Online Radio Promotions

Recently, I've seen ads for several online radio shows that want to charge guests for slots.

I just don't get it. From my days in radio, I can safely say I have never once given a guest a rate sheet and got a contract before I signed them on.

Why? Because I needed guests on my programs. I needed to fill the air with more than just my own voice or - gasp! - dead air. If a guest's publisher or company wanted to sponsor the interview, that was a different story - but it certainly was not required.

Most radio talk show hosts that I approached about this new version of Pay for Play said it was appalling - and no legitimate program would do it.  Author Barry Eva shares similar views. The host of his own show, A Book and a Chat, shares his thoughts on how to find the right free radio show for your niche:

I read a while ago about a promotion from a company where for $45 you can get a 15-minute interview - and for $99 a full thirty minute interview. The interview includes the author's interview and information stored in the shows archives.

While there are some very good radio shows that might be worth a small donation or payment, there are many more available on Blog Talk Radio - and these are FREE!

It is not difficult to find shows in your genre on Blog Talk Radio. Here are a few tips:

Use the search options to find shows that you think you might make a good guest on. Listen to old shows, check the format and how the host handles the shows. It is no good being on a show where you run the show rather than the host. Also, check Craig's List for hosts who are advertising for guests.

When you find a show, remember to check when it last aired. If it’s not been for a month or two, the broadcast may be on hiatus or canceled, even though it continues to show up in the Blog Talk Radio search.

If you decide the show is a fit for you, then contact the host. Send them details about yourself, your book and availability; normally the host will be delighted to have you as a guest. Sometimes though, this might take a month or even two before you will actually appear on the show, as most radio shows already have a guest list.

You do not have to visit a recording studio, or need any special equipment to participate. You just dial a phone number (which the host will supply) and chat for the length of the show.

Be prepared to read portions of your work, chat with your host about anything from your personal life to your writing projects or talk to guests who call into the program. Talk to the host before the program to get a feel for what they want to discuss.

Barry Eva

The author, Barry Eva, also known as “Storyheart”, was born in Barnet, Hertfordshire, England. In 2000, he left his beloved country and went to the USA to be with the woman he'd met and fallen in love with on the Internet. With his whit, oratory, and old-fashioned English charm, Barry is a much sort after both presenter and interviewee on radio and TV. Barry now lives in Connecticut, with his wife and two children.

Also on Market My Novel:

How to Pitch Your Work to Radio Hosts