Krista Clayton is our broadcast publicist. She sends books and press materials to radio and television contacts who might be interested in doing on-air interviews with you about your book. Here are some ways you can assist her in reaching the media, as well as some tips to help you prepare for radio and TV interviews:

Don't Put Off Today What You Can Do in a Few Minutes

• Broadcasters fill their on-air schedules quickly. If you are invited to be on a show, check your calendar and schdule a date right away. It only takes a few it doesn't take long.
• Let Krista know in advance if there are particular interview questions you would like passed on to producers and hosts. You can then use those to prepare for interviews, since a few of them will probably come up in the radio or television segment.
• Do you have an idea for unique "hook" for your book that would catch the attention of radio and TV audiences? Krista welcomes your input.
• Share your travel schedule with Krista. She might be able to arrange some in-studio interviews in some of the cities where you will be traveling.

Research

• Ask your publicist for information about the program.
• Check the station's website and host's biography for familiarity.
• Find out who the audience is and shape what you share to be more effective.

Prepare

• Scan your book and summarize your main points. Pick 3 of 4 large themes to use as talking points.
• Make a list of possible follow-up questions and be ready to expand on your main themes.
• Practice an interview with a friend, publicist or both. Some authors even practice while they drive.
• Prayer is the best preparation. It helps you focus on the message of your book and why you wrote it. Ask God to prepare the hearts of the listeners and to speak through you.

The Interview

• For radio interviews done over the phone, double check the time and be ready to go 10 minutes ahead of schedule.
• Be in a quiet place. Reduce distraction like TV and people around you.
• Use a land-line phone. Poor reception to a cell or cordless phone will ruin an interview.
• Keep a glass of water nearby.
• Have fun! One producer said that one of his biggest pet peeves is when guests leave their sense of humor at home. Have fun and don't be afraid to laugh.

Keep the Energy Up

• Every producer loves a guest who has plenty of energy. So does the audience. If you're on the radio, sound like you're smiling, raising your eyebrows and using your hands. If you're on television, DO all three.
• Don't let a bad interviewer ruin your energy. Stay positive and enthusiastic.

Expand. Expand. Expand.

• Avoid short phrases like "I talk about that in my book." Don't stop there. Mention the title of your book and explain what your book says about that particular point.
• Make sure to mention the name of the book throughout the interview so that it stays fresh in the listeners' minds.

Keep a List of Necessary Information

• Have order information available where the audience can get the book such as at local or national Christian bookstores, general trade bookstores, Amazon.com or from IVP.
• Mention to the listeners that you will be giving them this information in a few seconds so they can get ready to write the number down.

Speak Clearly

• Avoid ums and ain'ts. Take your time and formulate your words and grammar carefully and thoughtfully. Talk at a pace that lets the audience absorb what you are saying.
• Maintain a sound-bite mentality. Use complete sentences that can stand on their own and make a point.

Look at the Host

• If you're on television, avoid looking at the cameras. Talk to the host as if you're in your own living room.
• Relax and be yourself. No one expects you to be perfect, just friendly and informative.

Clothes for Television

• Check with the producer (or your publicist) about whether the show is pants-and-shirt casual or suit-and-tie professional. Avoid sharply contrasted patterns and colors. Soft medium colors are advised. Keep your jewelry simple and uncluttered and avoid heavy makeup.

Be Aware of Your Audience

Think about how the audience is hearing what you're saying. One producer suggested that you stay away from:

• absolutes, e.g., "All women . . ."
• aggressive delivery, e.g., "You men make things so difficult . . ."
• condescending phrases
• stereotypes

Keep in mind the perspective of the person driving in his or her car or listening at home who is asking, "Why should I listen to this?" and "What can I learn from this person?" As KTIS host Todd Friel says, "Say things that will educate, encourage, energize and inspire the audience."

Follow-Up

• Find out if you can get a tape of the show. Watch or listen to it carefully to figure out what you can do better next time.
• Write a note or email the producer and host, thanking them for the interview. Let them know that you are available for another interview and would be glad to talk with them again.

How to Contact Krista

Please submit all questions and comments to Krista.