Explain to your subject how you came across their name and contact information, especially if you are making the initial connection by telephone. This can help your subject feel more at ease with you and with the idea of an interview.
If the subject seems hesitant about doing an email interview, provide the subject with positive information that will encourage their participation. For example, explain that you want to publish the interview on your website to help bring the subject additional publicity.
Use the Internet as a resource when researching a person’s background and accomplishments, or consult with your subject’s publicist, if applicable.
Write 1 or 2 general questions to begin the interview, then segue into more specific questions or topics as the interview progresses. For example, begin by asking a pastry chef why they chose baking as a career, then ask them additional questions specifically about the new bakery they are opening in your city.
Review any major editing changes with your subject prior to publishing the interview. For example, if you feel the need to edit a specific quote provided to you by the subject, contact the subject before publication to clarify that you have their permission to edit their quote.
