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Two chatty authors asking all the ’write’ questions. Hosted by Ari Meghlen and Rachel Poli, The Merry Writer Podcast is a fun, friendly show about all things writing and bookish.
This page contains FAQs and information about being a guest on the show. General FAQs about the podcast are listed after all the guest FAQs. Thank you for your interest in The Merry Writer Podcast!
GUEST FAQs
How to Be on the Show
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DO YOU ACCEPT GUESTS THAT USE GENERATIVE AI?
No, we do not accept guest who use generative AI at any point in their creation. Neither of us agree with its uses and believe generative AI is unethical.
To see our stance on generative AI, please see a more detailed answer at the end of the FAQs.
ARE YOU ACCEPTING NEW GUESTS ON THE PODCAST?
Guest slots for 2026 and 2027 are FILLED. We are not accepting new guests on the show at this time. Please keep an eye on this page to know when we open our Google forms again. Thank you for your patience.
HOW DO I APPLY TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW?
After reading through the FAQs, you must complete the appropriate Google Form. You may apply for an author interview or an industry interview.
Both forms are linked below, but they are currently closed to new submissions.
- Apply for an Author Interview
- If you are a published author or writer looking to be published soon, and would like to be interviewed about your book, please use this form.
- Apply for an Industry Interview
- If you work in the writing industry (such as a book editor, cover artist, audiobook narrator, etc.) and would like to be interviewed about your work and share industry insights with our listeners, please use this form.
I'M AN AUTHOR AND WORK IN THE INDUSTRY. CAN I FILL OUT BOTH FORMS AT ONCE?
We ask you fill out only one form at a time. We try not to have the same guest on within 12 months to give as many people a fair shot at being on the show.
I HAVE MORE THAN ONE BOOK I'D LIKE TO DISCUSS. CAN I FILL OUT THE FORM MULTIPLE TIMES?
No. We ask your fill out the form only once to ensure we give every guest a fair shot of being on the show.
I CAN'T REMEMBER IF I FILLED OUT THE FORM. CAN I FILL IT OUT JUST IN CASE?
You should have received a confirmation email from us 1-2 weeks after filling out the form. Before filling it in again, please check your email. Simply search "The Merry Writer Podcast" and the confirmation email should appear. If not, then chances are you have not submitted a response yet and you can fill in the form.
Don't forget to add our email to your contacts so we don't go into your spam folder.
CAN I CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT WHICH BOOK I'D LIKE TO DISCUSS ON THE SHOW?
Absolutely. We realize it can take months for us to be ready to schedule a recording session with you. If you have a new book coming out, or you're working on something new you're excited for, then you can discuss that book instead.
Please let us know about this change when we reach out about scheduling a recording session with you. We'll need to update your book's information from the Google Form so we can appropriately prepare your interview questions.
CAN I APPLY TO BE A GUEST VIA EMAIL OR SOCIAL MEDIA?
No. We asked you apply to be a guest on the show using the Google Forms only. The Google Forms allow us to be more organized and get all the information we need from you upfront, making it easier for us to prepare for and edit your episode.
We will not accept guest requests via our social media DMs or email. These requests will be deleted without a response.
DOES FILLING OUT THE FORM GUARENTEE ME A SPOT ON THE SHOW?
Unfortunately, no. We do vet anyone who applies to be on the show. This is to ensure you're a good fit to be on the show and we believe you'd have something insightful for our listeners.
However, we do our best to give everyone a fair shot. The chance of us declining a guest is rare.
I FILLED OUT THE FORM MONTHS AGO. WHEN CAN I BE ON THE SHOW?
We have one guest per month on the show. Due to the amount of submissions we receive, the queue can get long. This is why we closed the forms at appropriate times so we can catch up with our backlog of guests. We appreciate your patience.
DO I HAVE TO BE A PUBLISHED AUTHOR TO BE A GUEST?
No. We’re happy to talk to all writers, no matter where you are in your writing journey.
MY EPISODE PUBLISHED 12 MONTHS AGO. CAN I BE ON THE SHOW AGAIN?
