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Getting press interest in reading groups
by June Turner
Branching Out librarian, EssexSeizing the opportunity
The feature on reading groups published in my local press actually evolved from another press initiative. I was trying to get the local paper to carry regular book reviews as part of a Women in Words promotion which highlighted different women writers. Sally King, a journalist on the Evening Echo telephoned me to say that wouldn't be possible because of space constraints and the paper's requirement to concentrate on coverage with a local dimension.
I seized the opportunity to highlight the local angle of reading groups and their involvement in Women in Words but also emphasised the national context . Sally had not come across reading groups before and I succeeded in convincing her it was a good story with the requisite local angle. I think my success was due to a combination of my enthusiasm and knowledge of reading groups combined with the fact that Sally, as a features writer, is obviously always on the look out for a good story.
The interview
This was at a pre-arranged time in the library. I wasn't sure what to expect or how long Sally would want to talk to me for. I did know, though, that Sally was planning a double page feature. It turned out really well. I felt that Sally was interested in the subject and responsive to my enthusiasm.
I prepared for the interview by assembling a selection of information on reading groups nationally and the local scene. This was very useful both for Sally to take away and use when writing the article and also for me in answering questions.
For example, Sally asked me about the range of books read by reading groups. We looked together at the programmes of the local groups which provided a good illustration of the diversity.
I was clear in my own mind before the interview that I wanted to emphasise the sheer pleasure of talking about books and discovering something you might not normally come across. I drew on my own experience of belonging to a reading group for this and the many opportunities I have had for discovery and discussion through Branching Out. The work I had done recently on compiling a bookmark with reader-centred reviews for Women in Words was also very useful. I was able to show this to Sally and demonstrate the power of reader to reader recommendations.Tips
· Seize the opportunity. Use your enthusiasm to generate interest in what is both a good national and local story.
· Be aware of the particular requirements of local papers and individual journalists. Is it a weekly features page requiring two pages of copy or half a column?
· Prepare well for any interview. Be clear what message you want the journalist to take away.
· Think about providing the photograph opportunity
· Provide a pack of information which the journalist can use when writing the article.
· Thank the journalist for good copy. Develop the relationship by inviting journalist to events and providing other local spins on reader development stories.
A radio interview
By Sue Carter
Branching Out librarian, LeedsLessons learned
Ask more questions when first approached, for example:
· How long will I be expected to speak for?
· At what stage in the programme will I be involved?
· What will be the content of the introduction to the interview?
· What type of programme is it and who is the audience?
Content and preparation:
What would have helped to make the interview more successful?I prepared by collecting together reams of information and underlining particular buzz words or sentences. On reflection I should have thought a bit more about what they might be likely to ask and jot down likely questions on card with the relevant answers using words which led into an appropriate and focused answer.
My performance:
how could I have improved on it?· By staying focused and not letting the interviewer lead me into different topics. I felt that I ought to have kept mentioning how Branching Out will benefit readers in Leeds Libraries and Information Service and that I should have incorporated this into my answers to questions such as 'Don't you have to be quiet in a library?' so as to lead the interview back to the original topic of discussion. In other words, play them at their own game.
· I ought to have allowed myself a couple of seconds to think about the questions before answering and not rush in.
· Speaking more slowly and precisely would have enhanced the performance, I believe, and, in the future I will ask someone to tape the interview for me so that I can play it back and evaluate.
· Keep talking, then the interviewer can't interrupt.
Summary
I feel the interview went reasonably well but I came away feeling that I hadn't got the message across effectively enough. I allowed the discussion to become too generalised.
