How to Book an Appearance on Your Local Radio Show - article


An appearance on a local radio show can garner you invaluable publicity. It’s a way to get a spike in sales and also open doors for other promotional events, such as speaking engagements. Booking an appearance may be easier than you think. Talk radio needs content for their schedule and a local show will likely wish to focus on local authors. Most authors can book appearances without excessive trouble.

To move forward, first you need to identify the local talk radio shows in your area. OntheRadio is a great resource to locate these stations. Another way to gather contact information is to put out the word to your personal network that you want to book a radio appearance. It is highly likely that you know someone who knows someone. Networking can serve as a fast track to interviews.

"The bottom line is you wrote a book about which you are passionate. Are you willing to do what it takes to get it wide exposure in the marketplace?"

Once you have the basic information, it’s time to contact the radio station. Have a basic press kit on hand when you call, including an author bio, book one-sheet, book sample or review copy, story suggestions, sample questions, and clips of past publicity. Send an e-mail to reach out to a local talk show. If that doesn’t work, try calling the radio station. 

When you call the station, have a pen and pad at the ready. Also have a two line pitch ready that answers the questions: who you are, what you have written, why your book is timely or an appropriate topic, and when you are available. You will generally get a receptionist and she will be able to direct you to the proper contact at the station.

You might be shy and unwilling to call stations, or you may not have time. If you are uncomfortable with cold calling, consider hiring a college student to do this for you. You can step in when you have some interest. The bottom line is you wrote a book about which you are passionate. Are you willing to do what it takes to get it wide exposure in the marketplace? You are your book’s best advocate. A local radio interview will give you the opportunity to share your enthusiasm with others.

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  • Thank you, this will indicate me to my next stage and proceed my next  cover as well.  Engaging locally in Curacao  Caribbean as non profit org. - order my own books from US publisher, price indication ought to be considered at best value for a non residence and it will get my relationship with the publusher to a better plane on following orders.

  • Yes I will look into my local radio station so I can spread the word about my experiences about being molested as a young child. So I can spread the word about my experiences about being molested as a young child. I have written a book "Unbroken I am still standing" I want to be a voice and let other survivors and victims that they are not alone.

  • Thanks for the advice. Even though my marketing consultant gave me a list of places I should contact, I didn't know how to go about contacting any one such as the radio or TV stations.
  • I found this very helpful as I had always planned to contact the local radio stations but wasn't sure about the best approach. Thanks for your help, it is very much appreciated.
  • Consuelo Walker Thank you for the great advice! I'am going to contact my local gospel radio station. I wrote a inspirational vitamin book to encourage us in our everyday walk with God.