By Lis Garrett
Keywords: interviewing tips, freelance writers, interview
Most freelance writers will need to conduct an interview at some point in their careers. Whether it's to gather information for a local article or for a feature in a national publication, the interview process can be a source of anxiety for many freelance writers. Brush up on some interviewing tips before interviewing your next source for your next article.
First, spend time researching your source. Impress your interview subject by conducting your own research beforehand so you're armed with some in-depth pre-interview material for your time together. For example, if you are writing an article about the expansion of the local animal shelter, research the shelter's current capacity, how many animals it receives on a monthly basis, and how many animals it turns away due to overflow.
Prepare your questions before the interview. Frame your questions according to the information you compiled during your initial research. Refrain from asking your subject obvious or unrelated questions, or questions that a previous article has covered already. Focus on asking questions that are pertinent to the current interview.
Interview the appropriate person. Should you interview the director of the animal shelter, for example, or is there someone who specifically handles public relations? Call and ask.
Deliver your questions to the interview subject ahead of time. No one likes to be put on the spot, and your interview will run more smoothly when you allow your subject to prepare some her answers in advance. Send a copy of your questions in the mail, or attach them in an e-mail. This doesn't mean you can't ask other questions, but presenting pre-questions will prepare your subject for the type of interview and information you need.
Schedule an interview time. Work with your interview subject and agree on a time that is suitable to her. If your subject feels rushed because the timing is not good or she feels too rushed, it could have an impact on the quality of information you receive for your article. Unless you are under a tight deadline, agree to interview your subject under her conditions, whether it is in person, over the phone, or strictly by e-mail.
Be professional. Keep your interview brief, and stay on topic. Let your subject do the talking, and try not to interject too often.
Follow up. Once the interview process is complete and you have written your article, send a note to your subject, thanking her for her time. It's always a good idea to include a copy of the published article so your subject will know what you wrote should anyone call him or her for more information.
By following these interviewing tips, freelance writers can conduct an interview with confidence and the assurance that they will produce a well-written article filled with detailed information.
Lis Garrett is a work-at-home writer living in Upstate New York with her husband and three children. In addition to her work as a contract writer for Writers Research Group, she writes site and product endorsements, maintains a blog for novice freelance writers, and edits a school newsletter.
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