How do you find authors to interview?

[Musicarl]

We've gotten some great content for one of our sites from authors who are experts in the subject. It's a win-win since we get expert commentary and they can promote their book. Finding these authors has been very random. Is there a good place to find authors looking to promote their books?

[Rhymer]

I guess it's stating the obvious, but why not google authors in that field and then send them an email requesting an interview? If they have books to promote, chances are many of them will agree to do it. Especially if you promise links to their web sites in the write up. :)

[Syzygy]

Finding these authors has been very random.

It needn't be.

Make contact with publishers specialising in the areas that are of interest to you. You'll find that all of them have press and promotions departments whose job is to get as much publicity for their books as possible.

Publishers will be only too happy to help you in arranging interviews with authors. They (the publishers) will usually be happy to provide a few books to you for promotional use, for example, as prizes in competitions. If it helps increase awareness of the books and can thus aid the increase of book sales, the publishers will be all for it.

Before making contact with any book publishers, I would strongly recommend that you're clear on what it is you want from them. Go in armed with a solid plan. Justify to them why they should work with you; tell them what you can do for them. Ask "I would like such and such. Is this possible?" Sound weak, vague and indecisive and you'll not get anywhere.

Once you are known to the promotional/press team you'll find that from then on they'll make contact with you whenever they've got something new they think you might be of interest to you. I'm sure you'll appreciate the benefit of that.

Syzygy

[Musicarl]

Thanks guys. There is definitely a benefit to the authors, and this advice will help me convey that. I'll be on the lookout for publishers in my field.

[Fortune Hunter]

I wouldn't just confine my search or efforts to those authors that are actively seeking promotion, but also those that have already had successful books published and may not be "actively" seeking promotion. If the books are non-fiction then there is a good chance that the authors wish to be recognized as an "authority" in the field. Therefore, they might not have a new book out they are actively promoting, but they may have had some really good books in the past that are relevant to what you are doing. If you contact these authors as well they will probably really appreciate your request and will also be willing to help you.

FH