Just like article ideas, people to interview are everywhere. It's professional, and the smart thing to do, to contact people for an interview before you've obtained your article assignment. Why? So you can use their names in your query letter. Tell your contact, "I'm proposing an article on such-and-such subject and was hoping you'd be available for an interview once the article is assigned." Most experts understand that magazines, unlike the urgency found with newspapers, can take weeks or months to assign an article to a writer. I've contacted experts about an interview who I didn't get back to for six months or longer.
Where do you find interesting people to interview? Here are some options:
People you know: You better believe that everyone in my life is a potential interviewee. How many times have you talked to a family member, co-worker, friend, etc... and been fascinated by their knowledge of a subject? Ka- ching! Could you write an article about their area of expertise? Since I write parenting articles, I've quoted many parents I know.
Experts in your community: Do you live near a university, business, medical research facility, nonprofit organization, club, or other organization that you could tap for experts to interview? People love to talk about what they do. Don't be afraid to approach them. If they say no, contact the next potential source on your list. As long as you are respectful of their time (I've done five minute interviews), I've rarely been turned down for an interview. Don't take it personally if they refuse--they may just be having a bad day or find being interviewed stressful.
Book authors: Since I am a book author myself, I know how hard it is to get the word out about a book. Authors appreciate any free publicity and are thrilled to have their book title mentioned in an article. You can find author contact information on their website, by Googling their name or book title, or by contacting their publisher.
Network, network, network: It's possible that someone in your circle of acquaintances knows a great person for you to interview. Speak up and let others know what experts you're looking for. You can also send out a general email to acquaintances and see who responds to your request.
Another option is to join a club or organization (a writing group, the Chamber of Commerce, an athletic club) and ask other members if they know someone who is knowledgeable about your query topic.
Profnet.com: ProfNet, https://profnet.prnewswire.com/, was created in 1992 to connect reporters and writers easily and quickly with expert sources for free. Short for professional network, Profnet has led me to wonderful experts to interview. Once you register, click on the Journalist button and submit your request for interview subjects. I often hear from more experts than I need within 24 hours of putting in a request.
Excerpted from: GET YOUR ARTICLES PUBLISHED! Over 100 Tips, Exercises, and Techniques to Sell Your Nonfiction Articles
Get Your Articles Published! includes a Free Query Letter Review with purchase. To buy the complete version of this 62-page workbook, in print ($12.95 + shipping) or ebook ($7.95) form, contact the author at: melaniebowden@earthlink.net
Melanie Bowden has been freelancing for magazines and websites since 1999. Her articles have appeared in over 100 publications including Vibrant Life, Jugglezine, Parents' Monthly, and Writers Weekly. Melanie teaches magazine writing classes, coaches writers, and speaks to writing and parenting groups. Her book Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me? True Stories of New Motherhood was published in 2006. Visit Melanie's blog at: http://motherhood.booklocker.com.
