Information Authors Need To Be Prepared for the Best Media Interviews

by Karen Whiting @KarenHWhiting

In teaching about media interviews at conferences, many authors have questions. As a former TV host and a guest on more than 100 shows and repeat guest on favorite TV shows, let me share some answers to questions asked when I teach at conferences.

What if I only have a 7 minute interview?

Focus on one main point you’d like to share. And watch the show you’ll be on to see how authors make the most of the seven minutes. Take notes on what works and what doesn’t and then make notes of how you can approach the interview. It’s amazing how much can be said in a few minutes. Know what you really want to give readers and make sure to have that on the top of your list. 

What is the host keeps asking about an area outside of my expertise and experience?

Share that you are not an expert, but you are an expert in (name topic and give some facts on that). If you know someone who is an expert, mention that you will pass on the name, after the show, and contact information for a great guest on that topic in the future. If you have an anecdote that relates to the question, you can give that, especially if it is humorous. Also, you can answer that you may not know but remain thankful God knows everything and through prayer he can enlighten us. You could even add an anecdote when God enlightne3d you, especially on a topic in your book.

What if the host is hostile?

Be kind and respectful. Thank the host for sharing his/her opinion and mention you want to share your perspective and facts that back it up and then mention one fact. Sometimes the host is not trying to be hostile. Once, I had a host put down my new family devotional because it appeared to be mostly crafts and things he did not like to do. I responded that he should turn a few more pages to find the tug-of-war, star gazing, and science experiments. That grabbed his attention. A little while later, wanting to not leave a negative impression in listener’s minds I asked him if he believed dads should be the spiritual head of the family. He affirmed that. So, I mentioned that with craft-based devotions he could let his wife or older child lead the activity and take photos. Then when it was time for the scripture and chat, he could take the lead. He liked the idea and stated three times how dads needed to get the book.

What if the host doesn’t ask anything related to my book?

Build a bridge from a question that you can spin to relate to your book’s topic (do not mention your title just the focus of the book). For example, if they bring up politics, you can share how God’s peace or love should transcend differences and bring up your topic and how it helps. Or if your book is about moms and they bring up something else, share how you as a mom help your children understand that topic, and share an example. 

How do I avoid selling and yet let viewers/listeners know about the book?

Sometimes hosts ask how the book is laid out, but other times they just want to discuss the topic of the book. Trust listeners will search online for you if they are engaged by the conversation. In my book on peace I can share about famous peacemakers and tips on peace in relationships without mentioning any of it is in the book. The stories usually grab the host’s attention and that excites those listeners. Also know you can put the link on your social media afterwards with a photo of the book cover.

What do I do when the host uses rapid fires questions?

Briefly answer the question and launch into an anecdote or use the time to give your best sound bites from the book that address the questions. It’s good to have a top ten set of tips for answering a host who does ask one quick question after another and interrupts your responses. You can give one tip that matches each question.

What if the host asks politically charged questions?

Bring up how it must break God’s heart when people are so divided, and that we should work on peace and problems that impact everyone, especially our young people. Or, if you are into apologetics, enjoy the debate but remain respectful.

What’s the best way to approach media that’s new to me?

Watch the show, read reviews, and notice the opening of the show as well as the title. Those provide clues of the focus and where your topic could intersect with the show’s focus. Then craft a pitch that shows you understand the focus and can speak on it.

How can I develop a relationship with a host to be a returning guest?

First, thank the host and then send a written thanks. Follow the host online and comment. Send a Christmas or Easter card to stay in touch. Then you can send a new pitch when you have a new release or can connect a special day or newsworthy topic to the show’s focus to come on again.

Be thankful for each interview and the opportunity to share with a new or repeat group of followers. Post about the interview, provide the link, and share a highlight of the interview.

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Information Authors Need To Be Prepared for the Best Media Interviews, tips from @KarenHWhiting on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Karen Whiting (WWW.KARENWHITING.COM) is an international speaker, former television host of Puppets on Parade, certified writing and marketing coach, and award-winning author of twenty-seven books for women, children, and families. Her newest book, The Gift of Bread: Recipes for the Heart and the Table reflects her passion for bread and growing up helping at her grandparent’s restaurant. Check out her newest book Growing a Mother’s Heart: Devotions of Faith, Hope, and Love from Mothers Past, Present, and Future. It's full of heartwarming and teary-eyed stories of moms.

Karen has a heart to grow tomorrow’s wholesome families today. She has written more than eight hundred articles for more than sixty publications and loves to let creativity splash over the pages of what she writes. She writes for Crosswalk. Connect with Karen on Twitter @KarenHWhiting Pinterest KarenWhiting FB KarenHWhiting.