Managing your podcast used to be straightforward; the key word is “used.” Since your podcast has grown, you’ve found yourself spending hours behind a screen. So it’s time to consider hiring an editing and production expert.
Handing over this crucial part of your production process is a big step, so it’s important to do it right. This guide can help you understand when and how to outsource your podcast editing, plus how to find the right partner to enhance your show.
- First: What Kind of Editing Do You Need?
- Picking the Best Possible Editor for Your Show
- Reading a Podcast Editor’s Contract
- What If You Need to Transition Between Editors?
- The Bottom Line on Podcast Production Outsourcing
- Frequently Asked Questions About Outsourcing Podcast Editing
First: What Kind of Editing Do You Need?
Before you start looking for an editor, it’s crucial to determine the specific services you require. Are you looking for someone to handle just the editing, or do you need a podcast agency that includes production, recording, guest services, and marketing?
Let’s break it down:
Editing Only
If you enjoy the production aspect and have the resources for recording and guest management, you might only need help with editing. This includes cutting out mistakes, adding intros and outros, and enhancing audio quality. Many podcasters prefer this approach because it allows them to maintain creative control while getting professional technical support.
Full-Service Production
For those looking for a more hands-off approach, some editors offer full-service production. This can include everything from scheduling guests and recording sessions to marketing and distribution. Working with podcast production services gives you back time to focus on content creation and guest relationships.
Specialized Services
Depending on your podcast’s focus, you might need specialized skills like sound design, music composition, or detailed show notes. But there are usually ‘add-on’ services and not always included in basic editing or production packages.
For video podcasts, for example, you might need editors experienced with visual elements alongside audio editing. Virtual podcasts might be different from in-person interviews, where you’ll need a physical expert to help you set up cabling and cameras.
Now that you know the options available, make a list of all tasks you want your editor to handle.
Still not sure which services you need? A free discovery call might help.
Picking the Best Possible Editor for Your Show
Let’s look at a few different categories to keep in mind:
Editor Chemistry and Compatibility
A great editor is much more than just technical skills. It’s equally important to ensure there’s good chemistry between you and your editor.
You want a professional relationship to be built on mutual understanding and shared values. That’s why you should look for someone whose style and approach align with your own values and work culture, including the following:
- Communication Style: Ensure the editor communicates clearly and promptly. Miscommunication can lead to mistakes and delays. Discuss your preferred communication channels early, whether that’s email, Slack, or project management tools.
- Work Ethic: The editor’s work ethic should match yours. If you are detail-oriented and value punctuality, your editor should too. This alignment prevents frustration and ensures consistent delivery that meets your standards.
- Creative Alignment: Make sure the editor understands and respects your creative vision, especially if you run a B2B podcast. They should be able to offer suggestions without taking over your project. The best editors enhance your vision rather than imposing their own style.
The Editor’s Portfolio
An editor’s previous work can provide valuable insights into their capabilities.
Here’s what to look for in their portfolio to see if they’re a fit:
Diverse Experience
Look for editors who have worked on a variety of podcasts, which shows they can adapt to different styles and requirements. However, make sure they also have experience with your specific format or industry, especially if it’s relatively niche (like financial services).
Client Feedback
Testimonials and referrals can provide insights into the editor’s reliability, communication, and quality of work. Reach out directly to previous clients and ask about their experience, particularly regarding deadline consistency and responsiveness to feedback.
Sample Work
Listen to samples of the editor’s work to assess their editing style and quality. Then, pay attention to audio levels, transition smoothness, and how they handle common issues like background noise or poor guest audio quality.
But if you’re already working with podcast editing software, you’ll probably recognize quality editing when you hear it.
Technical Skills
The technical quality of your podcast is paramount.
To evaluate your editor’s work, you might ask the following questions:
- Audio Enhancement: Ask about their process for enhancing audio quality, such as noise reduction, equalization, and compression. Professional editors should be able to explain their approach to balancing audio levels, removing background noise, and optimizing voice clarity.
- Software and Tools: Inquire about the software and tools they use. Professional-grade tools like Adobe Audition, Hindenburg Pro, or REAPER might be part of the deal.
- Technical Troubleshooting: Make sure they have a plan for dealing with common technical issues, such as poor audio quality from remote guests or recording glitches. Ask how they handle situations like audio dropouts, background noise that can’t be completely removed, or equipment failures during recording.
- Remote Recording Expertise: Understanding their approach to remote podcast recording challenges helps ensure they can handle the technical realities of modern podcast production.
Reading a Podcast Editor’s Contract
Now that you’ve selected an editor for your show, be sure to take time reading through the contract in detail.
Keep an eye out for the following elements:
Rights and Ownership
Your contract should clearly outline ownership of your content, including clauses that allow for redirecting your feed if you decide to switch editors.
There are three things you’ll want to look for:
- Content Rights: Ensure you have full ownership of all content created for your podcast, including music, sound effects, and graphics. Your contract should explicitly state that you own all intellectual property and that the editor’s work constitutes work-for-hire.
- Access to Accounts: This explains whether or not you maintain control of your hosting and distribution accounts. This prevents potential issues if you decide to switch editors. Keep secure records of credentials for your podcast hosting platform, distribution services, and social media accounts.
- Contract Terms and Exit Clauses: Review the contract carefully. It should include terms for termination, payment schedules, and the scope of work. Finally, pay attention to exit clauses that specify notice periods, file transfer procedures, and final payment obligations.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider having a lawyer review the contract to protect your interests.
