One of my clients was contacted by reporters recently and he asked me if it was appropriate to send reporters a list of questions for the interview.
Here’s how I responded.
Yes, you can list 7-10 questions that you’d like to be asked.
That’s a common practice for authors, especially for radio hosts.
Some reporters will use them, some will use them as a starting point and jump off to whatever interests them (which is good for both of you), and some won’t look at them because they have their own ideas (which is fine too).
Think of these questions as a FAQ.
That should get you started.
For example:
1. Why did you write this book?
2. Why are you the best person to write this book?
3. What is a spiritual vacation?
4. How does it differ from traditional vacations?
5. Can you have a spiritual vacation with a family or can it be done alone or as a couple?
6. Where are the best places to go for a spiritual vacation?
7. What are some inexpensive places to go if you are on a budget?
That’s just for starters.
Use your creativity to take these examples and make them your own.
Save time
Great questions and this sounds like a great book, too, Dan. I want to know the answer to question number 5. Will Max share it here on the blog?
Realize also, as much as sample questions may help reporters, and many will use them, other reporters will take offense to you sending them a list of questions. Instead, offer fewer questions as a “courtesy,” but don’t be surprised if they only use their own, or even change their minds to do the interview because of this hint of “control.”
This is less likely to happen when conducting an interview about a book that doesn’t look into a controversial life story or historical event, but as soon as I read the question, I looked at it much like someone who would ask for a reporter’s questions ahead of time, which most certainly leads to a “no.” (In the latter case, you may ask for the line of questioning, especially when you didn’t pitch a story, but don’t expect to receive questions…just be prepared for said topic.)