Media tips

As I have done a reasonable amount of radio and tv recently, I thought I would include a few things I have learnt along the way.

1.When doing any interview, find out the focus beforehand. Why have they invited on the show and what are you going to speaking about? What is the slant of the programme? More than likely unless you are very famous, it will not be about your book. There will be some other hook. Find out why they want you there. It may not be for the reason you think.

2. Write out a cheat sheet beforehand with answers to possible questions. This is one of the reasons why knowing the slant can help. One that seems to come up is: is romance still so popular? Are you a romantic at heart? How do you do your esearch?
You will have to answer each question in about 3 sentences at most. The length of the interview will vary, but really 3-7 minutes is about your lot.

3. Radio is all auditory. TV is visual. If they are doing a news piece on you for the local tv station, think about what will make a good shot. When you are on radio, it is all about your voice, no one can see that you are wearing dirty jeans. Save the magic knickers for the tv slots or photo shoots.

4. Put your smile into your voice. Pretend you are only speaking to one person and that person is highly interesting and interested in you. It will show in your voice. Do not think about the other people who may have tuned in. Be positive.

5. Write thank you notes. Either to the presenter or to the producer. Courtesy. Also remember to let your editor/PR person know what you are doing.

6. Remember to mention your book.

7. If practical, get a video or burn a cd of your radio appearance. You never know when other might want to listen. At the very least keep a list of your appearances, so if anyone ever asks have you done media, you can recite chapter and verse.

8. The media are always looking for stories. Write press releases. Think about hooks. Beyond having a new book out, why might local people be interested in hearing about you. You never know. My first radio appearance came about because I was giving a talk at a local library and the presenters were intrigued.

9. TV and radio starts local, like other PR. Then it goes regional and if you become v famous, even national. But really there has to be a reason.

I know I will have forgotten some, so if anyone has more, please add them to the list.