Is it really worth the cost to pay for a podcast editor?
If you're on this site, you're probably asking this question - Is it worth the cost to pay Blue Sky Podcasting or another podcast company to edit my show? The truthful answer might be - no, it's not worth it. So let's look at some pros for NOT outsourcing your podcasting editing.
#1. You will get better at audio editing and engineering.
This might be a no-brainer, but you'll get better at audio editing and engineering. You'll learn about writing fades, LUFS, loudness, and navigating a DAW. Additionally, you will learn foundation skills like using a compressor to balance the sound and equalization to cut build-up in those unique frequencies that make the voice genuinely pop.
On the practical side: It's insane how many years of experience are bottled up in some online courses. For example, search www.udemy.com for more "audio engineering courses" to find 50+ incredible courses for less than $50. A simple search on www.youtube.com or google.com can also lead you to a wealth of knowledge about audio engineering. Between these three sources, the information to becoming a world-class audio engineer is truly at your fingertips. Needless to say, hundreds of other sites with similar courses.
#2. You will also become a better communicator.
Hearing yourself back can be an incredible teacher. You will begin to see words and phrases you use as a crutch. You will also learn to ask better questions. There are many benefits to editing yourself; still, this can be a double edge sword. It can cause a severe case of "getting in your head". So how do you deal with the negative side effects? Stay positive and treat each interview as an opportunity to become a better communicator.
On the practical side: we've learned a lot from our hosts and personal experiences over these years. Here are a few:
Suppose you find yourself using crutch words or phrases too much. Write down alternative words or phrases you'd like to use instead. Place them on a post-it by your computer or recorder.
Asking better questions can be a helpful life skill. Just like real-life conversation, ask superlative questions to prompt your guests. (Worst, favorite, scariest, best, toughest, etc)
Work on your transitions between questions. For new hosts, it can be jarring to transition between questions of different topics. Use pacing and empathetic statements to let your listeners know where you're about to take them. Remember, an average host asks questions, but a great host pulls out information from their guests.
You will save money instead of paying a podcast engineer or editor.
Podcast editors can range from $150 to $500 for most shows. The financial savings could be pretty substantial over a year. For example, on the low end, a weekly show might cost around $7500 for a full year of editing. On the higher end, your budget might exceed $20,000 annually.
There is another side to consider. Paying a podcast editor is entirely worth the money if you charge $100/hour or more for your services. Let's use our previous example of a weekly show you create. Let's say it takes you 5 hours to edit and finalize the show once it's recorded. If a podcast editor charged you $7,500 for a full year of show editing it would cost you around $26,000 to edit that show. As you can see, this can be a significant loss for you and a downright terrible idea! On the other side, f you price your hourly rate below 50/hour, it might be worth it to keep or begin editing your show.
On the practical side: Doing the math can sometimes offer much clarity. And remember, just because you start editing your show doesn't mean you can't outsource the show to an editor later on as it grows.
We love editing podcasts. But sometimes, it's just not the right fit or timing. So if you decide to edit your show, I hope this article will encourage you that there are certainly upsides to doing it yourself.