“Podcasts don’t sell books.” It’s a refrain many authors have heard—or echoed—over the years. But according to Edison Research, 57% of podcast listeners act on what they hear in interviews, including visiting websites, signing up for newsletters, and yes—buying books. Author interviews, whether on podcasts, blogs, or YouTube, are far more than a vanity exercise. When used strategically, they’re among the most underrated book marketing tools available to authors today. Yet many creatives struggle to convert interviews into traction. Why? Because they focus on performance, not positioning.

This post unpacks exactly how authors can unlock the marketing power of interviews—not just as exposure, but as a repeatable tool to build authority, visibility, and trust. From selecting the right platforms to mastering your messaging and extracting evergreen value, each section below gives you practical tactics to turn interviews into traffic and audience growth. Let’s explore how the smart use of author interviews can elevate your promotional efforts—and become an essential part of your book marketing tools stack.

In This Article

• Why Author Interviews Still Matter in 2024
• Target the Right Platforms for Maximum Impact
• Craft Your Talking Points with Book Marketing in Mind
• Treat Every Interview Like a Launch Pad
• Repurpose Interviews as Evergreen Book Marketing Tools
• Leverage Social Proof to Earn More Visibility
• Track, Feedback, Optimize: How To Improve Your Interview ROI
• Paws and Reflect: Wrapping It Up

Why Author Interviews Still Matter in 2025

In an era dominated by fast-scrolling feeds and viral trends, it’s easy to assume that long-form content like interviews has lost its relevance. But that couldn’t be further from the truth—especially when it comes to building authentic engagement. Unlike fleeting social media posts, interviews create deep, sustained exposure that allows readers to connect with you as a real person, not just a name on a book cover.

When a listener spends 30 minutes or more with you on a podcast or YouTube feature—or reads a thoughtful blog Q&A—they’re participating in something far deeper than traditional advertising. They’re getting to know your voice, your values, and your vision. That emotional currency builds trust, and trust sells books.

Industry voices like Joanna Penn, host of The Creative Penn Podcast, continue to advocate for the long-term power of interviews. Why? Because they understand that decision-making is often emotional first and logical second. When an audience believes in an author’s journey, they’re more likely to invest in the story too.

Interviews also have discovery advantages. Unlike a single tweet, interviews remain indexed and searchable on platforms like YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Google. That means they can surface long after their initial release—being recommended to new listeners, cross-linked on blogs, or reshared during future book launches.

In essence, author interviews excel where many other book marketing tools fall short: they foster personal connection, inspire curiosity, and drive long-tail visibility. Whether on a niche genre podcast or a book-lover’s blog, a well-crafted interview can do more to establish your author brand than a dozen ads.

Target the Right Platforms for Maximum Impact

One of the most common mistakes authors make is trying to land interviews on every platform imaginable. But more exposure doesn’t always mean better exposure. Strategic alignment—between your book, your brand, and the interview outlet—is what counts most.

Start by narrowing your focus. What genre do you write in? Who is your ideal reader? Are they audiobook listeners driving to work, or bookstagram followers scrolling late at night? Knowing your audience helps you identify which interview platforms actually reach them.

Use tools like Listen Notes to discover podcasts that cover your genre—and don’t overlook micro-shows with engaged listeners. A cozy mystery author, for example, might find more engaged readers on a niche blog like “All About Agatha” than a general publishing podcast.

How to Vet Opportunities

• Relevance: Do they regularly feature authors in your genre?
• Engagement: Look at listener comments, YouTube views, or blog comments—as engagement often matters more than size.
• Vibe alignment: Listen to a few episodes or read prior interviews to ensure tone compatibility.

Once you’ve identified quality fits, you’ll need a pitch that positions you professionally. Skip generic introductions. Instead, mention a recent episode or article that resonated with you, explain how your book fits their audience, and highlight one or two unique angles you can discuss.

Authors like Sacha Black, who often appear on targeted writing and indie publishing podcasts, gain traction not by casting a wide net, but by showing up in the right ponds with the right hooks.

When done well, your platform choices signal that you understand your market—and that’s the mark of a savvy marketer, not just a good writer.

Craft Your Talking Points with Book Marketing in Mind

Think of each interview as a mini stage where your job isn’t just to share your story—it’s to shape the story your audience remembers. That can’t happen if you wing it. Solid author interviews are built on key talking points aligned with your book’s themes and your larger marketing goals.

