Under Cover

P odcasting has been around for quite a while now and while it might not be the number one way a writer thinks of getting noticed it's a great way to have your voice heard. A podcast can quickly reach thousands of ears and is a way to discuss your latest projects as well as your own personal brand. Appearing as a guest on a podcast also gives the impression that you are an expert in your field since you are representing that field as a guest. I was the host of the  Paranormal News Insider  podcast/radio show for almost 15 years with a total of 534 episodes. The show appeared on several networks including an AM radio station in the Columbus, Ohio, metro area. I was also a host and co-host on other podcasts through the years. My experience also extends to the other side of the mic as a guest on dozens of podcasts on paranormal topics based on my experience as a paranormal researcher as well as a writer and speaker at conferences and conventions. Part of being a host (and a guest...

 A buzzword in the business world is that of a personal brand. When we think of a brand, we think of a product that we know and we either trust or don’t trust. Maybe that brand has a unique taste or works really well at what it’s supposed to do compared to others in the same market. Whatever the case, that brand stands out. A personal brand is the same thing. In business a person stands out from others by their work ethic, their ability to make sales, connect with customers or clients, always be early to work, be enthusiastic, or other traits that help the company or fill out that person’s resume.  For authors, a personal brand is the same thing. There are about 40,000 books published yearly and while a saying goes “don’t judge a book by its cover” for things other than books I’m sure many are sold on the title and imagery alone. However, if an author wants to make a name for themselves, they must stand out from all the others. Yes, this could be accomplished by their work, b...