Hi, this is Josh from Richmond, Virginia.

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Live on tape from my house in Los Angeles.

I'm Jesse Thorn and this is the Sound of Young America from MaximumFun.org.

It's the Sound of Young America.

I'm Jesse Thorn.

Before we hear from my old pal, John Hodgman, here he is in a recent appearance on The Daily

Show.

John, writing a book is the most important thing a human being can do.

Not only do books pass knowledge on to future generations, they're also an important check on the rampant growth of trees.

But literary immortality comes with a price, book promotion.

The demeaning ritual known as the television appearance, where the solitary genius is forced to hold conversation with the likes of,

what's your title again, John, Master of Ceremonies or a comedy Barker?

I'm the host of the program.

No, no, that's not it.

Oh, yes, cable gesture.

But as unpleasant as these interactions are, there are some important tips for new authors on how best to sell your own work.

Well, how would you start?

Oh, John, it has already begun.

Remember my high energy walk out?

...