Learn how to be the best online radio guest.

Getting your radio guest interview

You’re going to have to do homework on what stations you want to appear on first and later. Going for Oprah right off the bat isn’t realistic. Getting interviews with online radio stations would be a great start, though – particularly public-supported, non-commercial stations.

Do your homework. Listen to these stations and find out what their schedule is and what their audience expects to find there when they tune in. Study the demographics of the radio station’s public. Study their website and find out who actually arranges the interviews.

Don’t spend time calling the studio as a cold-call. It’s not efficient use of your time. I’d start out with emails, colorful postcards and lumpy mail (see the offline marketing section). The idea is to get their attention and get them to join in a conversation with you. All your mail has your name, your snail-mail address, your email address, your website (where they can get sample interviews), your phone.

Talk show hosts will seldom invite you back if you do not first have their audience in mind. In other words. . . your book will get you on, then you must have something interesting to say that is unique, controversial or fascinating (besides an occasional mention of your book).

When you do get a call, ask them if they are on deadline – this means you care about what they are doing and also makes sure that they have time to talk to you. A phone call to a producer is like a mini-audition, so be prepared and very energetic from the get-go. Producers interview potential authors pushing their books every week, so make your book stands out and fits their needs. Work to be unique in your attempt to get noticed. The Media likes authors who are distinct from the usual run of the mill.

Work to see what they need to improve their ratings and viewer interaction. Tell them how the information in your book solves the problems of their particular listeners. Be honestly interested in their show and their listeners. Ask questions to find out how you can help them..

Keep a pad and paper for use during the interview, so you can jot things down which will help their viewers relate to you.

When you do give out a book, personally sign it and include a flier which tells about your other products and perhaps a coupon for a free download.

As part of getting your interview, or after you’ve cinched the deal, send the host a media kit, as we’ve gone over above. In this kit, you could also include a CD with your podcasts and/or earlier interviews, so they get a sample of your potential.

Online radio stations may either broadcast exclusively on the Internet, or simulcast with their ongoing shows - and frequently will podcast their shows, either free or as a premium service. They can be approaced as you would a regular station - via email, or phone if available through their contact page.

Tip: Larry James has extensive checklists for radio interviews, plus other useful data at www.AuthorsandSpeakersNetwork.com,

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