Make That Interview Count!
Posted by pumpupyourbookpromotion on September 17, 2007
As part of Pump Up Your Book Promotion, I send out authors on virtual book tours, touring blogs and websites, giving interviews, making guest posts and getting reviews.
It’s interesting the things you learn about the process, things even I have learned by reading these interviews and guest posts that my authors send out to these blog hosts.
One of my clients, Nick Oliva, author of ONLY MOMENTS, was interviewed on my newest blog, Beyond the Books, today. You will have to go read this interview because it’s one of the best interviews I have read in my entire life.
When authors fill out these interview forms, they must remember that it’s not just an online interview; it’s something that’s going out into cyberspace with their name on it. It’s going to tell the reader lots of things like how this particular author writes for example. But, the main thing I think that makes more of an impact on people is if the author can convey some sort of message to the reader and bring that reader into their world.
Nick does this perfectly.
As I was reading the interview myself before posting to the blog, I was totally drawn into his words. If his book is anything like his interview, I’m surprised a NY publisher didn’t pick it up.
When you are being interviewed, you have to let the words flow. Loosen up and go for the gut. Don’t be afraid to show the human side of you and forget trying to sell your book.
I have read a lot of interviews in my lifetime. The one thing that irks me more is, here you have a chance to make a statement and all you end up with is one or two words.
Balderdash.
Boooring.
The next time you are interviewed, think of that. This is my opinion as well as your readers. If the interviewer asks to tell something about yourself, don’t just put up a bio that’s appearing on every website or blog in the universe; make yours unique and go for the gut.
I applaud you, Mr. Oliva. More authors could pick up a pointer or two from you.
You’re all writers. Prove it through your interviews and one day, people are going to be sending all their friends to your interview because you went for the gut. Don’t let your reader down.
