Podcast Guest Guidelines

Last updated: August 22, 2023

These guidelines empower the host and guest to collaborate in creating a consistent, professional, and positive experience for The Author Switch Podcast’s audience, as well as themselves. Please read and familiarize yourself with the expectations, technical requirements, and behavior standards for the podcast.

Introduction and Purpose:

The Author Switch is focused on helping both published and aspiring authors turn on the Author Switch in their mind and keep it on so that they can write the books they were meant to write. These guidelines help ensure that guests meet certain standards so that the podcast maintains a consistent level of quality and usefulness.

Preparation:

Before applying to be a guest on the podcast, we suggest that you perform your due diligence and research both the podcast and its intended audience. A good way to do that is to listen or watch an episode or three to become familiar with the format and style.

Technical Requirements:

To ensure the best possible audio quality for our podcast recording, we kindly ask that you follow these technical requirements during our recording session:

Microphone Quality: Please use a good-quality external microphone for recording. This could be a USB microphone or an XLR microphone connected to an audio interface. Avoid using built-in laptop or smartphone microphones, as they can result in lower audio quality.
Headphones: Use a pair of closed-back headphones to prevent audio bleed and ensure clear communication. This helps prevent echo and feedback during the recording. The host uses a Logitech Stereo Headset H111/H110 with Noise Cancelling Microphone, which costs less than $20 and produces excellent sound.
Quiet Environment: Choose a quiet location for recording to minimize background noise. Please close windows, doors, and turn off any noisy appliances or fans.
Recording Space: Find a space with minimal echo or reverberation. If possible, use a carpeted room or add soft furnishings to help absorb sound reflections. Also, use a natural and appealing background … virtual backgrounds should be avoided.
Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable and high-speed internet connection. This helps maintain clear communication during the recording.
Recording Platform: We typically use Zoom or StreamYard for our podcast recordings. Please make sure you’re familiar with the platform and have it installed prior to our session.
Test Recording: Before our scheduled recording, we recommend doing a quick test recording to ensure your audio levels are balanced and there are no technical issues. This will help us maintain consistent audio quality.

Scheduling and Communication:

The Author Switch Podcast is typically recorded live on the LinkedIn platform every Monday at 5:15 pm Central. We understand that schedules can vary, so if this time doesn’t align with your availability, we’re open to discussing alternative recording times that don’t involve a live audience.

For episodes that involve a live audience, punctuality is essential. We kindly request that you join the recording on time. However, we also recognize that unexpected situations can arise. If you find yourself unable to attend a scheduled recording, we kindly ask for at least a week’s notice. This advance notice provides us the opportunity to potentially reschedule your episode. Please note that failing to notify us and being a no-show for a scheduled recording will result in forfeiture of the guest privilege on our show.

Your commitment to our recording schedule not only ensures a smooth recording process but also respects the time and engagement of our audience. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Content and Topics:

At The Author Switch Podcast, our guest episodes encompass a wide range of engaging categories, all designed to provide valuable insights and inspiration for authors along their creative journey. We believe that each guest contributes to a tapestry of knowledge, enhancing the experience of both our guests and the audience. Here are the types of episodes you can expect:

Author Journey Interviews: Candid conversations with authors who share their unique path to publication. These episodes illuminate the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that have shaped their writing careers.
Passionate Individuals and Future Books: Conversations with captivating individuals who are not only pursuing their passions but also working on their books to share their passion with others. These conversations delve into their personal journey, exploring the inspiration and experiences that have fueled their book-in-progress.
Strategic Author Marketing Insights: Authors share their marketing strategies and successful tactics. From online platforms to real-world connections, these episodes offer actionable insights to help authors navigate the dynamic landscape of book promotion.
Expert Dialogues in Writing, Publishing, and Marketing: Conversations with seasoned experts in writing, publishing, and book marketing. These discussions provide invaluable guidance for debut authors and seasoned wordsmiths, by uncovering industry trends and best practices.
Holistic Success Beyond Writing, Publishing, and Marketing: Conversations with professionals who specialize in areas that contribute to authors’ overall success. Topics include time management, mindset, financial strategies, and more – all of which play pivotal roles in an author’s holistic journey.

No matter the episode category, our overarching goal is to deliver informative and inspirational content tailored to authors’ needs. We invite our guests to share their expertise, experiences, and stories, enriching our audience’s Author’s Quest with actionable takeaways and meaningful connections.

