One of my favorite ways to promote books is to conduct radio interviews. When you’re sufficiently prepared, these can be conducted anywhere, including from home in your pajamas if you’re so inclined!
Because of the often narrow focus of radio shows—particularly internet radio shows—these interviews provide unique opportunities to reach a niche audience.
To pitch yourself as a guest to radio shows, you can send a press release. However, press releases aren’t the only way to get media attention. I have found that sending a simple email can be even more effective. Since I’m often asked how to do this, here’s a sample I put together to show you how to craft your media pitch.
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Greetings <first name>,
My name is Stephanie Chandler and I am the author of The Nonfiction Book Marketing Plan: Online and Offline Promotion Strategies to Build Your Audience and Sell More Books.
I have reviewed your show archives and I believe that I would be a great guest for your audience.
Proposed Topic: Marketing your business by writing and publishing books and ebooks.
Did you know that a recent survey showed that more than 80% of Americans would like to write a book? At the same time, businesses are looking for new marketing strategies and ways to stay competitive in a challenging economy. Promoting a business with a book can be a powerful way to gain a competitive advantage, and it’s easier to accomplish than you might think.
As a guest on your show, I would propose discussing the following key points:
- How businesses can use books for marketing purposes.
- Simple strategies for writing a book quickly.
- Publishing options including traditional and self-publishing.
- Options with ebooks for the Kindle, iPhone, iPad, Nook, and more.
- Methods for buildingbuzz online.
I have years of experience as a radio show guest and I can assure you that our time together will be well-spent and focused on delivering value to your audience. I would also be happy to provide you with sample interview questions and a complimentary copy of my book at your request.
Thank you very much for your consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Warm regards,
Stephanie Chandler
<insert contact information: email, phone, website URL>
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Some additional considerations:
- Always address the host or producer by name, if available.
- Write a compelling introduction that captures interest.
- Provide a simple list of three to five key discussion points.
- Mention previous interview experience since it increases confidence of the host or producer and lets him
or her know you’ll be a good guest. If you don’t have previous experience, assure the host that your goal is
to provide an informative interview for his/her audience. - Offer to provide sample interview questions. Radio hosts may or may not use them, but it demonstrates professionalism to provide them. Make a list of eight to fifteen questions that you think the audience
might like to know. Put these in a nicely formatted document and include a brief bio (that will likely be
read on-air) and your contact information. - Offer a complimentary copy of your book for review. This can help hook the producer or host and give him
or her more reasons to talk about your book on air.
If you use the strategies recommended here, please check back in and post a comment to let us know how it
worked for you!
Hi Stephanie I just ran by your article! I have self published a book for the youth called, Dedication, Desire and the Magic Of Empowerment. It is to motivate them to keep playing the sport they love, by setting goals for themselves, staying clear of distractions, staying committed. I have had a troubled life due to my upbringing but i have turned things around!
I wrote it from the perspective of what i wish i would have had growing up. I think it will revolutionize the way the youth thinks, do you have any internet radio suggestions? Thank you!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/457527232/dedication-desire-and-the-magic-of-empowerment?ref=live
Congratulations on your book! I’m a firm believer in writing the book you want to read.
As for recommendations for radio shows, I don’t have any off the top of my head since your subject matter is vastly different from mine. I’d recommend that you start searching through the radio networks looking for programs that discuss sports, parenting, kids’ issues, etc. Best wishes!
I am the author of a recently self published novel called “A Man Like You and Me A Supernatural Adventure Story” that starts with the supernatural events of October, 1982 that continue to this day. I’m the physician depicted in the book and the “beautiful blond” is my wife. In the book and in real life I am tasked with getting the pope and the bishops to consecrate Russia to the Immauclate Heart of Mary as requested by Our Lady of Fatima in 1917. Two popes did consecrate Russia but not as requested with the bishops. In the book and in real life it is to be done in a church in Moscow, I’m supposed to be there and the consecration is to avert a nuclear holocaust .
If you send me your email I can email you the novel, the book cover, a demo web and my cv so you might see that I’m not some crazy person contacting you over the internet.