Customer Reviews

Talk Radio for Authors: Getting Interviews Across the U.S. and Canada

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3 star:		(1)
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The cover of the book gives the appearance of a "how to manual." It is not (just in case you think it may have ANY "how-to" in it). This is a directory (think "phone book") of "radio" talk shows, assuming that radio now means any ongoing recording or broadcast over the internet, terrestrial, and/or satellite. It is a personal collection of several shows the author has cultivated relationships with, but is by no means complete, nor anywhere near being so. Is it worth the investment? Yes. But I say that as an avid collector of knowledge, and not as a casual book buyer. If you are looking for a "how-to get on the radio" book, pick up Joe Sabah's "How to Get on Radio Talk Shows All Across America." THAT is a complete, step-by-step manual (which also comes with a database of over 900 terrestrial radio talk shows) on "how-to-do-it." THIS BOOK has the personal opinions of several hosts, all saying the same thing ("be fun, interesting, cheerfully answer ANY question we throw at you..."), and is a breakdown of "radio stations" (mostly internet radio)by categories. If this were 500 pages thicker, I would give it 5 stars. As it is, it is more of an overview than a required reference. I still recommend you buy it if you are at all serious about doing radio interviews. But do not buy it thinking that you will learn HOW to research, contact, pitch show ideas, or give good interviews. This is ONLY a listing of different places you may be interviewed, based on your target demographic. Use it as a springboard for more research, not as your "go to guide."

Francine Silverman's "Talk Radio for Authors" is a fine example of what a "how to book" should be. It is well written and organized in such a way that the reader need not wade through every chapter to get the information he or she needs.

The talk radio shows, both internet and terrestrial, are grouped in sections according to their themes, including programs dealing with authors and their craft, to ones on antiques and collectables, or others serving health enthusiast, animal lovers, hikers, or technophiles. Each show, its theme, its objective, and the type of guests it courts was described clearly and precisely.

However, the section I found most enlightening was the one discussing the hosts' opinions of the best and worst kind of guests. This section is a must for anyone who is about to be interviewed on a radio show. It could make the difference between selling yourself and your book or exposing yourself to the audience in an unfavorable light.

The appendixes that followed the main part of the book were almost as extensive and just as informative as the chapters that preceded them. The first was a concise list of radio show directories. The second listed authors who had appeared on radio shows and gave a brief description of their experiences and works. The third appendix contained the varied biographies of numerous radio hosts.

I also found the articles at the end of the book very useful, especially Laura Ramirez's Let the Guest Beware and Alex Carroll's Making Radio Interviews Really Pay.

This is a great reference book, and I will be referring to it often.

You should see my copy of this book. I have marked, highlighted, dog-earred, and put post-it notes on more than two dozen pages. This valuable resource for authors came in so handy for me when I was launching my book promotion campaign.

Fran's "how-to" book led me to multiple shows where I was interviewed. The contact info, theme, guest profile, comments from other guests who have been on the show were enlightening and gave me exactly what I needed to write my query letter. It is the most used directory in my library. I highly recommend this book.