Publishing E-Books For Dummies

Being Interviewed on a Blog

Sometimes, instead of guest posting, bloggers invite you to be interviewed on their sites. Usually, the interview takes the form of a text interview. (For information about audio interviews, see the later section “Being Interviewed on a Podcast.”) The bloggers send you a list of questions, and you provide answers.

You normally have the option to veto or edit questions that don’t fit perfectly, and the host bloggers may even ask you to suggest questions or areas you want to cover. You may want to provide them with standard information about you in advance, perhaps sending your book information sheet or basic biographical facts. Offer a free copy of your e-book — the host bloggers may have neither the time nor the inclination to read it, but if they do, it can make for a great interview.

Book bloggers sometimes interview authors, and they may even be willing to review your book and interview you. If so, jump at the chance! Yes, granting an interview is extra work, but by placing yourself and your book in front of the blog’s readers twice, you increase the possibility that they’ll remember you and buy your book.

Large blogs are less likely to interview up-and-coming authors, preferring to focus on established writers. To follow best practices, avoid asking for an interview unless the blog hosts have specified that they’re looking for people ...