Media Interview Preparation Checklist for Self-Published Authors: Tips to Promote Your Book with Confidence

Updated: August 15, 2025

Congratulations! You’ve lined up an interview with a media outlet. Now you’ll get to share information about you and your brand, connect with new potential readers, broaden your network, and deepen your knowledge of promoting a book. 

These days, there’s a good chance you won’t even need to leave the comfort of your own home to do that. But before you get too comfortable, there are a few key things to keep in mind before, during, and after your interview that will ensure a smooth and successful experience.

Prepare Accordingly

While it can be very exciting to secure an interview with the media, don't let that distract you from all of the preparation you'll need to do beforehand to make it the best experience possible. As soon as you have an interview scheduled, you'll want to begin your behind-the-scenes work. 

• Know the Audience: Is this for a newsletter, a college newspaper, a literary blog, or a book-themed podcast? Whatever the venue, take a deeper look at who'll be reading or listening to that particular outlet. Prepare your approach accordingly.
• Get to Know Your Host's Interview Style: If you haven’t already, brush up on their interview style by listening to or watching recent interviews they’ve conducted. Finalize your talking points, and make sure you’ve rehearsed the main topics you’d like to get across during the interview while also being flexible and conversational.
• Understand Their Reach: Before you start an interview, find out how far the outlet’s influence extends and who they’re speaking to. A local radio station with a small-town audience requires a different tone and emphasis than a national book podcast with tens of thousands of listeners.

Clarify the Details

This is a prime promotional opportunity, so you want to be sure that everything is lined up as it should be for your interview. Get the following information in writing:  

• • Date, time, and location of the interview
  • Format
  • Length of the interview
  • List any topics that are off limits for discussion
  • Whether or not you'll receive the interview questions in advance

Do Your Homework

As you prepare for your big day, take some time in the days and weeks before your interview to organize your main talking points. You'll also want to be sure that you've anticipated some of the main questions you're likely to be asked. 

• Have Your Book's Hook Ready: Be able to describe your book in one to two sentences in such a way that the audience can't wait to read it. Introduce your main character, touch on the central struggle they face, and keep things concise and to the point. 
• Anticipate Common Questions: Have (engaging) answers at the ready for questions you're most likely to be asked. Practice, but don't memorize, your answers.
  • "What inspired you to write this book?"
  • "What is your writing process?"
  • "What are you working on now?"

Do a “Tech Check” 

It's more than likely that you'll be participating in your interview virtually. Because of this, it's best to do a “tech check” beforehand to make sure your sound and video (if you'll be on camera) are working correctly.  

Make sure you're familiar with the platform you'll be using for the interview, and make time for a practice run or two.

Your interview should take place in a quiet spot. If you’re on camera, don’t forget to consider your surroundings. It should be a quiet, well-lit area with a clean background to minimize distractions. Keep decor to a minimum, maybe some simple artwork, or a clutter-free bookshelf works well. Important: Make sure your internet connection, microphone, and camera are all working properly before the interview begins.

Relate to Your Audience

Though you’ll want to talk about your book – and you should – be sure to relate your talking points to the audience in order to connect with them and make the most of your appearance. If you were a listener, what would you want to learn from listening to your interview?

• If your interview is in person, you’ll want to maintain eye contact with your interviewer—not the camera.
• However, if your television interview is virtual, make sure you do look into the camera the entire time to maintain the connection. Your host and the audience will feel like you're having a direct conversation with them and will be more likely to relate to and remember what you said.
• Present yourself as approachable—practice confident body language, a welcoming demeanor, and dress appropriately for your brand and audience. 

Have a Call-to-Action Ready

This interview is your chance to introduce a new audience to you and your work. Don't be shy—let them know what you want them to do after the interview. Keep your calls to action simple and and easy to remember: 

• Buy your book: tell them where it's for sale—and consider offering a special promo for listeners/viewers if they buy from your website 
• Follow you on social media: share your preferred social platforms, your handles, and ask for a follow
• Visit your website: make them aware of any bonus content or extras you may have available on your author website
• Sign up for your newsletter: this is a great way to capture their contact information and keep them interested in your brand

Keep Promoting…Even After the Interview

Once the interview is out, your work isn't done. You've gotten the word out—now you need to keep people interested. That includes your interviewer, your followers, and everyone who was a part of the interview audience. 

• Send a thank you to the interviewer: let them know how much you enjoyed your interview and how appreciative you are of the opportunity. Leave a good impression—you never know when they might want to have you back again. 
• Share the interview on your platforms: share with your network, both personal and professional. Use keywords and/or hashtags that ensure you're also reaching other potential readers in your chosen genre. 
• Tag the interviewer and outlet to boost visibility: getting the word out about your appearance will not only help you, but it'll also give a boost to the media outlet. Fans of that outlet may also discover you and become new readers. 

With these tips in mind, you'll ace your next media interview—and might even become a regular guest! Each time you participate, you'll become more comfortable and confident, growing your skills and building valuable connections for your author career. Remember, every interview is a new opportunity to share your story, attract more readers, and strengthen your presence in the publishing world. Embrace each experience, continue refining your approach, and let your passion for your book shine through—you never know how far your next interview might take you.