Writer Freebie: Sample Author Interview Questions For Your Book Marketing Materials

As a self-published author, you need to market your own book if you want to make sales. And while you’re hand-selling your book, hosting reading events and book signings, and talking about your writing on a podcast or blog — you’re going to be asked questions. Readers will want to know more about you, your writing, and of course, your book! It is important to practice your answers to interview questions beforehand. You can even use these author interview questions and answers in your book’s back matter and on your marketing materials to build interest in your writing.

Be sure to practice answering these common author interview questions at home before you speak in public so you don’t stumble over your words or seem unsure. And remember, while your fans and soon-to-be-loyal readers want to know more about your book and about you as a writer, they also want to know about you as a person. If you came up with the story’s intriguing setting while visiting an ice bar during a winter carnival — that’s the kind of detail your listeners want you to share!

10 Author Interview Questions You Should Have Answers For

What genre do you most like to read?

What are some of your non-writing hobbies?

Which authors do you admire?

Can you tell us about your book?

Does your book’s title have special meaning?

Where did you get the initial idea for this book?

What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?

What was your favorite scene to write?

Who is your favorite character in this book?

Give us a sneak peek of what you’re writing next!

Where To Use Author Interview Questions In Your Book Marketing

Your media kit. A media kit, or press kit, is a publicity package containing promotional information used to help sell your self-published book. Think of it like a business card with bells and whistles! Include a brief synopsis, press release, your author bio — and a sample interview Q&A. Give…