Promotion:

Creating a successful podcast is a collective effort. As a guest, your contribution to the success of our podcast extends beyond your episode appearance. We greatly appreciate your support in promoting your episode, which can encompass the following key actions:

Engaging Your Audience Pre-Recording:

LinkedIn Event Share: Extend a warm invitation to your community by leveraging the “Share” feature on the LinkedIn event page for the live recording. You can invite up to 500 connections per week, as well as share it to your feed. This helps spread the word and increases anticipation for the episode.
Note: Once the episode drops, a link to the recording will be sent to everyone who registers for the event.
Multi-Platform Announcement: Extend your reach by sharing news of the upcoming episode on various social media platforms that resonate with your audience. This diverse approach maximizes engagement and visibility.
Email List Announcement: Connect with your dedicated followers by sending a personalized email, inviting them to join the live recording. Your genuine invitation can create an atmosphere of excitement.

Amplifying the Episode’s Release:

Social Media Announcement: Upon the episode’s release, rekindle the enthusiasm by announcing it once again across your social media platforms. This rejuvenates interest and extends the life of the content.
Email Notification: Keep your email list in the loop by notifying them about the episode’s release. Your subscribers will appreciate being among the first to know about your podcast appearance.

We believe that your support in these promotional efforts not only enhances the visibility of your episode but also strengthens the collaborative spirit that fuels our podcast’s success. Your dedication to sharing your insights and experiences plays an essential role in empowering fellow authors on their unique journeys.

Your commitment to our podcast’s growth is truly invaluable, and we’re excited to embark on this collaborative venture together. Thank you for being an essential part of our village!

Please let us know if you have any questions or if there are additional ways you’d like to contribute to the podcast’s promotion.

Professionalism and Conduct:

We take pride in creating a podcast environment that is both professional and welcoming to all listeners, regardless of age. As a guest on our show, we kindly request that you uphold a high standard of professionalism and respectful conduct throughout the recording.

During the episode, please ensure that your language, tone, and content remain suitable for a wide audience. We’re committed to keeping our show appropriate for all ages and we value your assistance in maintaining this standard.

Guidelines for Language and Content:

Language: Please refrain from using any language that could be considered offensive, inappropriate, or disrespectful. This includes avoiding profanity, slurs, or any form of language that might make our audience uncomfortable.
Topics: While sharing your experiences and insights, please keep in mind that our podcast’s focus is on promoting positivity, learning, and inspiration. Discussions should avoid controversial, explicit, or sensitive topics that might not align with our family-friendly atmosphere.
Tone: Maintain a courteous and professional tone throughout the episode. While debates and differences of opinion are welcome, they should be conducted in a respectful and constructive manner.

Our commitment to a family-friendly environment ensures that our content remains accessible and enjoyable for individuals of all ages, including young aspiring authors. By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to a positive listening experience for our diverse audience.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns regarding these guidelines. Your collaboration is pivotal in making our podcast a safe and enriching space for everyone.

Notice of Editing:

To deliver the best possible content, our team reserves the right to edit episodes for clarity, length, and quality. This process enhances overall coherence and ensures a polished final product. Rest assured, your message’s essence will be preserved, and we appreciate your understanding of this collaborative process.

Thank you for contributing to a compelling and professional podcast that resonates with our audience. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Release and Permissions:

By accepting an invitation to be a guest on The Author Switch Podcast, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:

Episode Promotion and Content Usage: You grant us permission to use your name, likeness, and any content contributed during the episode. This encompasses audio recordings, written materials, visuals shared during the recording, or any other contributions. This authorization enables us to showcase your valuable insights and contributions both within the episode and across promotional channels.
Copyright and Ownership Declarations: By participating in our podcast, you affirm that you possess the rights or required permissions to share the content you provide. Should you discuss or share materials subject to third-party copyright or ownership, we kindly request you ensure appropriate permissions are secured. This applies to written excerpts, images, music, or any other creative elements. Our commitment is to uphold copyright laws and ethical standards throughout our podcast.
Episode Ownership and Rights: While you’re welcome to share the episode using the provided link, it’s important to note that The Author Switch retains ownership and rights to the episode recording.

Your acceptance of these terms ensures a harmonious collaboration and a podcasting experience aligned with legal and ethical principles. We appreciate your contribution to The Author Switch Podcast and your understanding of these crucial aspects.

If you have any inquiries or require further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re dedicated to fostering a transparent and enriching podcast environment.

Editing and Release Timeline:

Typically, episodes are released two weeks after the live recording on LinkedIn. If you elected to record your episode at another time, it may take longer for your episode to air.

Follow-Up and Engagement:

To maximize the impact of your episode and its promotion for both you and your business, we encourage you to engage with listeners through comments, social media, or other platforms after the episode airs. Your active interaction extends the value of the episode and enriches the experience for both our audience and your network. Thank you for contributing to our vibrant podcast community!

Contact Information:

For any questions, concerns, or technical support contact charlies[at]dragonwyze.com.

Acknowledgment and Agreement:

By applying to be a guest on The Author Switch Podcast, you acknowledge and agree to these podcast guest guidelines.

Apply To Be a Guest on The Author Switch Podcast