Dear Story Siren,
I was wondering if you have any advice about contacting authors for guest blogs or interviews. Contact directly or go through a publisher? Is there any place that lists author email addresses? Any advice on how to approach them other than the standard, be professional? I am hoping to incorporate more author interaction on my blog in 2010 and I’m not quite sure how to take that first step.
-J
Dear J,
Most of the authors I’ve contact have been very happy to provide an interview. The only time I have even went through a publisher to get an interview, is if they had contacted me first. It’s almost impossible to know what publicist to contact to get the author that you want, but some do have it listed on their author websites. However, I find that it’s the easiest to contact the author directly. Usually you can find a way to contact the author via their website, such as a contact form or an email address. Just know that authors usually have a full inbox, but I’m sure they will contact you as soon as possible.
As far as how to approach an author, it’s always safe to go the professional route, I find it easier to be more personable with authors, but I suggest using the approach you are most comfortable with.
Good luck!
-SS
If you have a question…. blog related, personal related, book related… submit it below to be featured on a future post of “Dear Story Siren”
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Justine Larbalestier also wrote a post on how to come up with questions which is quite informative and helpful:
http://justinelarbalestier.com/blog/2010/01/11/how-to-conduct-an-interview/
Justine Larbalestier also wrote a post on how to come up with questions which is quite informative and helpful:
http://justinelarbalestier.com/blog/2010/01/11/how-to-conduct-an-interview/
J, I always contact authors directly on their websites. I once had to contact an agent when her author didn't respond.
I give authors up to a month and at least a week to answer my interview questions. I follow up with a reminder. Authors are often busy with MS deadlines or book tours, and some like to pass it by their publicist first. I've never had an author say no.
It's a good idea to read the book first and plan to review it on your blog too. I post them together usually.
I personally find custom questions, tailored to the book, more interesting than asking all authors the same question. Some repeats are good like the road to publication, favorites books or writing advice. It's more time consuming to change the questions.
Kristi, great idea to have Q&A! I hope you don't mind my stepping in with another answer. I'm procrastinating shoveling snow to reach my mailbox.
J, I always contact authors directly on their websites. I once had to contact an agent when her author didn't respond.
I give authors up to a month and at least a week to answer my interview questions. I follow up with a reminder. Authors are often busy with MS deadlines or book tours, and some like to pass it by their publicist first. I've never had an author say no.
It's a good idea to read the book first and plan to review it on your blog too. I post them together usually.
I personally find custom questions, tailored to the book, more interesting than asking all authors the same question. Some repeats are good like the road to publication, favorites books or writing advice. It's more time consuming to change the questions.
Kristi, great idea to have Q&A! I hope you don't mind my stepping in with another answer. I'm procrastinating shoveling snow to reach my mailbox.
Great idea! Share the wisdom please
I ask authors whose books I've read recently and enjoyed. I'm really happy at the moment because all the authors I have asked were happy to answer a few questions. I alway first mention a bit about the book I read and then ask if they have the time and interest. After that I come up with questions. I have a few standard and some that I tailor to the author. Try to keep it professional and to the point.
Great idea! Share the wisdom please
I ask authors whose books I've read recently and enjoyed. I'm really happy at the moment because all the authors I have asked were happy to answer a few questions. I alway first mention a bit about the book I read and then ask if they have the time and interest. After that I come up with questions. I have a few standard and some that I tailor to the author. Try to keep it professional and to the point.
thanks for that link Lenore! i meant to link that post too and forgot all about it! i'll have to include in the post when i get a chance to edit it!
thanks for that link Lenore! i meant to link that post too and forgot all about it! i'll have to include in the post when i get a chance to edit it!
Thanks for the tip. I'm glad you're willing to answer questions like this and help others who might want to start a blog. It shows what a great blogger you are to share like this.
Thanks for the tip. I'm glad you're willing to answer questions like this and help others who might want to start a blog. It shows what a great blogger you are to share like this.
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