Start with Signature Stories

Every author has a handful of personal anecdotes—about what inspired the book, challenges faced during the writing process, or the real-life origin of a character. When these stories are authentic and well-practiced, they humanize you and anchor your book in something memorable.

Romance author Talia Hibbert, for example, often uses interviews to talk about her experience writing neurodivergent characters from a place of lived experience. It’s not only compelling—it instantly positions her brand and her books in a way that resonates far beyond genre fans.

Weave in Strategic CTAs (Naturally)

You don’t have to sell your book outright. Instead, mention your website while telling your story. Suggest listeners grab an exclusive bonus chapter from your newsletter. Point to a free resource that relates to your topic. It’s about inviting—not pushing—the audience deeper into your world.

• Create 2–3 reusable talking points that highlight:
• The value your book delivers (humor, insight, escapism, etc.)
• How readers will feel afterward (hopeful, entertained, informed, etc.)

Finally, rehearse—not to sound canned, but to internalize your message. Authorship is more than storytelling; it’s storytelling with intent.

Treat Every Interview Like a Launch Pad

Securing an interview is only the beginning. If you want that effort to pay off, you need to treat each one like a mini-launch: planned, promoted, and revisited.

Map Your Promotion Timeline

Before the interview goes live, coordinate with the host about the release date. Use that time to prepare assets:

• Teaser clips (using apps like Headliner)
• Quote graphics from memorable moments
• Email newsletter blurbs to warm up your audience

On launch day, promote across your platforms—but don’t stop after 24 hours. Schedule three to five posts over two weeks, varying formats (text, video, carousel) to keep it fresh.

Author Becca Syme integrates her podcast guest spots into her “book ecosystem,” resharing interviews tied to her book themes during launches or workshops. Each feature becomes a content hub she can draw from again and again.

Remember, one good interview can travel multiple roads: it can be reintroduced during future promos, linked on your media page, and dropped into onboarding sequences for new newsletter subscribers. The more mileage you get, the more valuable interviews become in your book marketing tools arsenal.

Repurpose Interviews as Evergreen Book Marketing Tools

Why let a great interview fade once the social media hype dies? With just a bit of effort, that single conversation can fuel your promotional engine across weeks—or even months—thanks to smart repurposing.

Turn One Interview Into Ten Pieces of Content

Here’s how you can stretch a single interview across formats:

• Transcribe it into a blog post for your website
• Highlight quotes and turn them into graphics using Canva
• Extract scenes or soundbites for TikTok, Instagram Stories, or YouTube Shorts using Opus Clip
• Turn themes into newsletter essays or threads for LinkedIn

By varying both format and platform, one interview becomes an ongoing value piece within your broader book marketing tools strategy.

Author Mark Leslie Lafebvre does this expertly, often breaking down his interviews into blog posts that connect back to multiple books. Instead of pushing “the latest thing,” he revisits core topics to invite new readers into his catalogue—all with content he’s technically already created.

This is the power of repurposing. You’re not repeating—you’re renewing. That’s what keeps your brand consistent and your books continually discoverable.

Leverage Social Proof to Earn More Visibility

Social proof isn’t just a feature of author interviews—it’s one of their biggest marketing benefits. Every appearance you make builds an archive of credibility that can open doors for future opportunities.

Build a Media Mentions Section

Add a “media mentions” or “featured on” section to your website or press kit. Include links to interviews, the outlet’s logo, and a one-sentence blurb about what you discussed. This positions you as an author who’s in demand—the kind of author bookstores, librarians, and influencers want to talk to.

Amy Harmon, author of numerous bestselling novels, includes a rotating slider of her press features on her homepage. Those subtle signals create confidence for both readers and industry professionals engaging with your brand.

Show Off Praise and Engagement

If a podcast host praises your insights, capture that quote. If you see engagement in comments—use it! These bits can become powerful testimonials on social media, in email footers, or even in your next pitch to a new platform. “As seen on…” or “Described by…” statements carry real weight.

As part of your pitch to new hosts or potential collaborators, a history of prior interviews demonstrates that you’re reliable, well-spoken, and capable of delivering great content. It’s a silent resume billboarding your expertise to future gatekeepers.

