And now, the second part of Malinda's tweet: how do I get on podcasts? GREAT! This thread got longer than I expected, but I think it's helpful for other publicity too? I HOPE?????? Let's do this. https://twitter.com/malindalo/status/1246212474334044162

Every single podcast I've been on has been due to me. This is not a brag. This is a behind-the-curtain glimpse into how the book publicity sausage is made. When my book was gearing to come out, I emailed everyone I knew personally with a podcast and asked if I could be on it.

I want to tell y'all how I emailed them: I straight-up asked. I did not hint around and I did not first ask twenty nice questions about how their kitties or children were doing. I was extremely direct and did not pretend I wasn't needing help/a favor.

Dear Friend,

As you might know, I have a new book out blah blah, and I'd love the chance to talk about it or whatever else on your podcast! [Any good tie-ins like your book is about butts and they have a butts podcast.]

Some more about my book!

Short synopsis (flap copy is good)
Publisher or your website book page URL
Good trade review (or the best/buzziest listing you've gotten)

Now tell them you hope Kevin is doing great in 2nd grade! Ask how their knitting project is! Thank them so much for their time!

Thanks,
Amy

Next, are you in any nice private Facebook groups or other groups of the sort? For like cool writers or alumni or wherever else? If it's the kind of place you can post something like "I have a book coming out, if any of you have a podcast and need guests, here's more about it!"

Again, be gracious but be clear. And remember: you have something to offer! You have a freaking book!!! So don't sell yourself short or be all "WELL I'M NOT FAMOUS OR COOL SO" nah brah just make some connections!

Next, are there podcasts you know you'd be a great fit for? OF COURSE YOU DO. Now be honest with yourself: are you the right level of guest? I mean I wanna be on This American Life but Ira Glass doesn't have time for me. Aim up but, like, appropriately so.

Do you have connections to any of these bigger (or medium-sized! or small but perfect!) podcasts? GREAT. Send a slightly more buttoned-up version of the email above to your connection. I have NEVER had anyone react badly to receiving an email like this.

Again, be clear. Don't pretend you wanted to touch base with an old acquaintance when what you're after is for them to ask their aunt Terry Gross to let you be on Fresh Air. Just say, hey, I hope this isn't overstepping, but I have a new book out and I'd love to be connected.

(I loved when Lizzo was on Fresh Air and called it a podcast.)

OK next (sigh this is tiring I KNOW, this was my life in November and December!) if there are just PERFECT PODCAST FITS, and you have zero connections, if the podcast has a contact page/form/email, there is no reason not to reach out cordially, professionally, etc.

Use the same email you've been using, but feel free to put your true podcast love feelings into it instead of asking about how Kevin's second grade year is going. And, again, make the case for you and your book. Believe in yourself! You're clearly great!

And then (I KNOW) lastly (I KNOW!), if you've got really big podcast dreams, also send them all to your publisher publicist and see if they can help. But they don't listen to all the podcasts you do (probably) so tell them for each one why it's a good fit!

TAH-DAH! I cannot guarantee you will book any podcasts off of this thread but I hope this demystifies the process a little! Also I think this is good advice for asking favors: be polite, direct, and feel free to be open about "hey this is weird to ask but" - we're all human!!!!