Are you an author that’s tried to get radio, TV, or podcast interviews and had little or no success? You may be doing what every other author is doing. Let me share from the view of the decision maker.
I’ve been on the radio for almost 30 years and had thousands of requests by authors for interviews. Never, ever, no, not once, did I receive any audio or video from an author sharing what type of interviewee they would be. It’s always the same thing, their book in an envelope with a contact one-sheet randomly stuck in between the pages. What I needed was audio of them sharing what value they would be bringing to my audience.
So many of the one sheets are “author focused” meaning they tell me how many books they’ve written, where they went to college, how many interviews they’ve done, I’ve even seen how many grandchildren they have! What?? I need to know that what you’re wanting to present about your book is compelling, relevant, and entertaining. Don’t just tell me it is, SHOW me it is!
When you’re asking to “borrow” someone’s audience, you need to tell them why their listeners or viewers are going to care. What is your news hook? What is the common thread you will have with the audience? You need something in the first 15 seconds that’s going to make someone say “you feel that way, wow, I feel that way too!” They need to see or hear that they are in your conversation, otherwise, they just won’t care.
If you’re an author and don’t have a video interview in your digital “toolbox,” you’re missing out on your single most important marketing asset. An interview with you speaking about your book introduces readers to the heart behind the book, creating an important connection that builds familiarity and trust. This video can be repurposed for social media, newsletters, your Amazon author page, email blasts, and websites. Incorporating the video into your press kit lets decision makers see what type of interviewee you would be when requesting radio, television, and podcast interviews, as well as speaking opportunities.
Anyway, I’m just a little passionate about helping authors build their brand and sell more books with radio and video interviews. So much more to say and so little time.
Would love to hear about your book!
Suzanne Lynn Cheesman has been in radio for over 25 years, in New Jersey, South Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri, and Florida as well as having hosted her own nationally syndicated show. She now runs a digital media company that helps authors sell more books and build their brand with video and radio interviews. She currently hosts the Triangle Spotlight radio show on WQBQ 1410-AM, a Central Florida radio station that has a coverage area of half a million people. On this show, you can hear authors from around the country and around the world share their heart behind the writing of their books.
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