Interviewing: Requesting an interview

You've identified the people you'd like to interview for your article. Now it's time to approach them and formally request an interview.

It's imperative that you identify yourself properly. You must also state the name of the publication you are writing for. If there's a chance the interviewee hasn't heard of it, provide some details about the publication, such as the topics it handles, how often its published, where it can be found, and who reads it.

If you're not a member of the publication's staff, describe yourself a "contributing writer," because it sounds better than "freelancer." Include contact details for the editor who commissioned the piece, so the interview subject can check your bona fides.

Outline the article you plan to write. A little flattery can help; tell your subject that he/she is central to the topic you're writing about.

List some of the questions you expect to ask. And by all means state your preferred means of communication (email, telephone or meeting in person), but be sure to ask the other party if he/she has a particular preference. State your preferred date for the interview; do contact potential sources as far in advance as possible, in case they're going on vacation.

Here's how I approach people I'd like to interview:

Dear Mr. Smith,

My name is John Jones. I am a contributing writer for WESTERN WIDGETS, a monthly magazine that follows trends in the widget industry in Canada's West.

Alan Roberts, the magazine's editor (tel: 123-456-789; alanroberts@westernwidgetsmag.com) has commissioned me to write an article about the new XYZ widgets and the impact they are expected to have on the market.

As your company is a leading innovator in this field, I am very much hoping to interview you or another executive in your company.

Given distance and time differences (I am based in Timbucktu) I hope to conduct this interview by email. However, if that's inconvenient, we can do it by telephone. If you'd prefer, I can email my questions to you in advance.

If you would like to know more about the proposed article before committing yourself, please contact me or Alan Roberts at your convenience.

Yours sincerely,

John Jones