Radio Station Checklist
"Stuff" You Need to Know & Do BEFORE You Go On The Air!
By Larry James

Below is a checklist of things to do to prepare for radio interviews. Larry James is a professional speaker and author of four books and has done hundreds of media interviews around the country. Check out his website for other information useful to authors: www.celebratelove.com

Setting up the interview:

• Date of initial call?
• Radio station call letters?
• Frequency (AM or FM)?
• Complete address?
• Phone number (and Fax)?
• Number to call in case of emergency (sudden cancellation)?
• Will they call YOU or will YOU call them (Very important to know)?
• Host's name? Will there be more than one?
• Producer's name and email address?
• Best time to reach the producer by phone?
• Format of station (Talk, rock, country...)?
• Demographics (Audience mix)?
• Date of interview?
• Time of interview (Get the time zone correct)?
• Length of interview?
• Web site address (Check site before interview)
• Will there be call-ins?
• Ask if it's ok to give 800 number to buy book.
• Would host like several books to give away BEFORE the interview?
• Would host like recorded sample? (Do this by telephone, i.e..,"Hi this is Larry James, author of... Listen for some stimulating conversation about relationships on the so and so show this Monday at 9pm.)
• Ask if they have a bookstore sponsor? (Call to make sure your book will be on hand)
• Ask if they will record interview and send you a copy.
• Ask if there are any specific DO's and DON'Ts for their station.

What to SEND the Host:

• Letter of confirmation (date and time).
• Bio.
• Copies of your book(s).
• Book marks (or other promo giveaway).
• Sample questions for the host.
• Sheet of paper with your book title, 800 number, email and web site address.
• Endorsement list for your book (Other talk show hosts or celebrities).
• A brief preview of what's in the book.
• A business card.
• Newsletter, news release, articles written about you.

Be prepared, i.e., have your "cheat sheets" and book(s) in front of you. Be sure to have answers (brief) written out for the sample questions you sent the host. Most radio interviews are by phone. If you go to the studio, take your "stuff" with you. Answer questions mentioning you book every so often, for example: "As in my book, How To Really Love The One You're With, blah, blah, blah. OR, "I'm sure your listeners will want to know where to get a SINGED copy of my book... Always say your best stuff first. If your interview went well, ask for a praise comment from the host. The best time to ask for this is IMMEDIATELY after the interview.

If you know speaker/authors who would be a good fit for the show you were on, refer your friend to the host/producer. then, call your friend and give them the lead. In your thank you to the host, include their name(s) and phone number.

Copyright © MCMXCVIII Larry James. Larry can be reached by email at: larryjames@celebratelove.com