3 Tips to Help You Secure that Elusive Media Interview

Readers love stories about people. Because readers love stories about people, newspapers, magazines, online publications, and websites love stories about people. If you’re trying to break into these markets, a few well-written profile pieces can be a great way to grab an editor’s attention.

But in order to write an article or profile piece, you first must secure an interview.

Here are three tips for how to bag that elusive media interview:

1. Email through a person’s website

Most websites have a Contact me link or page. Sometimes the website will have an online form you can fill out that includes your contact information and your question. This is the place to paste a carefully-worded request for an interview, called a pitch email. Remember, even though you’re filling in boxes on a website, you should treat this as formal correspondence.

In the letter, include the following information:

• When you need an interview (your time frame)
• What publication you’re representing. If you’re a freelancer unassociated with a particular publication, say so.
• What angle you plan to cover (slant/focus)
• How much time the interview will take.
• When the story will be published
• Anything that sets you apart for doing the interview.
• Your experience
• Any point of connection

2. Through a publicist

Publicists are great, because they get paid to book publicity opportunities. They know an article in a local paper or website in advance of an event can provide much-needed exposure and raise the number of attendees.

Speakers want people to attend their events. Musicians want fans to come to their concerts. Writers want readers to purchase their books. If you hear a well-known personality’s coming to town for an event, reach out to their publicist and ask for an interview. A publicist’s information is usually displayed on a celebrity’s website.

I’ve secured many interviews in advance of an event by contacting the local sponsor and asking for the name of the publicist or contact person handling the arrangements. Sometimes the local contact is even willing to reach out on my behalf to request an interview. It’s in their best interest to ensure that the event is well-publicized and attended, so they’re usually motivated to help get the word out.

3. Through personal connections.

I secured an interview with Jack Easterby, the character coach of the New England Patriots, through David, a dental patient of mine. David suggested that Jack would be a great person to feature in Reach Out, Columbia, the regional magazine I edit. “I agree,” I said, “but how in the world would I get an interview with him?”

“His father is in my Sunday School class,” David said. “I’d be glad to ask him if he’d connect you.”

True to his word, David reached out to Jack’s father, who emailed Jack. Imagine my surprise when he agreed to grant us an interview the next time he was in town. The resulting interview generated so much material that we featured him in a two-part series on the role of sports in Christian families.

You never know who knows someone famous. Keep your ears open in conversation and don’t be afraid to ask people to connect you. I was surprised to discover that a man in my Bible study is the grandson of one of the women who started the Vera Bradley company. I haven’t asked for an interview yet, but I plan to.

After you’ve reached out through one or more of these avenues, give it some time, then follow up. Be polite but persistent. If you’re speaking with an administrative assistant or secretary but haven’t gotten a response, ask if there might be a time in the future when the person’s schedule might be lighter, then check back then. Don’t be discouraged if they don’t say yes right away. Some interviews take months to set up.

Above all, pray. Ask God to open doors you could never open on your own. Ask him to help your request find favor with the person who will read it. Ask him to direct you to the people and stories he wants you to write. If you surrender your writing life to him, he will guide your path.

Lori Hatcher is the editor of Reach Out, Columbia magazine and the author of several devotional books. Hungry for God … Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women won the 2016 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year award. Her most recent book, Refresh Your Faith – Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible is due out in the spring of 2020. A blogger, writing instructor, and inspirational speaker, her goal is to help women connect with God in the craziness of life. You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog, Hungry for God. . . Starving for Time . Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter (@LoriHatcher2), or Pinterest (Hungry for God).