PRODUCTS SEEN ON TV
Products seen on TV — yes, not a very appetizing way of describing your latest masterpiece, but a fair description of how the media sees the arts. Set your preconceptions aside for a moment, and think of the publicity that will result if you project a proper enthusiasm for your work. Local TV is continually on the look out for interesting guests on chat shows etc., and you will fit the bill if you:
have some accomplishments to your name: you've published collections, given talks and signings.
your latest book is topical, of particular interest to the local community and/or has received rave reviews in national outlets.
come across as a lively personality.
You need to do three things:
send out a television news release — like a press release but containing a complete media kit particularly emphasizing your public performances and any previous radio or TV appearances. It should include a routing box listing the News Director, Lifestyle Editor and Chat Show Hosts, all by name.
create and send out to all chat show hosts an "available for interview" sheet (see below).
call the chat show hosts directly, stressing your experience and availability at short notice (if the case: 'no shows' are often a problem).
The "available for interview" sheet will look like this:
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Once accepted, you must prepare carefully:
study the program: how guests are seated, dressed, how long they speak for. Learn from this, and if necessary practise before a mirror or the family to project a friendly but assured personality.
be word-perfect about your book: title, publisher, price, where available, general contents.
anticipate likely questions and have answers off pat.
type a few questions onto an index card and give this to the interviewer before the program.
bring an art board with the cover of your book and a couple of poems clearly printed. Give this to the director beforehand, to be held up during the show or used as fade-in or fade-out.
arrange for local bookshops to have sufficient copies of your book to sell once the interview is over.
be ready to answer telephone calls on the book and matters arising.
Above all, try to enjoy yourself, and communicate that pleasure at being in front of the camera.