Making money from podcasts

Peter Kay is jumping on the podcast bandwagon, by charging fans up to £1.50 to hear him read the first chapter of his autobiography.

The book, The Sound Of Laughter, is out on Thursday – but those who cannot wait to hear how it starts can order the recording from his official website by text message.

The Phoenix Nights star wrote the memoirs after learning that journalist Johnny Dee was putting together an unofficial biography, which came out in June.

But even if it was reluctant, Kay’s decision appears to have paid off handsomely. More than 250,000 advance orders have been placed for the £18.99 book – making it the fastest selling autobiography this year.