SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Version 1.2 (revised 09/12/2017)

Please note that the submission guidelines below are relevant to ALL podcasts joining the network as of  1st January 2018.

Podnose is an independent entertainment podcasting community. In this respect, we are looking for podcasts with original ideas and creative verve. We want our podcasters to bring enthusiasm, help each other out, and ultimately bring a proactive, positive attitude to the community.

There are two ways to submit your podcast to the network. You can either fill in the form here or send us an email via admin@podnose.com.

Although we will assess each submission individually, you can also check out our Want List of the type of shows that we are looking to bring to the Podnose Network.

THE BASICS

When you submit your podcast to the network, we require the basic information as follows:

- Podcast title

- A description of your podcast (genre, format, style etc)

- Links (if you want us to listen to your show, include a link to your RSS feed / iTunes page / official site in your message!)
(We would recommend getting in touch only once you have produced a minimum of 5 to 10 podcast episodes. This is in part due to the number of brand new show submissions we receive, but it would also be beneficial to determine consistency and development of your show when provided with a range of episodes to listen to.)

- Your name and contact details

***Due to the overwhelming number of submissions we receive on a regular basis, any message or email sent without ALL details as above will be not be considered***

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (LOGO & BANNER)

In regards to maintaining an aesthetic consistency throughout the network, here are our preferred technical specifications for the logo and banner:

- LOGO: from 1400x1400 to 3000x3000 pixels

- BANNER: 954x132 pixels

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (PODCAST)

The following preferred requirements are considered on a show-by-show basis:

- AVERAGE PODCAST LENGTH: between 30 minutes and 60 minutes. If there are "extra" or "bonus" episodes (or promos) in between the standard episodes, then any less than 30 minutes is fine. If the episode post-edit has reached 90 minutes or above, we would recommend dividing the episode into two halves and releasing the recording as two episodes. This isn't compulsory, but why not make use of the opportunity to be one episode ahead by releasing a longer episode in two parts?

- AUDIO QUALITY: Many podcasters start their podcast with the equipment available to them at the time, and we understand that the first few episodes may differ in audio quality to later episodes. We also understand that there are times when, depending on the circumstances or format of the show, you may find yourself recording in an area where there is an echo, or substantial background noise, or general issues that can't even be addressed with ease in the editing process. Field reports and interview environments may even add a sense of atmosphere to the episode in question. We have podcasters who record their show on a mobile app, while others record in their own professional studio space - and in both cases, the audio quality has remained perfectly acceptable and agreeable. However, if you are recording via your laptop, for example, and the sounds of keyboard tapping and computer humming can be heard constantly throughout the episode, it can be distracting and even if your content is incredible, it can and will essentially undermine your podcast as a whole.
In other words, if you are considering hosting a podcast or would like to submit your show to the network, please be aware that you want to draw in your listeners - not put them off - and so whatever your budget may be, make sure your recording equipment (and its output) is of an acceptable quality. Remember: don't just think like a podcaster, think like your audience too.

- EDITING: "Errrrr"s, "Ummmm"s, long pauses - we all do it. You may even find that when editing an episode, you do it far more than you thought you did. We're not always able to self-edit in real life - but when it comes to podcasting, there really is no excuse. I will be the first to put my hand up and say that sometimes it isn't easy to remove every single split-second hesitation, and if you are not a full-time or professional editor, it can be exhausting and very time-consuming to be so thorough. However,  it can and will pay off in the outcome to be as thorough as you can when it comes to the editing process.
Sometimes you may find that you or a guest is rambling through a conversation - once again, in real life we all do it. Think like your audience and remember that although the beauty of podcasting as a medium is the freedom of being open, honest and candid, there is absolutely no harm in knowing when a conversation has gone off-topic (in relation to your format) or gone on too long - and knowing when and where to cut it. Be brutal, but don't forget you can always keep any "off cuts" for bonus episodes somewhere down the line. 
In regards to hissing and other background noise, you can often remove or at least reduce these sounds via your editing software.

- FORMAT: A beginning, a middle and an end is always a good start. Remember that a listener may discover your podcast through numerous links via social media, apps, podcast directories and so on, which means it is entirely possible that they may discover your show when it is already many episodes in to its run. Therefore, it is important to be consistent and give your audience the opportunity to understand, appreciate and enjoy each individual episode on its own merits. Consider the following:

  • An original theme for your podcast to open and close each episode.
  • A standard introduction by the host, naming themselves and their co-hosts and/or guests, naming the show (and the episode title where relevant), telling the audience what the show is about, and telling the audience what the episode is about.
  • If your podcast is split into segments, you can insert a short version of your theme in between so your audience knows that you have moved on to another part of the episode. Alternatively you can provide a simple introduction to each segment as and when required.
  • When wrapping up an episode, take the opportunity to thank the audience for listening, and remind me them of where the podcast can be found online. If you want your audience to be involved further, be sure to mention your podcast email address, your Twitter handle, your Facebook page etc. If you are on iTunes, remind the audience to leave a rating and review to help your show gain interest and widen your audience. 
  • If your submission to Podnose is accepted, we will provide a 30-60 second audio tag for you to add at the beginning and/or end of your show ("[Podcast title" is part of Podnose" etc). As of March 2017, this will be a compulsory requirement - the reason being that Podnose is above all else a community, and although we're happy to help in being a home for your podcast (when accepted to the network), a podcast without any mention of the network on their show (and not making use of the Podnose logo where applicable) is both antisocial and unacceptable. Podnose is not a vessel for podcasts to take advantage of - it is a creative and social hub for podcasts. As of writing, we are providing this service for free (despite ongoing costs behind the scenes), and so we have absolutely no reason to bring on any podcasts that do not help to promote Podnose in return. In other words: tit for tat.

NOTES

  • These guidelines will be updated over time with further information regarding recommended hardware, software and other resources to help you get your podcast up and running.
  • If you have any further questions or queries, get in touch via admin@podnose.com.