Author interviews online are no longer a nice-to-have—they’re becoming an essential tool for author branding and book promotion. In 2024, more than 70% of readers discover new authors through digital media, especially video and podcast content, according to the Pew Research Center. With the dramatic rise of online book communities and niche literary platforms, virtual interviews give authors a way to build meaningful connections with readers and stand out in crowded genres.
Whether you’re launching your first novel or managing a prolific backlist, understanding how to prepare for, deliver, and leverage author interviews online can elevate your visibility and credibility. But performing well in online interviews takes more than just showing up—it requires strategy, practice, and knowing how to use each opportunity to build your audience.
This step-by-step guide will take you through everything from booking the right interviews to maximizing post-interview engagement, so you can make every feature count.
In This Article
- Finding the Right Platforms and Podcasts
- Prepping Your Messaging for Maximum Impact
- Tech Checks and Setup for Seamless Interviews
- Nailing Your Delivery and On-Camera Presence
- Engage the Host and Their Audience
- Post-Interview Strategies to Extend Engagement
- Reusing Your Online Interviews for Evergreen Marketing
- Paws and Reflect: Wrapping It Up
Finding the Right Platforms and Podcasts
When conducting author interviews online, your success starts with knowing where to show up. Not every platform is the right fit for your message, so targeting the platforms that speak directly to your audience is crucial. Think of it this way: an author of cozy mysteries may not get traction on a general self-help podcast, but a niche show that caters to mystery book clubs? That’s gold.
Begin by identifying where your readers hang out. If you’re a young adult fantasy author, that might include BookTok influencers, genre-specific YouTube booktubers, or podcasts dedicated to young adult fiction. For nonfiction writers, look into thought-leadership podcasts or theme-based Instagram Live series that explore your subject area.
How to Find the Right Fit
Use tools like Listen Notes, Podchaser, or Goodpods to search for podcasts by keywords like “author interview,” “debut novel,” or your subgenre. Check podcast ratings and scroll through past episodes to ensure relevance. It also helps to listen to at least one episode to get a feel for the host’s style and the type of guests they interview. This helps you tailor your pitch and position yourself as a valuable guest.
Author Jeanette Escudero found traction by targeting podcasts featuring Latina authors and legal thrillers—two elements central to her novel. Her interviews led directly to book club features and speaking invitations, all from platforms with under-the-radar but highly engaged audiences.
When you reach out, always write a brief but personalized pitch. Explain what value you’ll bring to their audience and why the timing makes sense—especially if you’re launching a book or sharing a unique personal journey.
Don’t dismiss newer or indie-run platforms. Their audiences are often loyal and more likely to act on recommendations. Over time, track your outreach process in a spreadsheet. This not only helps with follow-ups but streamlines future promotional campaigns as your author platform grows.
Prepping Your Messaging for Maximum Impact
Once you’ve booked your spot, the real prep begins. A standout author interview online hinges on how well you frame your story—not just your plot, but the story behind the story. The most memorable interviews leave audiences with a sense of who you are, what your work represents, and how they can connect with both.
Crafting Talking Points
Start by identifying three to five key themes that encapsulate your book and brand. This could include your personal journey to publication, genre-specific insights, a social message in your story, or even how you balance real life with writing. These themes act as mental anchors, so you’re not fumbling when the interviewer throws a curveball.
For example, historical fiction author Alma Katsu often threads security and psychological tension into her interviews—elements that mirror both her personal career in intelligence and the tone of her novels. This approach builds intrigue and resonates with both casual and genre-savvy readers.
Prepare answers to common questions such as:
- What inspired this book?
- How do you approach world-building or character development?
- What do you hope readers take away after finishing the book?
Don’t forget your call to action (CTA). Whether it’s directing listeners to your website, offering a limited-time preorder bonus, or inviting them to join your newsletter, decide on one primary CTA and integrate it naturally into your closing remarks or when prompted.
Practice aloud, but aim for a conversational tone. Over-rehearsing can make your delivery sound mechanical. And remember, genuine enthusiasm is often more captivating than a perfectly polished pitch.
Tech Checks and Setup for Seamless Interviews
Few things can derail the impact of author interviews online faster than technical glitches. It doesn’t matter how compelling your story is—if your audio is muffled or your camera keeps freezing, it’s hard for audiences to stay engaged. Fortunately, creating a professional virtual setup is easier than it sounds.
Build a Reliable Recording Environment
Start with sound. Invest in a reliable microphone—USB mics like the Blue Yeti or Samson Q2U are popular choices for authors and podcasters alike. Even for audio-only interviews, a quality mic elevates how seriously you’re perceived.