Track, Feedback, Optimize: How To Improve Your Interview ROI

The final (and often forgotten) step in successful interview marketing is reviewing what’s working—and adjusting accordingly. Without feedback or data, you’re flying blind. Fortunately, tracking and optimizing your interviews doesn’t require sophisticated tools—just a strategic mindset.

Simple Ways to Measure Impact

• Create custom URLs using tools like bit.ly for links mentioned in interviews
• Send traffic through a designated landing page on your site to monitor conversions
• Add UTM codes to URLs if you’re using analytics software

These give you insight into what platforms are actually driving traffic—and which talking points lead to action.

Collect Feedback and Reflect

Ask hosts for listener reactions and observe comment threads or social shares. Reach out to readers who came to you from a specific interview—what made them reach out? Which part resonated most? These notes are gold when preparing your next guest appearance.

Take what works and refine your messaging. If a certain origin story lit up your inbox, keep it. If a particular call to action flopped, try a different angle. Just like in writing, the key to interview success is editing for your audience.

Treat your interviews as a cycle of continuous improvement. Over time, they’ll become one of your most consistent, reliable, and scalable book marketing tools.

Paws and Reflect: Wrapping It Up

Author interviews aren’t just a publicity checkbox—they’re versatile, long-lasting assets that, with the right strategy, can power your platform and boost book sales. By targeting the right platforms, crafting memorable messaging, promoting with purpose, and extracting long-term value, interviews become one of your most high-leverage book marketing tools. They build trust, generate visibility, and establish your name in readers’ minds across diverse formats and channels.

If you’ve underestimated the marketing potential of interviews until now, this is your moment to change that. Try refining your pitch this week or repackaging an older interview into a new social asset. The more proactive and intentional your approach, the more interviews can transform from passive PR into active growth engines in your publishing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are author interviews considered effective book marketing tools?

Author interviews have proven to be impactful because they establish a deeper connection with potential readers. Unlike brief social media posts, long-form interviews allow you to share your narrative, expertise, and personality, which can resonate profoundly with audiences. This format not only boosts visibility but enhances your credibility as an author, fostering trust and encouraging engagement with your work, ultimately driving book sales.

How can I find the right platforms for author interviews?

Identifying the right interview venues is crucial for success. Focus on platforms that align with your book’s genre and target audience. Research niche podcasts, relevant blogs, and social media influencers specialized in book discussions. Utilize tools like Listen Notes, Google Alerts, and social media searches to discover opportunities. Prioritize engagement over audience size—finding a platform where your ideal readers are actively engaged will yield better results.

What should I include when preparing for an author interview?

Preparation is key for a successful interview. Develop a set of engaging talking points that highlight your book’s unique aspects and reader benefits. Craft a compelling narrative that naturally incorporates calls-to-action, such as mentions of your website or newsletter. Practice storytelling without making the interview feel like a sales pitch, ensuring that your message resonates and leaves a lasting impression on listeners.

How often should I promote my interviews after they air?

Every interview should be treated as an ongoing promotional opportunity. Plan a promotional strategy that includes pre-launch teasers, timely social media shares, and follow-up engagement. Create graphics, audiograms, or snippets to enhance visibility, and coordinate with the host for cross-promotion. By regularly sharing interview content, you keep the conversation alive and extend its reach, integrating it into your overall marketing strategy.

What are some effective ways to repurpose interview content?

Repurposing interview content can extend its value significantly. Transform interviews into blog posts, newsletter highlights, or social media snippets for platforms like TikTok or LinkedIn. Utilize tools like Descript for transcription and Canva for visual content creation. By repackaging your interviews, you create evergreen assets that continually drive audience engagement while reinforcing your presence across multiple channels.

How can social proof from interviews enhance my visibility?

Social proof gained from interviews can significantly bolster your author brand. Utilize mentions in interviews as endorsements by featuring them on your website or social media profiles, indicating credibility. Include “As Seen On” badges and snippets of positive feedback to attract further media opportunities. This approach not only enhances your reputation but can also lead to more collaboration and promotional events, further expanding your reach.

What metrics should I track to measure the ROI of my interviews?

To gauge the success of your interviews, track a variety of metrics. Use tools like UTM codes and unique landing pages to analyze traffic and conversion rates from each interview. Gather qualitative feedback from hosts and audiences to understand which aspects resonated. Monitoring these metrics will help refine your strategies for future interviews, ensuring that they consistently contribute to your book marketing tools and overall growth.