Podcasting Your Novel

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1872381,00.html

http://www.thezombiechronicles.net/


Time's article "Podcasting Your Novel: Publishing's Next Wave?" by Hector Florin discussed the new ways struggling writers are presenting their stories to the public. Instead of having a publisher print and market a book by an unknown author, authors are recording their work in an audiobook format and releasing it free to the masses through podcasts or "podiobooks". This allows the author to create a fan base and potentially prove his or herself to publishers.
This is an example of how new media has created a new genre. There have been audiobooks for years; however, this takes it a step further in that publishing companies are left out of the process and individuals are able to share their own work directly to a wide audience. This service is usually free, but donations are accepted.
I have listened to a couple podiobooks, my favorite being "The Zombie Chronicles". Every week or so the author, James Melzer, releases two chapters of the book. Melzer narrates and gives each character a unique voice. This is backed up with sound effects and theme music that are remeniscent of classic radio serials. It is entertaining and free. Melzer's efforts are paying off. "The Zombie Chronilces" will be released in print some time in 2009.
Hopefully this medium will catch on and become standard practice for authors of all literary levels. Some are skeptical of its sustainability; however, most of the authors who release podiobooks have a full time job in a unrelated field. It doesn't seem likely there will ever be a lack of people who want to write a story and share it with others.