Customer Reviews

Talk Radio Wants You: An Intimate Guide to 700 Shows and How to Get Invited

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Imagine being able to sit down with a coffee and discuss with hundreds of radio hosts what their shows are about and what kind of guests they'd like to book. You can do just that with Francine Silverman's new book Talk Radio Wants You: An Intimate Guide to 700 Shows and How to Get Invited. I have paid $300 or more for talkradio show databases that had far less information than Francine presents in her highly-competivitely priced book. Broken down into top-level categories, you can browse for shows in your genre, including Politics, Health & Fitness, Food, Sports, Self-Help, Women's issues, and even Authors. I would expect most people can find a dozen hot prospects for making their pitch in under half-an-hour, that is if you can stop yourself from endlessly browsing the fascinating entries! Francine doesn't stop with AM/FM, also included are Satellite radio and Podcasts, which can reach thousands of interested listeners you would never get from terrestrial radio. Each entry includes critical info such as desired guests, host bio, and full contact info so you can tailor your pitch perfectly I can't recommend this book strongly enough for any author who wants to get into this high-profile, low-cost method of marketing.

Only a couple of downsides to mention: if you're looking for Gay & Lesbian, Military/Veteran, or Science-Fiction oriented shows you will not find enough listings to make it worthwhile. Also, I feel like the "What is your guest from hell?" entries were a bit repetitive. Everyone knows that hosts want an articulate, on-time, and well-spoken guest. If I know Francine, she will amend these in future editions.

Book desperately needs an update. Do not buy this book in late 2011 and expect it to be accurate. I used it at first, got some results, but kept getting bounce backs from the email addresses in the book. 40% are now out of date. Great book for 2008, not so much for 2011 or 2012. I made my own list of 300 business radio shows and will share it with you if you like.... Francine, contact me and I will help with the next edition!

This book has been a huge timesaver in terms of researching radio shows both for myself and for my clients who are promoting their books. I do agree with the previous reviewer that (1) the Guest From Hell sections are repetitive and a no-brainer and (2) it is missing some genres, but overall, an excellent resource. Highly recommended--and worth the hefty price tag. I hope the author will revise this regularly.