The results of working so hard to get your book "out there" is starting to pay off. The book is selling well, and radio hosts and podcasters are contacting you to do an interview.

Writing the book is one thing, but giving an intervew? There is a definite art form to giving an entertaining and interesting interview. You may have to practice with a friend before the actual event, and in fact that is probably a good idea if you've never given a speech or presentation in front of people.

Although it is just you and the interviewer, inevitably the tongue gets twisted and your pulse begins to race. It's natural! It's a whole new experience and something that you will need to get used to if you plan on being a successful writer.

Here are my tips to a great interview:

RELAX

You don't want to be hyperventilating into the phone or microphone when talking about your book. Keep a glass of water nearby so that you can take sips of water in between answers. This keeps you from having that sound of cotton mouth that we all know so well! Do some deep breathing and allow the host to guide the conversation.

LISTEN

Don't try to jump the gun on answering a question. Listen carefully to the host and you may want to pause just for a moment before speaking. That will help you not to step on your interviewer's question.

PRETEND THE HOST IS YOUR BEST FRIEND

Pretend the host is your best friend. Pretend that he/she doesn't know anything at all about this book and speak about it in a professional, casual tone. Be sure to address the 5 W's: Who, What, When Where and Why.

IT'S OKAY TO LAUGH AT JOKES AND PUNS ETC.!

Most people feel that interviews should be serious serious serious! If the host cracks a joke, laugh politely.

PACE YOUR ANSWERS TO MATCH THE HOST'S QUESTIONS

If you're host is talking fairly slow, then match that. It may be difficult, but the interview will sound odd if you are racing through your answers and the host is trying to set a pace that is different from yours.

BE YOURSELF!

Don't try to change your personality to be something it isn't! The whole purpose of doing an interview is to let your authentic self shine through! There have been many times when I've heard an author speak and because I enjoyed their banter and sense of humor so much, I've gone out to buy the book!

PLUG PLUG PLUG PLUG!

It may seem like you're repeating your website address or book title a million times, but mention key information such as this as often as possible. Your host will also try to get your advertising in as well. Make sure your websites are spic and span and ready before you give the interview so that your radio audience can go in and find the link of where to buy your book easily. THIS IS KEY!

Finally, as the conversation winds down, thank the host for having you on. And, after you go home, send a note to him/her and let them know what a great job they did and how much you appreciate them having you on. It's good manners and it's the truth, right?

If you have questions about interviews that I didn't address here, be sure and drop me a line. I'd love to hear from you.