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How To Approach Experts

In the last post I provided resources for locating an expert for your nonfiction book.  Here are a few tips for successfully approaching them.

THE INITIAL CONTACT:

Don’t Feel Intimidated
Most experts  – professors, historians, scientists – are often eager to share their expertise and many are used to granting interviews and fielding questions from the media.  Remember, you have something to offer as well, your publication will help boost their cause, organization, university or business.

Be Professional
If approached professionally, most people will be happy to grant an interview.  It’s appropriate to address a source by his/her formal title (Mr., Professor, Dr.) until you are given permission to be more casual.  Give a brief overview of your project: provide your name and your background (if pertinent), describe your book topic, why you wish to speak to the expert, and the expected length of the interview.  Be transparent – provide the name of your publisher or self-publishing company, if you are emailing your interview request include links to your website or blog for the expert to see you are legitimate.  Let the expert know you will work around their schedule and preferred interview method (email, telephone, or in-person, if feasible) and suggest a few dates and times for the interview (keeping your research deadline in mind.)

Be Prepared
Do your homework: know the expert’s background and area of expertise, as well as the topic you will be discussing.  Be prepared for the interview to take place right then-and-there.  Many times I’ve contacted an expert to set up an interview and received the response, “Let’s do it now”.  Don’t take the chance of losing the interview.  Prior to the initial call, know what you want to ask and prepare a list of questions.

Squash Their Fears
Many experts fear being misquoted.  Assuage their fears by explaining that you record telephone interviews to ensure accuracy.  Give them the option of emailing their answers to your questions, which allows them more time to consider and formulate their words.  NEVER EVER NEVER promise to allow an expert to approve your written copy.  Never ever – did you get that?  Good.

Now get out there and contact those experts!

Related posts:

  1. How To Find Experts for Your Nonfiction Book

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Posted on Friday, August 7th, 2009 at 1:54 pm.
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    • About Me

        Laura Cross
    • I'm Laura Cross, your trusty tour guide through the non-fiction writing landscape. I am the owner of Scenario Writing Studio and have been a freelance writer, editor, and story analyst for more than sixteen years. I have researched, edited, and ghostwritten non-fiction books on various topics and worked as a script reader for production companies and literary agencies. I earned my certificate in Writing, as well as Feature Film Writing, from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Writer's Program. I divide my time between the Wild West (Santa Fe, NM) and the West Coast (Los Angeles, CA).
      Have a question on a specific topic? Kick me a note and I'll do my best to cover it in an upcoming post: Laura @ ScenarioWritingStudio . com
      Check out my script writing blog About A Screenplay.

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