The Argument for Editing Podcasts So They Don’t Suck with Callie Wright –PEM0004

What is an editor's value and why should people buy-in to what we do? If podcasting is an art or performance, then editing is a critical part of the show. Since we listen critically for a living, we can add in extra services and value adds to not only make more sales, but retain clients and be paid fairly for our skills. How do you translate that skill to clients and how do you charge for it?

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Our Guest

Callie Wright of Podcasts That Don’t Suck is a trained audio engineer and podcast editor. They're also the host of Queersplaining, which features narrative storytelling and sound design. They edited episode 003 of the Podcast Editor’s mastermind and they share their approach to our audio, dealing with EQ and compression and removing the sound of Carrie’s cats. (They could also tell what mics we used. Can you?)

Callie was the editor of PEM 003- How Can I Find My First Editing Client?

Compressors and EQers, Oh my!

We totally geek out on plugins and share what we use and what’s on our wishlist. (see the links section to learn which ones we talk about) As Callie mentioned, it’s good to have a justification to spend money on plug-ins.

Livestreaming... yeah, not so easy

Do you edit your podcasts on Livestreams? Callie has done some editing livestreams on Twitch and Daniel on Instagram & Facebook. We all agree that you do need your client’s permission before livestreaming an editing session.

Expanding your offers

Especially now, we may need to start thinking about how we can stretch our skills and what we can offer beyond regular editing. Have you tried selling training and consulting? Callie and Carrie share how they’ve taken a no to editing and turned into a yes for these other services. Daniel points out that this will keep you top of mind when that client can pay for editing services.

You probably need to edit your podcast...

Callie has very strong opinions about bragging about not editing. Most people who can get away with not editing have years of experience in performing, interviewing, and getting things right in the pre-production stage. Most podcasters do not. Bryan points out that even Todd Cochrane, who is a proponent of NOT editing, has years of experience podcasting, pre-production, and post-production.

Why when and how do you tell your clients that they aren’t Joe Rogan?

Speaking of Joe Rogan, we tackle content development for clients, especially the myth of shows being a ‘natural conversation.’ Anytime you mic someone, you take away the ‘natural’ part. (Why won’t that trope die already?)

Coaching clients can be a great way to add value to your services, but how much should you be coaching your clients, and what are the boundaries? How much feedback should you be giving your clients about their content? Framing the conversations with your clients is critical. Their podcast is their baby so we need to remember how we deliver critical feedback is proportional to how it’s heard.

Continuity Matters

When do you leave in flaws and when don't you? Callie shares their process and how they explain to clients why the edit isn't perfect. (Carrie has embraced her noisy cats-- one of her cats is deaf and apparently, deaf cats tend to meow more than hearing cats)

This episode was edited by Steve Stewart. He's the next guest for the next episode... and we're gonna talk about language-- what an editor, engineer, and producer is and what they are NOT.