Christian Fiction: 7 Tips to Help You Have an Effective Blog Tak Radio Interview

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

7 Tips to Help You Have an Effective Blog Tak Radio Interview

Last night I had the pleasure of participating in a blog talk radio show. This is my fifth now I believe and I've begun to notice some trends, particularly among the people being interviewed, some good ones and some not so good ones. Don't fret. The not so good ones can be easily fixed. Let me tell you how.

1. Be on Time

Call in to your show before the show begins, so that the host will be prepared to give a good show. It helps take the edge off the show.

2. Prepare Your Message Before Your Interview Time

You will have a great opportunity to promote your book during this interview. Therefore, you should prepare to share your bio and you current project. Prepare your bio in one sentence, your book in one sentence less than seventeen words, and give your website and best contact information.

Here is an example:

I am Dee Stewart, owner of Christian Fiction Blog, a blog devoted to promoting compelling Christian stories via film, books and theatre. In July we are featuring Young Adult Novels You can visit me at http://christianfiction.blogspot.com Or follow me on Twitter at DeeGospel.

Another Example for authors:

I am Dee Stewart, multimedia journalist and author. My Story Angel on the Back Pew is the story a single mom falls for the handsome new pastor while searching for her brother-in-laws killer. You can visit me at http://christianfiction.blogspot.com Or follow me on Twitter at DeeGospel.

3. Submit an Interview Request form to the Radio Host

The best way to prepare for your interview is to know what questions will be asked and to also let the host know what questions you will not answer(personal, controversial.) You can get this information having your publicist or you prepare an interview request form. The form should specify the media outlet, date, interviewee/host, topic, and call in numbers. It should also have a list of the questions you are prepared to answer.

4. Understand the topic discussion

Even if you use an interview request form there still may be questions the host would like you to answer, questions that aren’t no-nos on your (IRF) interview request form. The host may have a theme or topic for discussion. You need to prepare for that topic.

5. Prepare your Environment for the Interview

Many blog talk radio stations mic you for the interview, which means your listening audience will hear everything around you: screaming children, the television, your chewing. So before your interview, choose a spot that is quiet and away from your family. Inform your family that you will be working for that time period and to not disturb you. If you need to hire a sitter for the time period, do so. Blog Talk Radio shows are live, then recorded. You want every media opportunity to present yourself in the best and clearest way possible.

6. Share Your Story

If you’re a writer, you’re a storyteller. Make sure you bring your storytelling elements to the interview. Give anecdotes, be personable, find a universality that relates to the book you’re trying to promote.

7. Promote Your Broadcast Interview via Social Media

1. Twitter

1. Announce Your Meeting Time Hours before the Interview

2. Make sure Twitter is embedded in your blog or website.

3. Invite your Twitter Followers to the meeting.

4. Add call in number and time to listen

5. Share tidbits of Interview in RealTime on Twitter

2. MySpace or Shoutlife

1. Send Bulletin

2. Invite Friends

3. Facebook

1. Invite your Facebook Friends to Interview with Events