If it's been a year since your episode, then absolutely. If you have a different book to discuss or would like to be interviewed about working in the writing industry, you can fill out the appropriate form.
I'VE ALREADY BEEN A GUEST. DO I HAVE TO FILL OUT THE FORM AGAIN?
Yes. Please fill out the appropriate form again since information changes.
CAN I STILL BE ON THE PODCAST TO TALK ABOUT A SPECIFIC TOPIC?
Unfortunately, no. We no longer accept guest submissions for topic-based episodes. In January 2025, we officially switched to author interview style guest episodes. In 2026, we added the option for industry interviews. We don’t know if or when topic-based guest episodes will be back.
DO I HAVE TO BE A PUBLISHED AUTHOR OR WORK WITH A COMPANY TO BE ON THE SHOW?
No, we like to hear from everyone no matter where you are in your writing journey. If you're traditionally published, an indie author, or a writer who's looking to get published soon, you're welcome on the show.
Likewise, if you work in the industry, you do not have to work with a company (such as a publishing house). We want to hear from small business owners and freelancers, too.
Preparing for Your Episode
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I FILL OUT THE GOOGLE FORM?
You will receive a confirmation email from us 1-2 weeks after you fill out the form. This email will let you know we've received your response and that you're in the queue of guests. We have our guests on the show first-come-first-serve in order of submissions.
If accepted, and when we're ready to record your episode, you'll receive another email from us with a Calendly link to book a recording session with us.
Don't forget to add our email to your contacts so that we don't end up in your spam folder.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I BOOK A RECORDING SESSION ON CALENDLY?
You'll receive a confirmation email that you're in our calendar. Please add this date to your calendar.
As the date for the recording session gets closer, we'll give you access to the episode's script via Google Docs where you'll have editing access to make notes if you wish.
Please double check that our email is added to your contacts so we don't end up in your spam folder.
WHY DO YOU SHARE THE SCRIPT?
Many people are visual (including us!) and like reading along with the questions, have a head's up about which questions they'll get asked, and to also make notes so they can prepare their answers. You do not need to read your notes aloud, but they're good to have as a guideline.
The script also contains the recording session information (date and time), the Zoom meeting link (and passcode), and also the date your episode will be published.
WHAT DAYS DO YOU TYPICALLY RECORD WITH GUESTS?
We record on Tuesdays or Wednesdays with guests between the hours of 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM EST and 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM GMT/BST.
If this day of the week or time frame does not work for you in your time zone, we're flexible in accomodating all timezones.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE CAN’T FIND A COMMON DATE TO MEET?
If time zones, jobs, or other IRL commitments get in the way of us finding a common meeting date, then you will meet one-on-one with Ari or Rachel, whoever can accommodate the best day and time.
Worst case scenario, we will be unable to book your podcast episode at this time. Should things change on your end, you’re more than welcome to reach out again and we’ll be more than happy to fit you back into the schedule with a higher priority.
HOW ARE THE EPISODES RECORDED?
We use Zoom to meet and record our episodes. Only Ari and Rachel will have the ability to record during the meeting.
WHERE IS THE ZOOM MEETING LINK?
The Zoom meeting link is included with all the details of the recording session in your episode's script via Google Docs. This will be shared and emailed to you two weeks before our recording session.
If you still can’t find it, please email us ASAP and we’ll send it to you at our earliest convenience.
HOW LONG IS A RECORDING SESSION?
We ask our guests to block out 1.5 - 2 hours for the recording session.
Having 1.5 - 2 hours blocked for the meeting allows us prep time before recording starts, gives us wiggle room in case someone has internet or tech issues, and also ensures we have plenty of time in case the episode goes longer and we're not having to rush the end.
Typically, the session will only last about one hour with the episode itself being between 40 - 50 minutes. However, the conversation may go longer or shorter.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED FOR THE RECORDING SESSION?
Before the Recording Session
- Calendly
- This is what we use to book a recording session. It is free to use and you do not need an account. We will send you our calendar link via email which will give you access to book a recording session.
- Google Docs
- This gives you access to your script, Zoom meeting info, episode release date, etc.
