Short Summary

Between the Reads is a Black book podcast exploring the works of lesser-known Black independently and self-published Black authors who are shaping the independent publishing industry. Traditionally published authors are showcased as well. Promoting these authors demonstrates that Black writers exist in every genre of the book world – science fiction, horror, young adult, fantasy, crime fiction, mystery, historical fiction, romance, thrillers, suspense, adventure, children’s books, memoir, and nonfiction. This podcast is different from some other book podcasts: I read all the books that are discussed and speak with the authors about the intricate details of their stories. We also discuss the triumphs and struggles Black writers face and the hurdles being a self-published author creates. The podcast is hosted by yours truly, Audra Russell.

The Need

I have a confession. I’ve often received accolades that my podcasts sound like I’m in a professional studio. But I record in my very small closet. Very small. I’ve managed to squeeze in a tiny table on which I place my laptop and microphone. The problem with this? Besides the fact that it gets HOT (and being totally transparent I’m dealing with hot flashes LOL) and you can occasionally hear my dog barking outside my door? Well, last year I won a giveaway from Patreon. It included some high-quality podcast studio equipment and I was overjoyed that I won. But my small space does not allow me to utilize this equipment, which keeps me from increasing the quality of the podcasts I create. 

Between the Reads began in January of 2020.

After doing the research and buying a beginner microphone and headset, I recorded my first episode on January 25, 2020. Since then I have produced another 90 episodes, recording one to two shows every weekend from January to December! The podcast has even expanded to include Blacktober Reads where Black horror authors are featured during the month of October, and Black Indie Author Week in June during the week of Juneteenth. The latter provides Black writers with Black-owned business resources within the publishing industry to assist them on their publishing journey and stresses the importance of supporting Indie bookstores by featuring Black-owned bookstores across the U.S. where readers can purchase their books. 

The past two years have come with a lot of growth, but that growth is now creating obstacles.

Bloom where you are planted. I started this podcast with a laptop, a microphone, and an idea and have watched it blossom into something wonderful that I am deeply passionate about. I have many other ideas to continue to grow this podcast and offer Black Indie authors the professional, high-quality exposure they deserve. Unfortunately, implementing these ideas is not possible with my current closet setup.  

A permanent podcast studio will allow me to finally utilize the equipment I won and begin to roll out many of the new ideas I have to promote Black Indie authors. 

The Goal: $50,000

Yes,  fifty thousand dollars is a lofty goal. 

But one I believe I can reach. 

I researched this studio for over a year. I originally planned on purchasing a shed and customizing it into a studio. However, as I poured over the Internet, I came upon a company called Studio Shed that provides customized studios with fully finished interiors complete with electricity and wired for the Internet. They offer the ability to build your own 3D mockup of the building. When I put mine together, this option was more cost-effective and more robust than trying to customize a shed meant to hold tools. The picture you see above is the mockup of the studio I created. The cost includes the entire build: everything from building the studio itself, to permits required by my county, all of the contractors required to get the studio erected, and the laying of the required concrete pad where the studio will be placed. 

That picture you see above is one of the builds for the Signature Series of the Studio Shed I priced out. There are many variations with siding, flooring, doors, and windows that can be done to individual builds. The 3D image at the top of this campaign doesn’t really give you the full feeling of how it looks in real life, so I took a screenshot of one that is similar in size. 

Seeing the quality of the building justifies and helps you understand the size of the funding goal. 

You can also check out this link to see a build of a shed that is the same model as the one I will be building. 

Reasons to Support Between the Reads

This project, which I affectionately call my “Shudio” (a mashup of shed and studio) will help me take this podcast to the next level. Promoting books is challenging work. Add being self-published to that equation, and it can at times feel overwhelming. This podcast studio will help me create memorable, inspiring experiences for Black Indie authors while at the same time producing amazing content that will turn listeners of the show into new readers/fans of the authors showcased. But I absolutely cannot do it without your help. I am at a fork in the road. One path provides me with the immense potential to grow and implement ideas. The other limits my ability to implement the new ideas I have for lack of proper resources.  Over the past two years, I have provided consistent, high-quality interviews that prove my commitment to this podcast. 

1.) My podcast is valued by listeners and authors alike.

You don’t have to take my word for it. Here’s a screenshot of some of the reviews left on my website.

2.) The podcast is growing in popularity.

Between the Reads has over 4,000 downloads over the past two years. While that may seem small compared to some podcasts, I started with no downloads in 2020 and have progressed to an average of 40 downloads per week, and that number is steadily growing. 

3.) Between the Reads is getting noticed

My Instagram page began with no followers two years ago and is now has over 2,000 followers! Agents for traditionally published Black authors have heard about Between the Reads and requested to have authors on the show. I was also asked to host a panel for the Black Readers Con conference in 2021, based on their knowledge of the podcast. 

The Impact

Black stories matter. Black authors often self-publish stories because they are told by the traditional publishing industry (which is 97% white) that their stories have no audience, aren’t relatable, or need to be toned down to be more “palatable.” 

• By supporting this campaign you’ll help Black authors get discovered by more readers. You’re increasing their visibility. You’re helping to launch their careers. You’re amplifying the voices of people whose stories have been systematically marginalized and allowing their stories to be heard.
• “More diverse voices” in traditional publishing is nothing more than propaganda. Between the Reads is deeply committed to sharing books written from the Black perspective.
• You’ll help raise the awareness of Black stories and prove that we are in every genre from self-help to sci-fi and everything in between. 

Risks & Challenges

The risk? This campaign may not get fully funded which means the studio in the exact way I envisioned it may not come to pass. If I don’t get fully funded, I have pivot plans that will still allow me to have a structure to make high-quality recordings in, but it will look different. 

However, I’m not claiming defeat. I’m not only reaching out to listeners, followers, and authors I know. I’m reaching out to Black bookstores and Black businesses as well. I am confident that this goal can be reached. 

Other Ways You Can Help

I understand money can be tight, especially in the midst of this pandemic. If you can’t donate monetarily, there are still other ways you can support this effort. Use the Indiegogo share tools to:

• Share this on your social media platforms and ask others to spread the word (or donate!)
• Spread the word to Black entrepreneurs in your circle
• Become a patron on my Patreon Page