Are you interested in becoming a podcast audio editor but don’t know where to start?
Here’s a beginner’s guide to starting a podcast editing career.
First, you better understand what a podcast is.
A podcast is an audio program you might stream or download from the internet using your gear.
Audio podcasts integrate artistic sound production with spontaneous or scripted discussions on a specific topic or theme.
you might also create video podcasts, but we’ll focus on audio podcasting in this article.
As a podcast editor, you’ll manipulate raw audio files using DAW to enhance the podcast.
You’ll ensure that each podcast episode is clean and has a clear narrative and natural content flow.
Your ultimate goal is to create a compelling story for your listeners.
If you don’t end up employed or becoming a freelancer, you might try being a content creator.
You’ll know which path to take as you go along.
Here are some tips to get you started.
However, the process becomes simpler to understand if you might have a mentor guide you through the steps.
With a mentor, you’ll be able to ask questions onhow to make great podcasts.
Learning becomes easier since you’re able to receive timely feedback for your mistakes.
Practice Content Editing
Beginners usually start with content editing.
Content editing improves your ability to spot undesirable elements in a podcast and familiarizes you with DAW features.
It’s one of the most basic skills it’s crucial that you master as a podcast editor.
you might start with what The Podcast Host calls the Minimum Effective Editing method or MEE.
First, trim or tidy up the start and end of the audio track.
Second, normalize it or make the sound regular.
Once you master this, read up on thepodcasting mistakes you oughta avoid.
Invest in Your Workspace and Equipment
A quiet work area is an absolute must-have in podcast editing.
You’ll have to ensure you catch mistakes, hisses, and other background noises in your podcast.
Create a dedicated space where you’ll have the minimum amount of distraction.
Also, invest in noise-canceling headphones.
You don’t have to buy the most expensive one.
you’ve got the option to survey thebest cheap noise-canceling headphones that are affordable.
It doesn’t have to be the quickest or the highest performing on the market.
Mid-range laptops will already work well when you’re only starting.
Choose Your Podcast Editing Software
The DAW is your virtual recording studio.
Audacity is simple to navigate yet powerful enough to create quality podcasts.
With some guidance and practice, you’ll be able to master its most basic features.
If you’re a Mac user, it’s possible for you to also use the beginner-friendly GarageBand.
GarageBand comes free with every Mac computer.
To know which is better, check outGarageBand vs. Audacity: The Best Music Production Software Compared.
Once you level up, you’re able to check out the DAWs, such asAdobe AuditionorReaper.
Audition costs $20.99 monthly, but you could explore its features during the free trial.
Like Audacity, Reaper is a cross-platform DAW.
However, it has more advanced features.
Listen to High-Quality Podcasts
Spotify hosts many quality podcasts.
Listening improves your ear for quality podcasts.
What made the podcast compelling?
What could have been done better?
What are reviewers saying?
Take note of best practices you could apply in your work.
Download “Free” Music
Most music is not free because you gotta pay or attribute the creators.
Public domain music, which has an expired copyright, is the only free option.
However, most public-domain music was created decades ago.
Another option would be to use music with a Creative Common License.Free Music Archivehas a great selection of music.
You might also score some rare musical finds.
Another excellent option is theOpen Music Archive, which curates out-of-copyright music.
Adding music to your podcast will cost a little time and effort.
However, appropriate music spices up your show.
you’re able to ask for podcast editing volunteer opportunities in nonprofits, churches, and podcast shows.
Job sites such as LinkedIn or Glassdoor might also yield some results.
Another option would be to sign up on volunteer sites such asCatchafireorIdealist, which connects volunteers with nonprofits.
Create Your Work Samples
Work on your samples to get hired for a podcast editing role.
It’s one of the first things clients or employers will ask for when you’re job searching.
If you’re a beginner without experience, try creating a mock project.
Describe the project goal, the tools that you used, and your process.
Once you create your samples, upload them on a site like SoundCloud or Google Drive.
you could then share links to your work with potential employers.
Remember to listen to your audio before giving out links!
Alternatively, you’ve got the option to create a more visually appealing portfolio on sites like Canva.
Most freelance podcast editors choose to advertise their services on a platform like Upwork or Fiverr.
you might also look for opportunities on popular job boards like Indeed or ZipRecruiter.
The demand for podcast editors will increase as well.
Podcast audio editing is fun and challenging to learn.
There’s a sense of accomplishment once you finish a creative project.
If you think it’s not for you, continue reading and researching a possible career path.
The opportunities are endless, so start doing it now.
