The first thing you want to do is write out your show topic: what’s your hook? What will make your audience write down the date and time of your interview and tell everyone they know to tune in?
Set up a toll free number. These are easy enough to get with all of the Voice Over Internet Providers (VOIP) and they are transferrable, as in being able to do a call forward to a service provider who will do the fulfillment for you.
Make sure your website is up to date and it includes your One Sheet, contact information, an audio clip so they can hear how entertaining your are and testimonials from your speaking engagements or other talk show hosts.
Be sure your merchant account is set up and ready to take orders from the results of the show. I train the fulfillment house on how to process the orders from my website so they can process all of the orders. Then I don’t have to run to the mailing service to process the orders. They typically charge three dollars per transaction and the cost is past on to the buyer as part of the shipping and handling.
This is a critical step: hire an answering service. If you’re speaking or being interviewed when a producer takes the time to call you and you’re not available at that very moment, they will just move down the list to the next author. When you have an answering service they can book you through web based calendars and you’ll never miss out on another interview.
Although this is not as critical as it has been in the past, list your credentials, degrees, experience and what makes you an expert. It can provide great talking points for the talk show host.
Most radio stations will only let you do an interview if you have a land line. Our cell phone reception is much better than it has been in the past, so you might find stations that no longer require this.
Most radio stations will offer you a recording within seven days of airing your interview. Be sure to put these recordings on you site under your Media tab. The more you have the more credibility you will have when lining up additional interviews.
Always inform your current database to call into the radio show with questions. When a producer notices a spike in call-ins, when you’re on the air, they will ask you to come back again and again.
A Press Kit in a physical format is no longer mandatory. In fact the only time I ever receive a request for a kit is when I am bidding for a platform position or keynote engagement. However, your electronic version should be available on line.
You will want to make sure it stands out: use prominent colors that match your book cover, include pictures, graphics and .jpg files from publicity you have received.
If you have to mail a kit for an interview, be sure to hand address the mailing envelope and include “Requested Material Enclosed” on the label, a copy of the front cover of your book and copies of articles about your book or speaking engagements.
Include your 10 to 15 Questions and Answers with the length of time scheduled for each one and be sure to create controversy that will support your viewpoint. Make sure they are also available on your website/blog.
Also include letters of recommendation (you can get them from previous radio interviews) and newspaper clippings.
