Victoria Gerkin - The Audiobook Empire: How Podium Entertainment Publishes 2,600 Books Annually

Victoria Gerkin is the Publisher at Podium Entertainment, a leading audiobook publishing company that specializes in transforming independent authors' works into professional audio productions. With over 22 years of experience in traditional publishing, including roles at Penguin Random House, Little Random, and A.A. Knopf, Victoria brings deep industry expertise to the rapidly evolving world of independent audiobook publishing. Her background spans subsidiary rights, publicity, and author services, including co-founding the Knopf Speakers Bureau. At Podium, she oversees the acquisition of audio rights and works closely with authors to bring their stories to life through high-quality audio productions, publishing over 2,600 audiobooks annually.

In this episode:

• How Podium Entertainment revolutionizes audiobook publishing for indie authors
• The business model: licensing vs. traditional audiobook production methods
• What Podium looks for when evaluating manuscripts and author track records
• Professional casting secrets and matching narrators to stories perfectly
• The importance of cultural authenticity and accent considerations in audiobook production
• Why quality matters more than speed when entering the audiobook market
• Audiobook market dynamics: sales ratios compared to print and ebook formats
• Essential preparation tips for authors considering audiobook adaptations
• Success stories from long-term author partnerships and series development
• The evolution from traditional publishing to independent audiobook success

Resources mentioned:

• Podium Entertainment website - https://podiumentertainment.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podiumentertainment/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podiumentertainment/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-gerken-ba9b16150

Book recommendations:

• "The Pucking Wrong Number" by C.R. Jane
• Slough House series by Mick Herron

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