1. What inspired you to write this book? This question (or its relative, “Why did you write this book?”) is one of your best opportunities to sell your book. Take the time necessary to create a tight response—and avoid the fate of Ted Kennedy, whose blown answer to the straightforward question “Why are you running for president?” doomed his 1980 presidential bid.
2. Can you tell me about the book? This open-ended question is a wonderful gift that offers you an easy opportunity to enthrall your audience. Don’t squander it by reciting the copy on the back of your book jacket—infuse your answer with life by describing not only the “what” of your book, but the “why” that places it into a larger context. (Read more about the “why + what” here.)
10. What do you think happened to the characters after the book ended? Some authors refuse to answer this question because they want their book to leave some unanswered questions. That’s fine—but instead of simply refusing the question, deflect it and then say something about the characters you are willing to share. Also, be ready for the related question, “Do you miss the characters?”
- When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
- How long does it take you to write a book?
- What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
- What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
- How do books get published?
Interviewing the World’s Greatest Writers
How Do You Prepare for an Author Interview?
Preparing for an author interview requires more than a list of good questions to ask an author. Both of you need to be in the right frame of mind.
But since you’ll be the one conducting the interview — and the author is offering their time and answers for your readers’ or listener’s entertainment — it’s on you to make sure this interview is a positive experience for your guest.
To that end, keep the following tips in mind:
The better prepared you are for each author interview, the more likely your readers or listeners are to keep coming back for more.
You need a list of good questions to ask a writer, and we aim to make your job easier. The questions below are divided into popular categories, so you can choose the types of questions most interesting to your audience.
1. At what point do you think someone should call themselves a writer?
2. What difference do you see between a writer and an author?
3. Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym, and why or why not?
4. What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?
5. How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?
6. Are there therapeutic benefits to modeling a character after someone you know?
7. What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
8. How long have you been writing or when did you start?
9. What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
10. What, to you, are the most important elements of good writing?
11. What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
12. How do you develop your plot and characters?
13. When did you first call yourself a writer?
14. How do you use social media as an author?
15. What’s your favorite and least favorite part of publishing?
16. What would you say to an author who wanted to design their own cover?
Interview Questions About Your Future Work
author interview questions
2. Can you tell me about the book? This open-ended question is a wonderful gift that offers you an easy opportunity to enthrall your audience. Don’t squander it by reciting the copy on the back of your book jacket—infuse your answer with life by describing not only the “what” of your book, but the “why” that places it into a larger context. (Read more about the “why + what” here.)
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10. What do you think happened to the characters after the book ended? Some authors refuse to answer this question because they want their book to leave some unanswered questions. That’s fine—but instead of simply refusing the question, deflect it and then say something about the characters you are willing to share. Also, be ready for the related question, “Do you miss the characters?”
1. What inspired you to write this book? This question (or its relative, “Why did you write this book?”) is one of your best opportunities to sell your book. Take the time necessary to create a tight response—and avoid the fate of Ted Kennedy, whose blown answer to the straightforward question “Why are you running for president?” doomed his 1980 presidential bid.
