So today I got an out-of-the-blue email–from England, no less–offering to interview me for “Reader’s House, a literary magazine based in London.” Woohoo! one thinks. I’m moving up in the world. Well, one does if this is the first thing one sees on his phone in the morning, but eventually the logical part of the brain wakes up (after much coffee) and says, “Why would these people want to interview me?” And the questions follow fast and furious.
Because to be honest, nobody wants to interview me for a fancy literary magazine. Or likely, you either. (I’m speaking to authors, here. Mostly.) The reason magazines interview famous folks is to draw readers, and I am neither famous nor likely to draw readers. So who are these people and why are they taking up my precious morning bandwidth? (I’ll give them a little slack on the “morning” part because they’re in England and thus several hours ahead of me.)
It turns out after a little research that while this is not necessarily a scam, it’s not exactly an individualized invitation. Although Readers House says, “We are interested in conducting an interview with you about you and your titles,” their interest is rather more personal–as in interested in personal gain. According to Writer Beware,* Readers House will publish your interview on line for free; so far, so good. But… “If you commite [sic] to buy a few printed issues we may include your interview in print.” And if you want any of their other services designed to publicize your interview, it will cost you anywhere from $150 to $490. And is what you get worth what you pay? I honestly don’t know and I’m not looking to find out. I’m willing to bet that I know already.
The point I’m trying to make is not that you should avoid Readers House; that decision is entirely up to you. An interview with them might be just the boost your career needs. Your books, your choice. The same goes for anyone else who offers you something out of the blue: an interview, publication, a famous author as your new best friend. (Don’t laugh; it happens.)
What I’m saying is that nothing in this business falls into your lap. When someone you’ve never heard of offers to give you something you’ve never asked for, check it out three ways before lunch and twice after. Now, it’s true that established authors are routinely approached by editors to contribute to anthologies. I have been myself. (You can find that story here.) But those are offers from known parties who are offering money, not asking for it. Remember the adage: Money flows to the author.
And when you make enough money, someone will want to interview you for what you say, not what you pay.
*If you’re a writer and you don’t already subscribe to Writer Beware, run, do not walk, over there and do so. Right now. I’m not kidding.
Graffiti on the Walls of Time 