When it comes to conducting radio interviews, I always provide radio programs with my media sheet, which includes sample interview questions as well as short and long bios about me. This helps the host prepare for the interview, and makes sure they have the most up-to-date information available.
Not every host will use your proposed interview questions, though in my experience, many are grateful to receive this information. Simply send it along once you’ve booked an engagement and be prepared for anything. The host may ask you a few questions from your list or none at all. Radio guests should be prepared to take curve balls!
Your media sheet doesn’t need to be fancy, though including some graphic elements will help it stand out. I use a simple header with my photo, book covers and website URLs. The document is created and maintained in Word, though I save it as a PDF before sending it along. As a general rule, PDF documents look more professional. PDFs can also be read across all kinds of platforms including PC, Mac and mobile phones.
The example I’ve included on the following pages is a media sheet I’ve used for years, based on one of my earlier books (From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur). I’ve conducted countless interviews on this topic and this media sheet has always been well-received. Also note that I continue to update it over the years so that it has the most current bio information.
Sample Media Sheet
Brief Bio:
Stephanie Chandler is an author of several business and marketing books including From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur: Make Money with Books, eBooks and Information Products (John Wiley & Sons) and LEAP! 101 Ways to Grow Your Business (Career Press).
Stephanie is also founder and CEO of AuthorityPublishing.com, which specializes in custom book publishing for non-fiction books. A frequent speaker at business events and on the radio, she has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, BusinessWeek, Inc, Wired Magazine, and many other media outlets.
Sample Interview Questions:
What is an Infopreneur?
What is information marketing?
What are some ways that I can use information to benefit my existing business?
How can I come up with ideas for my products?
I have so many product ideas. How do I know which ones to work on first?
What is the difference between an ebook and a special report?
How hard is it to create an ebook?
What if you don’t like to write?
Can we talk about other types of products—teleseminars, tips booklets, workbooks, classes?
Should I be paying attention to the competition?
How should I price my products?
What are some ways to market my info products?
What are the keys to info product success?
Can you recommend some resources for those just getting started?
Extended Bio:
Stephanie Chandler began her career in the fast-paced Silicon Valley, reaping the rewards of the Dot Com Boom, and surviving the turmoil of the Dot Com Bust. When she developed an ulcer before her 30th birthday, she knew it was time for a complete lifestyle change.
Chandler fled corporate America in 2003 and opened a 2800-square foot bookstore in Sacramento, CA. She began studying online marketing strategies and the techniques she used quickly put her store website in the top three on Google, giving her business a competitive edge. A passion for internet marketing was born.
Chandler launched BusinessInfoGuide.com, a directory of resources for entrepreneurs in 2004 and began writing business and marketing books. After building her bookstore into a successful operation, she sold the business and later launched Authority Publishing, a custom book publisher and marketing company.
Books By Stephanie Chandler:
- Booked Up! How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Book to Grow Your Business (Authority Publishing, October 2010)
- LEAP! 101 Ways to Grow Your Business (Career Press, September 2009)
- The Author’s Guide to Building an Online Platform: Leveraging the Internet to Sell More Books (Quill Driver Books, June 2008)
- From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur: Make Money with Books, eBooks and Information Products (John Wiley & Sons, Dec 2006)
- The Business Startup Checklist and Planning Guide: Seize Your Entrepreneurial Dreams! (Aventine Press, September 2005)
Contact:
Details here include physical mailing address, phone numbers, and e-mail address. If an assistant or other representative handles initial media contacts, include their information here.
Websites:
- Custom Book Publishing & Marketing: www.AuthorityPublishing.com
- Author & Speaker Information: www.StephanieChandler.com
- Resources for Entrepreneurs: www.BusinessInfoGuide.com
- Blog: www.BusinessInfoGuide.com/blog
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/bizauthor
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorStephanieChandler
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniechandler
Download the Sample Media Sheet.
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Wow! Looks like you covered all the bases. Even the attachment/pdf download looks like a pretty simple document. However, it is very helpful for the prospective radio interviewer and even for online Teleseminars, etc.
Hi Stephanie, Yes, these media lists are hugely helpful for radio AND online teleseminars. I was just coaching one of our new authors who is about to embark on her first radio tour and another point we discussed is that preparing your questions–along with a separate document that includes your answers–helps you feel really prepared for the interview. Thanks for your note!
What a super great tool, thank you!
What do you think about adding a media sheet to your website? From the way you have yours written I see how it could influence search engine ranking, especially for building quality external links.
Thanks again, Stephanie.
Your work has always been an inspiration. You show where it comes from.
Hi Sonya,
I LOVE the idea of adding your media sheet to your website. It would be great for SEO, plus helpful for media pros.
Thank you also for the wonderful compliment–itis greatly appreciated. I strive to deliver useful content with authenticity online, which happens to be the topic of my next book due out in early 2012! All the best to you!
This article is REALLY good. By the way I discovered you on Twitter. I am still learning the ropes as an author and self-publisher.
Could you give a quick critique of my “media sheet” I’ve been using for a few months now? I’m a newbie to the professional way of doing things and I would like to know if this is effective or if you could suggest some improvements.
http://www.allontape.com/Media_Appearances_Flyness.pdf
This is an awesome article for anyone preparing themselves for radio interviews. Especially, those without a publicist. I like the PDF idea. It makes perfect sense to create a PDF of your media sheet with all the devices that people use to read or surf on the internet.
@Stephanie, I’m not sure how a media sheet would help with your SEO (get found on the internet). If you want to help with your SEO, use keywords pertaining to your book in the title and description (content as well). Make sure that they are all different- all unique. But I can see how it does help with the location of your media sheet which is important to the press.
Follow Me on Twitter: @Courage2Believe – My new book is coming soo…The Courage To Believe.
Hi Kevin, When posted online, your PDF document can also be found by Google and therefore provide a slight boost to your SEO strategy. Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie, I was so thankful that you provided this info when I interviewed you a few months ago. It DOES help! It’s much harder to interview someone who says “Oh, you can just ask me anything you want.”
That’s great to hear, Brian. Thank you!