- If you do not have Google Docs, let us know ASAP and we'll be happy to send along a Word Document or PDF.
- Zoom
- This is how we meet and record our episodes. You do not need an account. If you make an account, you can create a free one. We will send you the Zoom meeting details with your script via Google Docs which will give you access to join the meeting with or without a Zoom account.
During the Recording Session
- A desktop computer or laptop with a strong internet connection
- We strongly discourage using your phone to connect during the meeting to ensure quality.
- Microphone
- Headphones
- Webcam
Please make sure to check all your equipment is working correctly at least a day or two before the recording session.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE RECORDING SESSION?
Our podcast is laid-back and conversational. We do our best to streamline the process and keep the recording session comfortable as possible. Please don't be nervous; we don't bite!
However, as we set aside time for you and a spot on our podcast to showcase your work, we ask some common courtesies from you in return.
- Arrive on time.
- You'll have two weeks to prepare for your episode and have access to the Zoom meeting. We ask you arrive at least ten minutes early to ensure everyone's equipment is working properly and no one has internet issues. (Also for some idle chit-chat to get to know each other beforehand!)
- Record in a quiet room.
- Please ensure you're alone in a room with a closed-door to reduce background noise as much as possible.
- Silence your phone and mute computer notifications.
- This helps reduce background noise as much as possible because not everything can be fixed/altered in editing!
- Have a water bottle with an open lid handy.
- Water is the best beverage to have while talking/recording. Leaving the cover off reduces handling noise, and having it within arm's reach on your desk is best.
- Talking Tips
- In addition to having water on hand, stay hydrated. Drink a glass of water one hour before recording for it to have an affect on your body. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and dairy before recording.
- Eat foods before recording to keep your hydrated such as melon or cucumber. Green apples are also a great snack to reduce phlegm.
- Meditate or do breathing exercises before recording, especially if you're nervous.
- Avoid speaking too fast and allow us time to respond to your answers. Slow down and breathe. We're friends here just having a friendly chat. :)
ARE THERE ANY GUEST EPISODES YOU RECOMMEND I LISTEN TO?
If you are new to our podcast, we highly recommend you take some time to listen to a few episodes to get familiar with the style of the podcast and the hosts.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY RECORDING SESSION?
We understand things happen, so if you are suddenly unable to commit to your recording session, please let us know as soon as possible via email so we can keep our content calendar on track.
If you do cancel but would still like to be a guest, we will add you back onto our list with a higher priority. However, please keep in mind we book several guests at once, so your episode may still get bumped by a few months, depending on how many other guest episodes are already in process.
DO YOU RECORD THE EPISODES LIVE?
No, all our podcast episodes are pre-recorded and then scheduled for a specific date in the future. As a reminder, we record months in advance, which means your episode may not be released for up to 1-3 months after we record.
ARE THE PODCAST EPISODES EDITED?
Yes, we edit each episode. During recording, if you say something you didn't mean to, flub your words, or lose your train of thought; don't worry. It happens to us all the time!
We tidy up the recording as best as possible with changing your voice or losing the natural flow of the conversation.
DO I HAVE TO BE ON VIDEO?
We prefer your video be turned on while we record. This helps us with visual cues, and we find it easier and more comfortable when having a discussion.
However, we understand if you’re truly uncomfortable with being on camera. Just let us know ahead of time that you'll keep your video off.
DOES THE VIDEO GET PUBLISHED WITH THE AUDIO?
The video does not get shared anywhere. Only the audio is used for the published episodes.
After the Recording Session
WHAT DO I DO AFTER THE RECORDING SESSION ENDS?
Nothing! You can relax while we edit your episode, schedule it to go live, and create promotional materials for it.
We should have all the information we need from your answers on the Google Form. If we need anything else from you, we'll send you an email. So, please check periodically for that just in case.
WHEN WILL MY EPISODE GET PUBLISHED?
The date your episode releases is at the top of your script in the Google Doc we shared with you at the time of recording. We ask you add this date to your content calendar so you're aware when your episode goes live, and you can help spread the word about it online.
WHERE DOES THE EPISODE GET PUBLISHED?
