katarzynaradzka

Interviews are frightening realities for many first time writers wanting to write for publication. Heck, they are scary even for experienced writers at times. Many stories require quotes to back up your words. Without them our articles may not have the same influence, they may not reach a wide or audience and they might not even get published. Interviews can not be avoided.

Honestly, I have always been scared of giving interviews, though this is slowly changing.

What if the questions I ask are stupid? (the only stupid one is the one you don’t ask).

What if they don’t respond? (so what, you’ll go to the next source).

What if they are mean and nasty? (you will ignore them and not contact them again).

What if I don’t feel comfortable doing a phone interview? (try to do an email one first).

What if? What if? What if?

What if I do the interview, make a new contact and attract a wider readership?

You might;

a) become more comfortable with interviews;

b) make a new contact for the future (they are needed for freelances, for anyone in fact)

c) get more fan mail or traffic to your website or maybe the editor might give you more stories to research and write up.

Of course none of these things may happen, but the point is that you’re giving them a chance to happen and that’s the most important thing. Once you get yourself out there, things can start happening.

I’m no expert at interviews, I’ve only managed to do a few of them. But I have found that most people are very willing to be interviewed and are usually happy to help out. Keep in mind they don’t have to know how many publications you’ve written for, nor do they have to know whether you’ve been writing for ten years or ten days. It’s irrelevant but don’t lie if they ask.

A touch of confidence will make you appear professional and you will be one step closer to perfecting your interviewing skills. Then it won’t matter whether they are by email, phone or face to face.

Remember to;

1. Find the correct source for your story.

2. Obtain some background information on your source to help you structure your questions as well as get their name and profession right.

3. Prepare your questions before the interview and edit them just like your writing. Spelling mistakes in emails don’t look good.

4. Breathe easy. It’s just an interview.

5. Remember to thank the interviewee for their time and assistance with your story.

Have you got any interviewing tips?

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