Unlocking the Benefits of Self-Editing Your Podcast: Is Paying for a Podcast Editor Really Worth It?

In this blog post, we explore the question that many podcast creators ponder: Is it truly worth the cost to hire a podcast editor, such as Blue Sky Podcasting, or another podcast company, to edit your show? The answer might surprise you, as we delve into the pros of not outsourcing your podcast editing.

  1. Enhancing Your Audio Editing Skills: When you take on the role of an audio editor, you embark on a journey to improve your audio editing and engineering abilities. You'll master techniques like creating fades, understanding LUFS and loudness, and navigating digital audio workstations (DAWs). Additionally, you'll gain fundamental skills, such as using compressors to balance sound and applying equalization to eliminate frequency buildup, enhancing the quality of your podcast audio.

    Practical Tip: There is a wealth of online resources, including courses on platforms like Udemy and a plethora of tutorials on YouTube and Google, to aid your journey in audio engineering.

  2. Becoming a More Effective Communicator: Self-editing your podcast provides a unique opportunity to become a better communicator. Hearing your own voice will help you identify crutch words and phrases, allowing you to improve your speaking. You'll also develop the art of asking insightful questions, a valuable skill for podcast hosts. While self-editing can lead to overthinking, you can turn it into a chance to enhance your communication skills.

    Practical Tip: Take note of your crutch words and phrases and replace them with alternatives. Additionally, practice asking superlative questions to engage your guests and work on smooth transitions between topics.

  3. Financial Savings: One of the most significant advantages of self-editing your podcast is the cost savings. Podcast editors can charge anywhere from $150 to $500 per episode. Over a year, this expense can add up significantly. By taking on the editing yourself, you can save a substantial amount of money.

    Practical Tip: Calculate the potential savings based on your own show's frequency and the cost of hiring an editor to determine the financial benefits of self-editing.

While hiring a podcast editor can be valuable in certain cases, understanding the benefits of self-editing is essential. This post sheds light on the advantages of mastering audio editing, improving communication skills, and saving money by handling the editing process yourself. It's an informative guide for podcast creators considering whether or not to invest in a professional podcast editor. But, don’t forget to ask the obvious question - would it simple be less of a headache and more fun to hire a podcast editor (Like us!)?

Casey Combest