Giving A Great Interview

We all dream of the day when our book is published and everyone wants to learn more about us and our amazing genius. What many people don't think about, however, is how to be a great interviewee. Being a great guest not only helps sell books, but it helps you to establish and build a reputation. Here are a few tips so you don't send the wrong message.

• Keep it short and sweet: Most media, whether for print, radio, or television, etc. have a limited amount of space and air time allotted for each item. Be respectful and keep your answers brief.
• Develop your talking points: Though questions may vary from interview to interview, there will be some basic questions asked over and over again (e.g. what is your book about, why did you start writing, what advice do you have for writers, etc.). So, develop a few key talking points that you can easily integrate into every interview.
• Dress professionally: The majority of a person's impression of you is formulated before you even open your mouth. To make the best first impression, dress like you care about the interview.
• Tempo: Speak quickly enough to finish your talking point, but don't speak so fast no one can understand you. Take deep breaths, and listen to yourself speak to avoid motormouth syndrome.
  
• Be gracious: Especially if you are a first time author don't continually correct the host or editor, don't constantly nag, and by all means say thank you!

Overall, being polite, brief, and professional will take you far with the media. And remain to prepare beforehand so you can work in all of your talking points and sell more books!