Tip of the Day: The National Book Award Finalists were announced. Congrats to the finalists!
In getting ready for my release in less than two weeks (Eeeek!), I’ve been doing lots of author interviews—mostly online with book bloggers and also with the 2009 Debs Blog tour. But some have been over the phone for papers too. Today I’m going to share some tips (DL countdown style) for doing author interviews.
10. If you’re on the phone, speak slowly and clearly and make sure the reporter is hearing you correctly. Not every reporter tapes the phone conversation so it’s easy for details to get mixed up.
9. If you conducted the interview over the phone, consider asking the reporter to see the article first so that you can check your quotes (Thanks Lisa for this tip!).
8. If you’re e-mailing the interview, proofread your answers several times.
7. There will be standard questions multiple interviewers will ask so be prepared. Typically you’ll get questions like: How did you get the idea for your book? How did you sell your book? What is your writing process? What are you working on now?
6. Being that you will get similar questions from different interviewers, resist the urge to just copy/paste the same answer again and again. Answer it freshly each time.
5. If there is a question that you really don’t want to answer, don’t. The interviewer will understand.
4. Send pics of your book cover and/or yourself to go with the interview.
3. Everyone loves giveaways. Considering giving away a signed copy of your book or some signed bookmarks or other swag.
2. Be yourself during your interview. Don’t throw around a lot of big stuffy words in an attempt to sound ultra cool. Unless of course, that’s how you always talk.
1. Remember that other people will read your answers. Think to yourself: Is it ok if my mom or grandma reads this? Don’t write anything that will make you cringe later!
Kristina, Miss Delighted to Debut
1 comment:
Great tips! Speaking as someone who used to work for a newspaper outfit and do interviews, I would also say to remember that periodical deadlines are very tight. If you want to see what your article will look like before it goes to press, ask during the interview. I was always happy to accommodate people who asked early. I could plan to write their article first. But when people called and asked later, I'd have to rejigger my whole schedule for article planning to move that one up. Also remember that a check like this should be to look for errors, not be another editor. I never, ever wanted to misrepresent someone, but again, my deadlines were very tight. Changes had to be for content, not style.
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