I was invited to be on a radio show recently. Naturally, I was very excited because being invited is a big deal. To say things did not go as planned would be an understatement. I was as disappointed as a Kansas City Chiefs fan. This would have been an excellent opportunity to talk about my picture books and my journey as an author. I have been disappointed before, but I believe that what was meant for me will never miss me and that what misses me was never meant for me. With that said, if you want to rock your next radio interview here are some tips.
Before the Interview
Before the interview, take time to prepare.
First, listen to a few episodes of the show. Get to know the host’s interview style. Learn how to pronounce their name.
Second, select several talking points. According to my research, an audience can remember no more than three talking points for any given radio show. Think about what you want the audience to remember about your book.
Third, prepare your space and technology. A quiet space, a landline phone or internet connection, and a water bottle are the essentials. However, if you’d like to borrow headphones and a microphone it will strengthen your interview.
During the Interview
When introduced, it is always a good idea to thank the host and say something nice about the show.
Keep your answers brief. Keep your responses between one and two minutes.
The best radio guests listen carefully to their host and respond to their questions as directly as possible while finding ways to return to 2-3 talking points.
At the end of the show be sure to let the audience know how to reach you or where they can purchase your book. Take a few minutes to thank you host as well.
After the Interview
After the interview, make a few notes for yourself. What did you do well? In what ways can you improve? This is a practice I often use.
Next, if the show was recorded, promote it through your social media channels. Link to the show’s website and tag the host.
In the days following an interview, send the host a written note or an email thanking them for the opportunity and offering your services for future shows.
With gratitude …
I am so glad you’re here. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am grateful that I can share my writing journey with you. It is an endless journey of learning and growing. A journey that I am enjoying.
I am now booking author visits for the spring, 2025 school year. If you are a classroom teacher, teacher assistant, Parent Teacher Association President, or After school Director I can work with you to create a visit that will meet the needs of your students. Please contact me to book your visit.
My website has been updates and it is now interactive. There are surprises everywhere. Click on the balloons and see where they take you. Can you find two writing videos? Freebies? A chocolate chip recipe? There’s even a special freebie to anyone who subscribes to my newsletter. Check out the resources for children, parents and teachers, librarians and homeschooling families.
Please consider purchasing a copy of Two Wins for Wiley or Gertie Saves the Day for gifts. The holidays are quickly approaching and books make great gifts. Books can be read over and over again. It is my wish to get as many books as I can into the hands of children. Children need to hear all kinds of stories. A book is the best gift for both children and adults!
Call to Action …
You can really help this author by leaving a book review on Amazon or Goodreads. You can leave a review for Gertie Saves the Day here or here. Two Wins for Wiley here or here. Reviews can be as easy as 2-3 sentences. It should take about 30 seconds to leave and would make a huge difference for this author.
