With us, give wings to your words!

In this blogpost, we explain how to make the most of author interviews in India.

For any author, few things are as rewarding as talking about their book and few things are as powerful for visibility as well-handled author interviews. Whether it’s a podcast chat, a print feature, a YouTube discussion, or an Instagram Live, interviews help authors connect directly with their readers, share their creative process, and showcase their personalities beyond the pages of their books.

In India, where the literary market is vast but attention spans are short, author interviews play a vital role in keeping readers engaged. But not every interview lands well. Some sound flat, overly promotional, or disconnected from what readers care about.

So, how can you make the most of your author interviews? Let’s find out.

Why Author Interviews in India Matter

An interview does what even the best blurb or marketing post can’t. It humanizes the author. Readers buy into people, not just books.

Here’s why author interviews remain one of the most effective PR tools for writers in India:

1. Personal Connection: Readers love understanding the person behind the words — what inspired you, how you think, and what stories move you.
2. Authentic Marketing: Unlike ads, interviews are seen as earned media, which adds credibility and trust.
3. Long-term Visibility: A good interview, especially one published online, continues to appear in search results long after your book launch.
4. Cross-platform Reach: One interview can be repurposed across YouTube, blogs, podcasts, social media reels, and even your Amazon Author Central page.

A single well-crafted interview can introduce your work to thousands of readers who might have otherwise scrolled past your book ad.

The Pre-Interview Homework

An interview is not just a conversation. It is a chance to communicate your author brand. And for that, preparation matters.

1. Know Your Talking Points

Before you step in, be clear about what you want readers to take away. Is it your book’s central theme? Your inspiration? Your writing journey? Have two to three key points ready and circle back to them naturally during the conversation.

2. Research the Platform

Not all interviews are alike. A literary podcast will have a different tone from an Instagram Live or a newspaper Q&A. Read or watch a few past interviews on the same platform to get a sense of style, tone, and expected depth.

3. Prepare Crisp Answers

You don’t need long, winding explanations. Keep your answers specific, engaging, and human. Avoid repeating your blurb word-for-word. Readers want to hear you, not your marketing copy.

4. Be Ready for the “Why”

Questions like “Why did you write this book?” or “Why this character?” may sound simple, but your answers define your author voice.

Prepare thoughtful responses that go beyond clichés like “I always wanted to write” or “The story just came to me.”

During the Author Interview: Dos and Don’ts

Here’s how to make sure your next author interviews in India stand out for all the right reasons.

Dos

1. Be Yourself: Authenticity resonates more than rehearsed perfection. If you’re funny, be funny. If you’re serious, be sincere.
2. Show Gratitude: Always thank the host or platform for the opportunity — both on-air and afterwards.
3. Share Stories, Not Just Facts: Anecdotes about your writing process, rejections, or eureka moments make your answers memorable.
4. Mention Your Book, Naturally: Integrate your book’s title into conversation rather than plugging it mechanically.
5. Highlight What’s in It for Readers: Talk about what your readers will feel, learn, or discover, not just what the book is about.
6. Stay Professional: Even if you’re chatting casually, remember you’re representing your personal brand.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Sound Defensive: Avoid arguing with critical questions or reviewers. Stay graceful.
2. Don’t Oversell: Let your enthusiasm shine, but don’t sound like an ad.
3. Don’t Speak Negatively About Others: Never compare yourself to or criticize other authors, publishers, or reviewers.
4. Don’t Ramble: Keep answers short and sharp — under 60 seconds for video or audio, a few sentences for print.
5. Don’t Forget to Smile (Even on Audio): It changes your tone and makes you sound approachable.

Recommended Reads: Dear Author, Think Like a Reader!

After the Interview: Don’t Let It Fade

Once your author interviews in India are out, your work isn’t done. Promote it strategically.

1. Share It Across Platforms: Add it to your website, Goodreads, Amazon Author Central, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
2. Tag the Host or Platform: A simple thank-you post helps build long-term media relationships.
3. Clip Key Moments: Short snippets or quotes work beautifully on social media.
4. Engage with Comments: Reply to readers who interact with the interview post — that’s real engagement, not just exposure.

Common Mistakes Authors Make

Many authors treat interviews as one-time promotional chores — something to tick off the list after publication. That’s a missed opportunity.

Some even forget to align their answers with their overall author persona. For instance, if you write crime thrillers, a mysterious and analytical tone works. If you are a children’s author, warmth and playfulness go a long way.

Another common mistake is over-preparation — memorizing every word and ending up sounding robotic. Interviews should sound like conversations, not speeches.

Making Author Interviews Work for You

Successful author interviews in india don’t happen by chance — it’s crafted. Every question is an opening to position your book, your thought process, and your journey in a way that resonates with your audience.

Think of it as storytelling about storytelling. You are not just answering questions; you’re inviting readers into your creative world.

If you are nervous about handling interviews or unsure how to shape your responses, that’s where professional help can make a difference.

How Keemiya Creatives Can Help

At Keemiya Creatives, we specialize in helping authors prepare for and optimize their interviews , without changing their voice or authenticity. We refine your answers, making them sharper, more structured, and more impactful while keeping them easy to understand and true to your personality.

From framing talking points to media training and post-interview promotion, our goal is to help you shine as your best self.

To know more, reach out today!

So, the next time you have an author interview coming up, remember, it’s not just publicity. It is your chance to build genuine connection, one answer at a time.