If you’ve managed to land an author interview, it’s your time to shine! Interviews can be a lot of fun and a great way to tell others about your books. Here are some tips to take your interview to the next level.

Do research beforehand.

Know who’s asking you the questions. If you’re being interviewed on a podcast, listen to a few other interviews before you go on so that you know what kinds of questions to expect and the overall atmosphere of the show. This way you can tune your message and tone to address a specific audience and make each of your interviews more fun and personal.

Prepare your message.

An interview is a way for readers and potential readers to get to know you as a person. When you’re preparing for an interview, make sure you have a clear message as well as some colorful anecdotes about your process, your inspiration, and anything else readers might want to hear.

Have an online destination.

“Where can we find you?” is one of the most common questions asked in any publicity interview. Have your website ready at your fingertips. If you don’t have an author site, pick one or two social media sites you can bring up or any other place readers can go if they want to learn more. This is also a good place to mention your reader magnets or present a special offer to listeners of the show.

Have fun and entertain.

Most people listening will not tune in to hear about either you or your book. They’re listening for the show, and likely for entertainment. Every time you get a chance to speak, don’t waste it by simply answering the questions. Embellish. Tell a joke. Build every question to its best potential, and don’t shy away from letting people get a glimpse of the real you.

Expect the common questions.

When you’re researching the show or podcast before your interview, you’ll notice some questions that come up again and again. Questions like:

• What inspired you to write this book?

• How long have you been writing?

• What is your book about?
  

It’s a good idea to write up a few of these questions and prepare answers ahead of time so that you’re not caught off guard or left repeating the exact same answers interview after interview.

The Bottom Line

Interviewing is a more than a straightforward way to get word out about your book. It's an opportunity for you to use the moment to relax, have fun, and brag about the wonderful thing you’ve done: bringing a book into the world. You’re not competing for anything, but instead celebrating your victory. Have fun with it, and take a moment to bond with your new readers.

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