Balance that with your visual presentation. For video interviews, ensure your lighting is soft and frontal. If you don’t have a ring light, position yourself facing a window with natural light. Avoid harsh overhead lighting or backlighting, which can cast distracting shadows.
Your background should be minimally distracting. Bookshelves, warm prints, or simple curtains all work well. Avoid clutter or overt branding unless it directly aligns with your author persona.
Position your camera at eye level to create natural eye contact. Looking directly into the webcam (not your screen) helps you appear confident and connected. To prevent lag or disconnection:
- Close all unnecessary browser tabs and apps.
- Use a wired internet connection if possible.
- Disable Wi-Fi-connected devices in your household during the interview.
Test everything with tools like Zoom or StreamYard in advance. Do a dry run with a friend to fine-tune your angle, lighting, and framing. This practice not only ensures smoother delivery—it also puts you at ease when the real interview goes live.
Nailing Your Delivery and On-Camera Presence
Being on camera can feel nerve-wracking, even if you’re an extrovert. But great author interviews online aren’t about being slick—they’re about being sincere, clear, and connected. When you speak with purpose and warmth, you draw people into your story.
Bring Energy, Not Anxiety
Before the interview, do a brief vocal warmup—read a passage from your book aloud, hum a tune, or recite a few tongue twisters. This relaxes your voice and gets rid of nervous tension. Sit up straight with relaxed shoulders, and keep your hands in your field of vision. This looks natural on camera and helps you gesture comfortably.
Look into the webcam as much as possible, especially when answering directly. Smiling naturally, particularly at the start and end of an interview, creates a sense of approachability. If you’re passionate about your subject, let that show—authentic enthusiasm is more memorable than perfect soundbites.
Focus on Connection, Not Perfection
It’s easy to overcompensate with rehearsed lines or overly detailed answers. But overly scripted replies can distance you from your audience. Aim to speak in clear, complete thoughts, but allow room for organic conversation. If you need a moment, pause and collect yourself. Silence can be powerful—it beats filler words that dilute your authority.
Bestselling author Angie Thomas has consistently excelled in interviews by blending genuine personal anecdotes with direct, actionable insights for writers and readers alike. Her interviews are memorable because they don’t just inform—they feel.
Bottom line? You don’t have to be perfect. But you do have to be present. The more comfortable you are in your skin, the more memorable your appearance will be.
Engage the Host and Their Audience
It’s easy to focus inward during author interviews online—after all, it’s about your book, your story. But smart authors understand that the real magic happens when you engage with the host’s world.
Turn the Interview Into a Conversation
Start by researching the host’s voice and platform. Listen to previous episodes, read their blog, or review their social media. Did they recently feature an author in your genre? Reference it. Is the host a big advocate for indie publishing? Acknowledge that shared value. These touches show respect for their platform and invite richer conversation.
During the interview, respond to the host’s energy. Call them by name. Laugh at their quips. Acknowledge thoughtful questions. This isn’t performative—it’s relational. You’re talking with someone, not at an audience.
Author and entrepreneur Joanna Penn often credits her platform’s success to the relationships built through early podcasting connections. Even today, she emphasizes reciprocity: thanking hosts on-air, sharing links after the fact, and staying informed on their work.
Extend the Relationship Post-Recording
After the interview airs, comment on the host’s post promoting your episode. Retweet or reshare across your media channels, tagging the show and expressing appreciation. This encourages your audience to tune in and boosts visibility for both of you. These gestures are the gateway to future collaborations, cross-promotions, and behind-the-scenes recommendations for other shows you might not know about.
A thoughtful, connected interview leaves a better impression than a pitch-perfect but one-sided delivery—hosts remember guests who validate their communities. Build these bridges, and you won’t just gain listeners—you’ll gain allies.
Post-Interview Strategies to Extend Engagement
When the interview wraps, the opportunity isn’t over—it’s only just beginning. Author interviews online have a longer shelf life than many authors realize, especially if you take smart steps to keep the momentum alive.
Maximize Initial Visibility
As soon as the interview goes live, share it on your newsletter, blog, and all relevant social media platforms. Don’t just drop the link—add meaningful context. Something like, “This is the most personal I’ve gotten about my debut journey…” invites clicks. Make it easy for your audience to care.
Consider featuring the interview in your social media bios or pinned posts. If your platform supports clips, pull a standout soundbite or moment and pair it with on-brand visuals. These audiograms or quote cards pack a punch in short attention spans.
Use the Buzz to Build Deeper Engagement
Invite those who watched to take a next step: signing up for your email list, downloading a bonus chapter, or preordering your book. Post-interview periods are perfect for soft launches—you’re already warmed up in people’s minds.