Podbean
We upload the edited audio-only version on Podbean, which is our podcast host. Once uploaded to Podbean, the RSS feed publishes it to many other podcatchers, such as:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Castbox
- iHeart Radio
- Pandora
- Amazon Music/Audible
- Podcast Addict
- Podchaser
- ListenNotes
- Deezer
- PlayerFM
- TuneIn
- and many, many more!
YouTube
We also manually add the episode to YouTube. This is again the edited audio-only version, but we also include visuals for easier viewing. For example, we add question slides to show the topic we're discussing, an "about the author" slide, "about the book" slide, and more.
CAN I HAVE THE EPISODE LINK?
Yes. Two weeks before the episode goes live, you will receive perma-links to your scheduled episode on Podbean and YouTube via email. This will allow you to set up and schedule social media posts, newletters, blog posts, and mentions of the show on your website to help spread the word of your episode.
You'll receive the links once more the day the episode releases.
You will also be given our LinkTree to share with your audience, which allows listening access to all our episodes on whatever platform they choose.
CAN I HAVE A COPY OF THE FULL RECORDING?
No, we don’t give out copies of the full recordings, nor do we give copies of the edited episode.
CAN I HAVE A CLIP OF THE AUDIO TO SHARE ON MY SOCIAL MEDIA, WEBSITE, AND NEWSLETTER?
Yes, we are happy to supply up to 1 minute of audio from your episode for you to pro to use as promotional material for the episode. This will only be supplied upon request.
GENERAL FAQs
WHEN DO NEW EPISODES GO LIVE?
We release new episodes every Wednesday. They go live on all our platforms (including our Ko-fi page) at approximately 10:00 AM EST, which is 3:00 PM GMT/BST.
WHAT TIME ZONES ARE YOU IN?
Ari is in GMT/BST, and Rachel is in EST.
WHAT ARE YOUR WORKING HOURS?
Please note, due to our different time zones and other responsibilities, we only respond to emails and Google Form applications Monday through Friday. We try to reply within 1-2 weeks, though it can sometimes take longer. We appreciate your patience.
ARE YOU HIRING?
No, we are not hiring at this time.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE PODCAST?
Thanks for asking! We appreciate you wanting to boost the show further. Check out our Support Us page to learn how you can help.
In a nutshell, you can:
- Tune in every week on your favorite podcatcher
- Follow or subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcatcher
- Write the show a review on your favorite podcatcher
- Share your favorite episodes using #TheMerryWriterPodcast on social media
- Engage with our episodes via "likes" and comments
- Support us on our Ko-fi page by buying us a coffee or tea, or becoming a Merry Writer for $2/month
- You can also follow the page for free and have access to some freebies in our shop!
- For Ko-fi related questions, please go here.
WHAT'S YOUR STANCE ON GENERATIVE AI?
Ari and Rachel do not agree with the uses of generative AI for any stage in the book creation process, including but not limited to brainstorming ideas, writing drafts, editing, cover creation, etc. Generative AI is trained upon the work of others, including but not limited to writers, artists, photographers, and many others. We believe it is a form of plagiarism, unethical, and harmful to the environment.
Likewise, we ask that you do not use generative AI or ChatGPT or the like to write email responses to us and to write your interview answers for you. You know yourself best and only you can think for yourself.
For a deeper explanation about why we're anti-generative AI, please listen to episode 269 of the podcast here.
HAVE A QUESTION NOT ANSWERED ON THIS FAQ?
If you have a question that we have not answered here, please feel free to reach out to us via email at TheMerryWriterPodcast [AT] gmail [.com]. Replace the “at” with an @ symbol before sending.
Please do not email us asking to be a guest. You must use the Google Form or else your request will be ignored.
Please note, if you email us with a question that has been answered here. We will simply refer you back to this page.
YOU HAVEN'T REPLIED TO MY EMAIL, WHY?
It could be that we are still working through our backlist. This podcast is not our full-time work so we have limited time to work on the admin side.
If you emailed us asking to be a guest, we will disregard your email. We have an automated message that explains how to contact us if you want to be a guest.