Podcast Show-Notes Writer

Listen to podcast episodes and write the show-notes summary.

What the work is

Most podcasts publish show notes — a quick summary of the episode, a few timestamped highlights, and any links the host promised on air. Hosts hate writing them. As a show-notes writer you listen to the episode, capture the key moments with timestamps, write a friendly two-paragraph summary, and pull out three or four pull-quotes the host can share on social. The job is very repeatable. Hosts who like your style usually keep you on retainer for every episode they release.

Day-to-day responsibilities

• Listen to the full episode at least once.
• Capture 3–5 timestamped highlights.
• Write a short, friendly summary in the host's voice.
• List every URL or book the host mentions.

Tools you actually need

• Google Docs
• A podcast app
• A timer

How beginners get hired

The most reliable hiring channels for this role today are listed below. Sign up on one or two — not all of them at once — and complete each profile fully before applying. Half-finished profiles convert poorly even when your skills are real.

• Upwork
• Direct outreach to podcasts you already listen to
• Fiverr

Beginner tips that actually work

• Listen at 1.25× speed — faster than that, accuracy drops.
• Pause and timestamp as you go; do not rewind a whole hour at the end.
• Ask the host for one example they love so you can match their style.

How and when you get paid

Per-episode via PayPal, Wise, or invoicing tools. See our guide to remote payment methods for how each option works in your country, and how to avoid the verification delays that catch most beginners off guard.

Country-specific guides

Pay norms, popular hiring platforms, and payment routes vary a lot by country. Pick yours below for the version of this guide tailored to where you live.