One optional but effective tool here is a Book Barker-author interview feature, which spotlight you across additional platforms tailored to readers and reviewers—ideal for layering reach without starting from scratch each time.
The key is consistency. Promotion doesn’t have to peak the day the interview posts. Stretch the value over weeks by reposting in context with seasonal themes, writing milestones, or even new releases.
Reusing Your Online Interviews for Evergreen Marketing
The smartest author interviews online aren’t just one-time promotions—they become assets you recycle, reframe, and reintroduce over time. Think of each interview not as a broadcast, but as building blocks for your author brand’s media library.
Turn One Interview Into Multiple Formats
Start by embedding interview content on your author website, especially on a dedicated press or media page. This gives journalists, librarians, bloggers, and bookstore owners a quick reference to your voice and platform appeal.
If the interview is on video, extract eye-catching moments—your book origin story, a poignant reading, or a funny behind-the-scenes tip. Clip these into reels using tools like Canva or CapCut. For podcast interviews, use quote transcription tools or audiograms to bring key points into visual formats.
Author S.A. Cosby often reuses clips from earlier interviews during new launch campaigns to give followers a taste of his signature storytelling style. This method keeps his earlier appearances relevant even months post-publication.
Don’t forget to mine transcripts. Interview quotes can make great additions to blog posts, email sequences, or even launch-day social proof. Create a content folder where you organize reusable material to draw from later—this saves time when marketing cycles ramp up.
When you treat interviews as a long-term content investment rather than a one-and-done gig, your promotional reach multiplies. Every interview becomes evergreen with strategic repurposing—and your author brand grows stronger with each share.
Paws and Reflect: Wrapping It Up
Mastering author interviews online isn’t just about exposure—it’s about connection. By choosing the right platforms, refining your messaging, optimizing your setup, and staying present during and after each appearance, you transform each interview into a long-term marketing asset. These conversations offer more than airtime—they’re introductions to new readers, collaborations with hosts, and content you can repurpose for months to come.
Whether you’re promoting your first book or growing your author brand, interviews provide a scalable, personal way to expand your reach. Embrace them with strategy, polish, and authenticity, and you’ll find your voice resonating far beyond the recording session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are author interviews online, and why are they important?
Author interviews online are discussions conducted via digital platforms, such as podcasts, YouTube channels, or live streams, allowing authors to share insights about their writing and connect with readers. In today’s digital landscape, these interviews are crucial for building an author’s brand and promoting their books. They enable reaching a wider audience, creating meaningful interactions, and increasing visibility in competitive markets.
How do I find the right platforms for my author interviews?
To locate ideal platforms for author interviews, focus on those that cater to your genre and audience. Research podcasts, book bloggers, and reader-focused YouTube channels that align with your content. Utilizing platforms like Listen Notes or Podchaser can help find relevant shows. Tailor your outreach to each platform by pitching your unique story and how it resonates with their audience.
What should I prepare before an online author interview?
Preparation is key for successful author interviews online. Identify 3-5 key messages that outline your book’s unique elements and your personal author journey. Practice your responses to anticipated questions, ensuring they’re clear and engaging. Rehearse to remain conversational, and establish a strong call-to-action, such as directing listeners to your website or newsletter sign-up.
How can I improve my on-camera presence during interviews?
Nailing your on-camera presence is vital for connecting with viewers during author interviews online. Maintain eye contact with the camera, use clear articulation, and practice good posture. Warm up your voice beforehand and engage with genuine enthusiasm. Avoid filler words and prioritize delivering value by sharing insights or anecdotes. Authenticity is key, so let your personality shine through.
What are effective strategies for promoting my interview post-airing?
After your interview airs, actively promote it across your social media channels, email newsletters, and website. Share engaging snippets or quotes to attract views and encourage interactions by asking followers to comment. Consider creating visual content like quote graphics or video highlights. This extended engagement helps maintain interest and can lead to a soft launch of new projects or offers.
How can I repurpose my online interviews for ongoing marketing?
Repurposing your online interviews is a great way to maintain engagement and leverage existing content. Embed the interviews on your author website, create highlight reels for social media, or transcribe them for blog posts. Use excerpts as quotes in future newsletters or promotional materials. Keeping a cache of various interview clips can also serve for future marketing initiatives, increasing their value over time.
What tools do I need for a professional interview setup?
A professional setup is essential for high-quality online interviews. Invest in a good microphone and a reliable camera for clear audio and video quality. Ensure proper lighting, preferably face-level soft lighting, and select a tidy, relevant background. Using headphones can help eliminate echo, and conducting tech rehearsals on platforms like Zoom can ensure a seamless interview experience. Proper setup enhances both professionalism and your confidence.
