will help gain traction and a new audience. Of course, that’s if the stories themselves are worth the effort.
Thanks for any feedback you’re willing to give, either here or on my Facebook page!
Couple thoughts:
Publishing an audio version on a podcast might still count as publication, at least as far as short-story markets are concerned. Might be worth delving into a few FAQ’s to be sure.
Scott Sigler has made quite a career for himself serializing his novels as podcasts. He reads them himself, but he’s adamant about hiring professional editing services for anything that you produce this way. (He’s done a couple interviews on Nerdist that are worth a listen) I think Mur Laffety is another author who got her start this way.
If all you want is exposure, I’d say try to hit up existing story-casts, but I honestly don’t know what’s out there that isn’t already tied to a some kind of publication. Podcasting is pretty inexpensive, but it’s a flooded market and you’d have to commit to regular posts for that to be worthwhile in the long run.
Thanks Kurt, appreciate the suggestions. I’d heard of Scott Sigler (J.C. Hutchins is another), but I’m definitely not at that stage yet, as I haven’t even finished my first drafts. I don’t know if I’d prefer to serialize it, or just run random stories, or some combination of the two. Way too early to even decide that, as I’m not sure if I’ll even go this route.
I definitely want the exposure, like most of us writer-types; the trick is to do it in a way that’s unique enough – and/or good enough – to stand out from the crowd.
This marketing stuff is hard.