Interview Technology

This entry is part 1 of 5 in the series Interview Tips for Authors

Years ago media interviews were done in person at a studio. Today many interviews are done online using Skype, FaceTime, Zoom or some other technology. If you’re not yet familiar with these platforms, now is the time to learn. Willingness to use one of these platforms for an interview increases your chances of being selected.

You’ll still want to prepare well for these interviews. Make sure you still dress the part and have a quiet place to be during the interview. Practice with a friend to be sure your equipment works, the lighting is right, and that you know what to do if something goes wrong.

Embrace the new interview technology, and look and sound your best when speaking about your book’s message.

Audio Interviews

This entry is part 2 of 5 in the series Interview Tips for Authors

More and more audio interviews and podcasts are now being done using Skype, FaceTime, Zoom or some other technology for better sound quality. Here are some tips to help you do your best:

  • Be sure your microphone works!
  • Rehearse with a friend asking the interview questions so you can practice your responses.
  • Record your practice session so you can listen to it and hear what you sound like.
  • Practice several times so you are comfortable and sound natural.
  • Before the interview drink some water and say a few practice sentences.
  • Take a few minutes to get into the right frame of mind and relax before your interview starts.
  • Even though this is an audio interview and there’s no camera, you’ll sound better and feel more confident if you smile while you speak.

Video Interviews

This entry is part 3 of 5 in the series Interview Tips for Authors

Because Skype has successfully integrated its system with major TV newsrooms, many video interviews are now done using Skype.

Check your environment so there are no distractions. Keep the backdrop simple so you are the focal point. If you are an author, you might have a copy of your book in the background.

Position the webcam so it’s pointed slightly down and with any light directed at your face. The more light there is, the better the video will look. Don’t sit in front of a window.

It’s hard not to watch yourself or your interviewer on the screen during a video interview. For the video to look like you’re maintaining eye contact with the interviewer, focus on looking at the camera lens. It will feel awkward at first. Practice doing this with a friend until you get comfortable.

Relax and enjoy yourself! The more you practice and the more interviews you do, the more comfortable you’ll become.

Skype Interview Tips (Good for Zoom too)

This entry is part 4 of 5 in the series Interview Tips for Authors

Since more and more media outlets are using Skype for conducting interviews, here are a few tips to help you look and sound good when sharing your message.video calls

  • Set up Skype in advance. If you don’t yet have a Skype account, set one up now on your computer. Practice using it with a friend in advance so you know how it works and can feel confident during your interview. Your Skype username and profile photo will be the first thing your interviewer sees when connecting with you. Be sure it’s professional. If you already have a Skype account you use for family and friends, create a separate  professional account for interviews.
  • Avoid distractions and interruptions. Turn your phone off to avoid distracting notifications. Close any programs you have running on your computer. The night before, and then an hour or so in advance, restart your computer to be sure it’s running at its best and not going through an update that could slow things down or cause distractions. Close the door and make sure everyone knows you are not to be disturbed. Close the windows. No pets in the room. Turn off the AC.
  • Sound your best. Your computer microphone is not the best for interviews. If you’re going to  do a lot of interviews and want to sound your best, invest in an external microphone. Be sure to select that microphone as your audio source in your Skype settings. Here’s an article about some of the best microphones for Skype.

Author Interview Questions – Be Prepared to Answer

This entry is part 5 of 5 in the series Interview Tips for Authors

Even though you’ve prepared, there may be questions an interviewer asks that you hadn’t considered. Here are 10 questions you want to be prepared to answer:

  1. What inspired you to write this book?
  2. What can you tell us about your book?
  3. What did you learn writing this book?
  4. What surprised you the most about writing your book?
  5. What does the title, or subtitle, of your book mean?
  6. What are the two main take-aways from your book you want people to know?
  7. What do you hope to accomplish with your book?
  8. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
  9. Where can we buy your book?
  10. What else do you plan to write?

Practice your answers to these questions so you sound natural when you reply.