Editor Pricing
When comparing contracts, ask detailed questions to clarify what you’re paying for. This is especially important when you encounter significant differences in rates.
Start by getting a detailed breakdown of what’s included in the editing fee. This may include:
- Number of revisions per episode
- Turnaround time from raw files to finished episodes
- Additional services like transcription or show notes
- Music licensing or custom composition
- File storage and archiving policies
Next, be sure to ask about potential hidden costs, such as charges for additional revisions or rush jobs. Transparent editors clearly communicate their complete fee structure upfront, including circumstances that trigger additional charges.
Finally, decide whether the editor’s services provide good value for your money. Sometimes paying a bit more can result in significantly better quality and reliability (but that’s not always the case). A good rule of thumb is to think of the time you’ll save and the quality improvement when evaluating costs.
So how much does podcast editing usually cost? It mostly depends on the provider. But most professional podcast editing rates range from $50 to $150 per finished hour for basic editing, while full-service production rates range between $500 and $2,000+ per episode.
Sidenote: Should You Accept Free Editing Services?
While free services might seem enticing, it’s wise to approach them with caution. Editors who offer to edit your first episode for free might be more interested in acquiring work than in your show specifically.
For one thing, free services might not always meet your quality standards, as they may lack the thoroughness and attention to detail that paid services typically provide. It’s essential to assess the quality of their free work critically. Plus, without financial commitment, editors may not invest their full capabilities.
For another, consider whether the editor is genuinely interested in your project or simply looking to build their portfolio. The latter might lead to a lack of dedication. You’ll want to know if their focus is on your podcast and its success rather than just having another client on the roster.
So what should you do instead of accepting free work? Consider paid trial projects or offer reduced rates to establish professional standards from the beginning.
That way, if the work isn’t up to your standards, you two can part ways with no hard feelings. It also sets a different expectation than just taking and distributing work for free.
What If You Need to Transition Between Editors?
There may come a time when you need to let go of an editor due to budget changes, quality, or simply going a different direction. Either way, you’ll want to be strategic about facilitating change.
First things first, have another editor lined up before notifying your current editor. Then, make sure you have access to all your production elements and hosting credentials.
You should also create a detailed transition plan to ensure continuity in your podcast production. Some sample information to include:
- Raw recording files and episode archives
- Edited episode files and project files
- Intro/outro music and sound effect files
- Standard operating procedures and style guides
- Hosting platform credentials and distribution information
Next, communicate your decision respectfully and professionally. Provide clear reasons for your decision and offer feedback if appropriate. Finally, make sure you’re offering a reasonable notice based on contractual terms, typically at least the contracted notice period.
Speaking of contracts, be sure to read the exit clause in your contract to ensure a smooth transition. This typically includes your notice period and any final payments. Formatting your responses based on the exist clause can help you avoid potential disputes and potentially burned bridges.
When all is said and done, be sure to offer your support during the first week or so. You should work closely with both outgoing and incoming editors during transition periods to ensure consistent quality. Then, provide new editors with comprehensive examples and style guides developed during previous partnerships.
The Bottom Line on Podcast Production Outsourcing
Outsourcing your podcast editing can be a huge step towards growing your show, but only if you do it right. By clearly defining your needs, evaluating potential editors carefully, and ensuring you have solid contracts and contingency plans, you can find the right partner to help your podcast thrive.
Working with professional podcast services from The Podcast Consultant can be a game-changer for your show’s growth and quality. We’ve supported hundreds of shows with world-class editing and production teams, and would be honored to support your growing podcast as well.
Learn more about the editing and production services offered by The Podcast Consultant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outsourcing Podcast Editing
Q: How much does professional podcast editing cost?
A: Professional podcast editing rates vary significantly based on editor experience, service scope, and episode complexity. Basic editing typically costs $50-150 per finished hour of audio, while comprehensive production services, including guest coordination, distribution, and marketing support, can range from $500- $2,000+ per episode. Monthly retainer arrangements for regular shows often provide better value than per-episode pricing.
Q: How long should podcast editing take?
A: Professional editors typically require 3-6 hours of editing time per finished hour of podcast content, depending on episode complexity and quality standards. Standard turnaround times range from 3-7 business days for regular episodes, with rush services available for premium fees.
Q: Should podcasters learn editing before outsourcing?
A: Understanding basic editing principles helps podcasters communicate effectively with editors and make informed decisions about production quality, but extensive editing mastery isn’t necessary before outsourcing. Learning fundamental concepts provides valuable context, while dedicating months to developing professional editing skills may not represent the best use of time for podcasters focused on content creation.
Q: What file formats should podcasters provide to editors?
A: Provide raw recording files in uncompressed formats like WAV or AIFF at the highest quality your recording equipment supports, typically 44.1kHz or 48kHz sample rate with 24-bit depth. Avoid sending MP3 or other compressed formats as source files. Also, provide separate tracks for each speaker or microphone rather than mixed files.
Q: How do you verify an editor’s work quality?
A: Request paid trial projects using your actual content rather than relying solely on portfolio samples, allowing direct evaluation of how editors handle your specific voice, content style, and quality requirements. Listen critically to test edits using quality headphones, checking for consistent audio levels, clean removal of mistakes, smooth transitions, and appropriate music integration.