How To Get and Prepare for a Celebrity Interview
Freelance Writers Can Make Money Writing Profiles of Famous People
Jan 21, 2009
The better your credentials and the more prestigious the publication that you have lined up for an article, the better your chance of securing an interview with a famous person.
At the same time, as a freelance writer, the better the interviewee you can line up, the better chance you have of selling the story to a prestigious publication. But how do you find a celebrity to interview?
Freelance writers have more chance of persuading someone to give them an interview, if they choose their “celebrity” interviewee creatively...
Find a Celebrity Needing Promotion
A writer, singer or actor whose career is just beginning to take off is likely to be more approachable than a movie star who spends his life being chased by paparazzi. Authors are often happy to talk about their work; most authors, except the few at the very top of the earnings ladder appreciate all the promotion they can get.
Find a Niche Market Celebrity
Remember that different people are celebrated within their own groups. Do some research into specialist magazines and find out what people are regarded as heroes in the various fields.
Create Your Own Celebrity
Doctors or scientists who are doing innovative work and searching for funding may be more open to an approach about an article about their work. People working with the homeless, providing food or shelter, may appreciate getting publicity for their cause. Celebrating unsung heroes can be a way of bringing their good work to the notice of the general public, and enhancing your credentials as a writer.
Making the Approach
Run the idea past an editor at a publication and try to get a hint of interest in the story: that way, you can approach an potential interviewee and mention the publication. Always mention the angle that you would like to take in the interview, and make sure it is what the person wants to hear.
- Contact people through their websites.
- Contact writers or performers through their agents or publishers.
- Take an opportunity if someone is making a personal appearance near you to contact them in advance and see if they can fit an interview into their schedule.
- Network and use any links that you have – remember the rule of 6 degrees of separation, the chances are that someone you know or have met has a contact somewhere that could help you. Build a network of contacts and never hesitate to use them, and always be sure to help people in return.
Preparation for the Interview
Every interview starts with research. Find out as much as you can about the person in advance.
- Do research on the internet.
- Search out previous articles written about them.
- If possible, talk to people who know the interviewee, and get their opinions and advice.
- Read all the official information supplied by the PR people.
- Get to know the person’s CV so that you have their history fixed in your mind (that way if they begin to tell you an anecdote, you’ll know which part of their history it fits in to).
Out of research, a picture will begin to form about the person, and the initial ideas for the shape of your story will begin to emerge. Make notes of the things you’d like to know more about. Learn as much as possible by heart – both information from your research, and the questions you’d like to ask - it will help the sense of a natural conversation taking place when you interview them.
Be Prepared… But Be Prepared To Change Your Mind
Remember that bad planning or bad judgment can do lasting damage to a writer’s reputation. Be well-prepared, but also bear in mind that it’s important to keep your plans flexible.
It is possible that upon meeting and interviewing the person, that a completely different story angle will present itself. Always be open to the possibilities. Never form a fixed idea about what your story will be at the research stage. Keep an open mind during the interview. Be alert in case new opportunities present themselves and keep all your options open.
For more advice and tips on interviewing, read How to Conduct and Write an Interview.
Click here for more information about Freelance Writing
 |
