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This looks like a great resource, but I found that when I was on radio they wouldn't allow mention of a website. That's a problem as an independent author as the books are generally only available online. Maybe that will change but I certainly found the Australian national shows didn't want to give out websites - which meant I didn't see any uptick in sales from radio.
One tip I have is to make sure you record it your end as well as sometimes they don't keep the recording and you have no evidence of it later. If you use skype with pamela or ecamm to call in you can record high quality. Clearly you'll need to ask if you want to use it yourself in a podcast etc.
Thanks, Joanna
Posted by: Thecreativepenn | February 23, 2011 at 01:32 AM
Hmmm. I have been on more than 650 radio talk shows and not one station has ever asked me not to give my Website or the title of my book. So, I'm thinking that the Australian national shows that "don't want" you to mention your Website may be the exception and not the rule. It's been my experience that most talk show hosts understand that in exchange for the content that you provide for their listeners by being on the show, a mention of the book title and the Website is common practice.
Having been the Associate Producer of Dr. John Gray's Mars/Venus Talk Show for five years, I was always scrambling for guests. Talk show hosts NEED you and you need them. I would think twice about being on a talk show that prohibited the mention of my Website or book title. I'm more than willing to spend my time providing great content for their show but it's not a one-way street.
Since most interviews are live, I think I would consider slipping my Website in my closing comment. Do it with finesse! AND do not overdo it. If I am being interviewed about my personal relationship book, "How to Really Love the One You're With," I usually close by saying, "This is Larry James reminding you to Celebrate Love." I pause briefly and quickly add "Dot com!" Wheew! Got another plug in for my website and it was the last thing they heard me say. ;-)
Posted by: Larry James | February 23, 2011 at 01:16 PM
Thank you Joanna and Larry for sharing your experiences. It sounds like there may be some differences in how radio shows work in different countries, and Larry is sharing his perspective from doing radio in the U.S.
Can anyone else chime in with their personal experience?
Posted by: Dana Lynn Smith | February 23, 2011 at 04:23 PM
I'm a huge fan of doing radio interviews for book promotion. When it comes to mentioning your website link, I think the key is to find a way to naturally work it into your conversation. I always develop my own list of talking points so that I am prepared to give thoughtful answers, and those include stories and examples that lead to my website! I have also conducted free give-aways and pre-approved it with the show host/producer so that they actually set me up to mention an offer on my website.
On another note, I think that many authors under-utilize the opportunities on internet radio shows (via wsradio.com, blogtalkradio.com, etc.). These can be as good as traditional drive time radio, if not better, because they typically promote you online before and after the interview, and you usually get much more air time.
Incidentally, I'm working on launching a new radio tour program in the coming months. There are lots of opportunities for authors in this arena!
Posted by: Stephanie Chandler | February 24, 2011 at 08:11 AM
Stephanie, thanks so much for sharing your experience and tips, and do let me know when you launch your radio tour program.
I agree that online radio can be effective, especially because the audience may be more targeted. Because it's so easy to start a show on Blog Talk Radio, there are a lot of shows that have few listeners. Be sure to ask how many listeners the show has and also consider how well the potential audience fits with your target market. A relatively small audience that's a great fit for your book may be better than a larger general audience.
Posted by: Dana Lynn Smith | February 24, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Although I've read many times that using the radio can be a great way to promote a book, I am still wondering if this is true for fiction authors (especially for fantasy authors like myself).
Recently I have been approached by my publisher to create a radio add for online radios (including Oprah's). It is now in the making and I am anxious to see if my efforts and investments in the mater will bear fruits. Has anybody had experience with adds rather than talk-shows?
Posted by: EPMarcellin | February 26, 2011 at 07:18 PM
Thank you! As always your newsletter is loaded with great possibilities -- for fiction writers that's always a problem to promote, or so it seems. I think you got it covered though = )
Billie
Posted by: Mystery Author Billie A Williams | June 14, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Thanks Billie. I know that fiction marketing is a challenge and I'm always on the lookout for tips and resources for novelists. By the way, great use of your "mystery author" title in your comment signature!
Posted by: Dana Lynn Smith | June 14, 2011 at 11:54 AM
What a great resource, Dana and Larry. I just downloaded the file, and I'm looking forward to adding this protocol to my arsenal for book marketing. Dana - I love your newsletter...one of the few that I subscribe to.
Posted by: MEAndersFit | June 15, 2011 at 02:07 PM
Thanks so much MEAndersFit, and good luck with your book!
Posted by: Dana Lynn Smith | June 15, 2011 at 02:53 PM
Hi,
Thank you for the pdf and all your comments. I'm getting ready for my first radio interview in a series of 20 and am grateful for your words from wisdom and experience.
My book, Healing Your Hungry Heart: recovering from your eating disorder comes out Monday, the same day as my first two radio interviews.
It's wonderful for me to be able to learn from you as I approach crossing this new threshold.
Thank you again.
Posted by: Joanna Poppink | July 30, 2011 at 01:47 PM
Joanna, thank you so much and I wish you much success with your new book!
Posted by: Dana Lynn Smith | July 30, 2011 at 05:13 PM
This was a fantastic article. I suggest listening to as many radio shows out there as possible. ESPECIALLY THE GOOD ONES! Then see what their target audience is so you can sort out before contacting the radio show. Personally, I am a big fan of the Book Report which airs for me here in Los Angeles on KFWB 980AM on Sundays at nine.. but I believe you can check out archives at bookreportradio.com
That type of show reaches a wide audience and has ALL different types of books and hits so many viewers. Plus I think the host Elaine Charles is easily accessible ( she's emailed me back pretty quickly). I absolutely adore her radio talk and all the guests she has on her show are just wonderful.
Posted by: Constance | November 28, 2011 at 05:18 PM
Thanks so much for sharing, Constance.
Posted by: Dana Lynn Smith | November 28, 2011 at 06:26 PM