A common misconception is that adults do things better than teens. Sometimes this is true, however in the age of technology teenagers seem to be in the lead. That is why I find it funny when publishing companies try to be 'hip and cool'--and have suits heading up teen based projects.
I like to stay on top of things in the literary world, so I usually find myself stalking publishing websites. One new trend that has been popping up across sites, actually it has been going on for some time now, is podcasting.
If you are going to do something for teens, make it something that they would be interested in. I'm all about marketing and learning your audience. Having a 'suit' run a teen podcast is just crazy. From what I have heard any literary podcast that is hosted by an adult is absolutely boring*.
Step back for a moment and think about it. Imagine a teenager doing a podcast about marketing, few business men would listen to it. Regardless how much information the teen provided in the podcast. This is because their is no connection.
You can't send a Burger King worker to do a surgeons job, just as you can't expect teens to listen to an adult talk in a monotone voice about books. It's absolutely annoying and boring.
You can read this post and think 'Yeah well Devyn, you are a young adult and can not enjoy an adult conversation, that is not our problem.' I do listen to podcasts that are created 100% by people older then me and I enjoy them.
However, honestly guys, your podcasts are horrible. I'm not trying to sound mean to the people who are doing the podcasts either, it is not your fault someone decided to slam you down in front of a mic and make you talk about books. I applaud you for even trying something new. But again, if you want to reach teens use teens.
And before you have time to come at me with two common misconceptions of teens I have two statements to add and then we can call this blog finished.
Misconception One: "Teens can't possibly put together a podcast that would SOUND GOOD, It's all about QUALITY Mr. Burton!"
Really now?
I would like to introduce you to Dave Moyer, he is a very talented teen who does a podcast called WordCast. Oh yes, a podcast that is fairly popular--ran 100% by a teen. I could find more, but after looking over Dave's website and podcast site if you need more--you have some issues.
Misconception Two: "No teen would want to do a podcast for us!"
Two words. FREE BOOKS.
Do one podcast a month, two hours of service from one teen at most will set you back around $25.00. Then let them in your stock room and grab a few books. You could do some mega marketing, run a contest for local teens for a chance to be part of a 'COOL NEW HIP PODCAST'.
This blog was written to help you the publisher--and if you have read it I ask you leave me a comment or shoot me an e-mail (devynwburtonATyahoo.com).
Until Next Time,
Devyn
* = I have only really tuned into three literary podcasts. I am also only talking about podcasts created by publishing companies for teens.
Preach it, Dev!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Devyn. You know what's funny? Publishers who publish teen books are the people who know more than anyone that teens have a voice. Yet they don't think a teen can handle something as simple as a podcast. Duh publishers! This is the message you are already preaching to those teen haters. I think you should practice what you preach! PUBLISHERS, you don't have to give up total control to the teenager, but if you want more teens to listen you gotta get a teen in there. I mean adults involved with teen books are totally cool, but I want opinions for kids my age. I want to know that a teen likes it, not some suit who works for the publishing house.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with Devyn!
ReplyDeleteAs they say--> "There is more than one way to skin a fish"
Publishing houses need to understand that people will do anything for free stuff. And for teens, esp the ones who love to read, nothing is more enticing than free copies of books.
I'll even admit it, I'm not ashamed to. I will do it if you ask me!I love reading. And listening to podcasts is the new trend by which people stay updated on upcoming books and such.If Im going to fall asleep while listening to one, it useless. I'd say publishers need to make it more interesting and more approachable.And less monotonous.
Thanks for bringing the issue up Devyn! :)
It's a simple procedure of marketing. The marketing mix needs to be better established in this manner. The core objective; strategies designed to produce satisfying exchanges with a target market. We must look at the target market, which is kids. Probably the most important part of the marketing mix is Product. We are in essence selling a podcast (product) to a teen (target market). It's obvious that if a teen is bored with an adult-related podcast, then they will be bored with an adult given podcast. Come on publishers, better know your target market and how to establish a proper marketing mix! Good points on how to remedy this Devyn.
ReplyDeleteYou could take the word podcast and replace it with a few other marketing tools and you'd still be on target, Devyn. Many publishers (not all) are even willing to admit that when it comes to marketing to teens it's very much hit or miss. It baffles me that more don't establish street teams (in the way of record labels) and let the teens have their way with the books. Sure it opens us authors up to closer scrutiny but no more than having our books reviewed by major editorial publications.
ReplyDeleteAwesome blog, you made some very excellent points.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to interest your target audience, you should get your target audience INVOLVED. What better way to do that then give them a podcast? And free books?
I really don't see how publishers are missing this. Were I still a teen, I would KILL for a chance to do podcasts for a publishing house. And I know there are other like minded geeks out there who would do it for books and college resume fodder.
ReplyDeleteBesides, any media outlet, be it radio, tv shows, magazines, books, etc, that are managed at least in part by 'the young people' as my pastor calls us, gets tons of attention just from people who want to see if you can do it, never mind fans who like it because it's done well.
Preach brotha Devyn, PREACH
This. So much this.
ReplyDelete