When I published my first book as a new author in 2005, I never imagined the positive response I would receive from the Media. I wasn't seeking the media spotlight, but I quickly learned to appreciate media exposure as a gift. It is simply the fastest way to build your author platform and gain visibility for your book and business for free.

This type of exposure — TV, print (and online) magazines, podcasts, radio, and newspapers will help you magnify your message, build your credibility, and promote your books, products, programs, and services at lightning speed.

I was interviewed as a guest on CNN, TODAY, Good Morning America, Bloomberg, BBC News, US News & World Report, and featured in Oprah, TIME, PEOPLE, Real Simple magazines, and hundreds of other media outlets for over a decade. I learned the ins and outs of performing your best in the media spotlight.

Here’s how to make the most of your interview when the Media calls YOU!

Tip 1: ASK! The #1 question to ask TV producers (or any media outlet) BEFORE you answer their questions during a pre-interview is: “What is the angle of the story? And, what do you hope  to achieve with this segment?”

Tip 2: What to wear? Ditch fancy patterns and wear earth tones (green, blue, and brown).

Tip 3: Bring extra copies of your book even if you shipped copies ahead of time to the TV Show.

Tip 4: Before your TV interview, ask the producer where she would like you to look — directly at the host, TV lens, news desk…

Tip 5: Seize the 60 seconds to speak with the TV host as you are being mic'd. Don't waste time chit-chatting about the weather. This is a golden opportunity to share important information with the host. This is the perfect time to mention that you're a #1 Amazon bestselling author, and you have three key points that will benefit their viewers right now!

Tip 6: Don't be promotional on TV. Gracefully weave your book title (website, business name, program) into an answer to a question that the TV host asks you.

Tip 7: If the TV host goes off on a tangent… watch out! Your 2 minutes in the spotlight will be over in a snap, and you will not get the results you were hoping for. The best way to handle this is to acknowledge what she said and steer the conversation back to where you need it to go.

I hope these tips help you shine in your moment in the Media Spotlight.

Tamara

P.S. Need help getting booked in the Media Spotlight without an expensive publicist?

Here’s a gift for you! It’s my SIMPLE fill-in-the-blank Media Pitch Email Template + Guide you can use to land media opportunities right now! Please join me on my Author-to-Income Facebook page and let me know if you have questions (tag me!), and most importantly, let me know when you land a media interview. You can do it!