How to Pitch Yourself as a Guest on Radio Shows – Plus Sample Radio Pitch
Radio interviews are one of my favorite promotion strategies for authors. Aside from the fact that you can almost always conduct them from home, you can also reach a broad audience with your message.
Internet radio shows, such as those found at BlogTalkRadio.com, provide wonderful opportunities for authors to reach a niche audience. Here you can find shows about everything from business blogging to parenting. Shows typically feature guests for 15 minutes up to a full hour, and archives can remain online for years.
To pitch yourself as a guest to radio shows, you can send a press release. However, press releases aren’t the only way to get media attention. I have found that sending a simple e-mail can be even more effective. Since I’m often asked how to do this, here’s a sample I put together to show you how to craft your media pitch.
* * * * *
Greetings <first name>,
My name is Stephanie Chandler and I am the author of Booked Up! How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Book to Grow Your Business. I have reviewed your show archives and I believe that I would be a great guest for your audience.
Proposed Topic: Marketing your business by writing and publishing books and ebooks.
Did you know that a recent survey showed that more than 80% of Americans would like to write a book? At the same time, businesses are looking for new marketing strategies and ways to stay competitive in a challenging economy. Promoting a business with a book can be a powerful way to gain a competitive advantage, and it’s easier to accomplish that you might think.
As a guest on your show, I would propose discussing the following key points:
- How businesses can use books for marketing purposes.
- Simple strategies for writing a book quickly.
- Publishing options including traditional and self-publishing.
- Options with ebooks for the Kindle, iPhone, iPad, Nook and more.
- Methods for building buzz online.
I have years of experience as a radio show guest and I can assure you that our time together will be well-spent and focused on delivering value to your audience. I would also be happy to provide you with sample interview questions and a complimentary copy of my book at your request.
Thank you very much for your consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Warm regards,
Stephanie Chandler
<insert contact information: e-mail, phone, website URL>
* * * * *
Some additional considerations:
- Always address the host or producer by name, if available.
- Write a compelling introduction that captures interest.
- Provide a simple list of three to five key discussion points.
- Mention previous interview experience since it increases confidence of the host or producer and lets them know you’ll be a good guest. If you don’t have previous experience, assure the host that your goal is to provide an informative interview for his/her audience.
- Offer to provide sample interview questions. Radio hosts may or may not use them, but it demonstrates professionalism to provide them. Make a list of eight to fifteen questions that you think the audience might like to know. Put these in a nicely formatted document and include a brief bio (that will likely be read on-air) and your contact information.
- Offer a complimentary copy of your book for review. This can help hook the producer or host and give them more reasons to talk about your book on air.
If you use the strategies recommended here, please check back in and post a comment to let us know how it worked for you!
Check out our lists of internet radio shows and podcasts! These are 
the ONLY media lists available that are dedicated to internet radio programs!