You’ve published your book, created publicity buzz, sent out your press release…now what? Are you prepared for what you’ll say when the phone rings and a reporter or editor asks for an interview?
As an author, the reality is that whether you contact the media or not, if you’re spending time marketing your work, there’s a good chance someone from the media will call you at some point. Over the years I’ve conducted countless interviews with reporters who found me from my blog, my books, and my social media presence.
Here are some tips so you can be prepared when the media calls:
1. Anticipate questions.
Develop a list of potential questions you think a reporter would ask you and then write down your responses, ideally in simple bullet points so that your answers are concise. Reporters do not want rambling answers.
2. Know what messages you want to convey.
Though you might end up answering questions for 15 minutes, it’s likely that only a few quotes will end up in the story. Every comment counts, so make sure each answer has impact, either in providing useful content for the audience or promoting your book.
3. For radio and TV, there’s little or no editing.
Everything you say in these media is recorded for all eternity. All the more reason to know your key messages, practice them, say them out loud in the car, have your kids interview you at the dinner table—whatever it takes to always be ready.
4. Talk in sound bites.
The media likes short answers that are to the point, especially on radio and TV. Questions come in rapid-fire fashion and your answers should keep up with the pace. Your answers may end up becoming part of a promotional clip, so responses should be confident and clear.
5. Be available for at least a week after sending out a press release.
Don’t go on vacation or disappear for several days. If a reporter calls and leaves a message, call back as soon as humanly possible. There are always deadlines involved. I learned this one the hard way when my son was home sick and I failed to check voice mail until the next day. I missed a great opportunity.
6. Have fun with interviews.
You want to be prepared without sounding like a robot. Let your personality shine through and make the reporter’s job easy. When you’re a good interview subject, it is quite likely you will be contacted by that reporter again in the future.
7. Thank the reporter after the interview.
Reporters, editors, and producers do not get enough appreciation for what they do and when you take time to send a quick note, it will be noticed and remembered. Reporters need a lot of sources and they are people, too. Show that you are a great source and you can build a relationship that endures.
Related to the first point: Ask the reporter for a list of questions. Many will do a mock interview prior to the live event. They don’t want surprises any more than you do.