Here's a step-by-step process for conducting effective interviews:



Decide WHO to interview. For more detail go to: www.create-own-ebook.com.Make sure the person truly is an expert in the field and knows what he's talking about. Contact him (preferably by phone) to see if he's willing to do an interview. Let him know you'll provide the questions in advance. Negotiate a deal that he's agreeable with.

Some will do interviews for free as long as you mention their name in your ebook. Some will expect to be paid a fee. Some will be want rights to sell the ebook you create. If you are unwilling or unable to provide what the expert wants, find another expert.

Determine the FOCUS of the interview. In our example, we're interested in writing an ebook about teaching ferrets to do tricks, so we don't care about their mating habits or the quality of their fur.

Once your focus is clearly defined, create your list of interview QUESTIONS. Keep your target audience in mind? what do THEY need to know? What answers are needed in your ebook to provide the readers with the information they're looking for? In our example, our readers would probably want to know the best motivator for ferrets? is it food, petting, play, verbal praise? Put yourself in your readers? shoes: if YOU wanted to know how to teach a ferret tricks, what questions would you ask of a ferret expert?

Determine the best METHOD for the interview. Interviews can be done in person, on the phone, or even via email. All are effective. Use the method your expert prefers.

SCHEDULE the interview. Make the time (and possibly the place, if doing this in person) convenient to your expert.

SEND your questions to your expert in advance of the actual interview. (Of course if the ?interview? is being done via email, this isn't necessary.) For more help visit to: www.ebook-author-interview.com.But be sure to let them know that other questions may arise during the interview. This allows you to gain two types of information from your interview: the prepared, carefully thought-out answers you need, AND the spontaneous, off-the-cuff remarks that will spice up your copy. If your expert balks at the idea of unknown questions, assure him that he will have final approval on his comments that are included in your ebook. Spontaneous questions are also possible with email interviews. Once you receive back the answers to the questions, read them over and think of a follow-up question or two? then CALL the expert and ask for clarification. NOTE: If doing interviews via email, always give them a deadline to reply back to you.

RECORD your interviews -- even if you take excellent notes! There's no substitute for being able to replay the comments as many times as needed to get an accurate transcription of what was said. Minicassette recorders are cheap, small and easy to carry around.If doing a telephone interview, there are inexpensive devices that connect the recorder to your phone.

TAKE NOTES of the interview -- even if you're recording it! Never totally rely on a recorder? the batteries can die, the tape can wear out or end without auto-reversing, the telephone connector might be hooked up wrong, etc. Always get as much down manually as possible to back up your recording.

Your interview as soon as possible. (Again, email interviews do not apply). This is particularly critical if your recorder failed and you're relying on your hastily scribbled notes ? and your memory to decipher them!