Interviews: How many are needed?

For almost any type of feature, interviewing people with specialist knowledge or first-hand experience is essential. A few times I've been asked this: "I'm writing a feature article. How many people should I interview?"

Of course, the answer depends on the type of article and how long the finished piece needs to be. For a profile - even if it's hagiographic - you need sources in addition to the subject himself/herself, to provide some context and perspective on the subject's achievements. If you're writing about a sports team, it would make sense to interview several of the players, the coach or manager, and perhaps one or two of the fans. Likewise, if you're covering an industry, talk to some of the leaders and perhaps a minor company or startup that's trying to break into the market.

For a 500-word article, I would try to get three or more sources. For 1,000 words, at least four. (This example, 978 words in length, quotes three people and paraphrases a fourth.) For 2,000 words, aim for eight or nine – because at least one will turn out to be useless, or merely repeating what someone else has already told you.

Over the next several weeks, I'll look at various aspects of interviewing, including:

How to identify suitable interview subjects

How to approach those people

How to draw up questions ahead of the interview