Sample Interview Questions for Authors
These are not generic filler questions. Each one is designed to unlock stories, specifics, and insights that your audience has never heard before.
“What's the one chapter you almost cut from the book that ended up being everyone's favorite?”
“What's your actual daily writing routine — not the idealized version, the real one?”
“Which book by another author do you wish you had written?”
“What's the biggest misconception readers have about your book?”
“If you could only keep one idea from the entire book, which one changes lives the most?”
Pro Tips for Interviewing Authors
Preparation separates good interviews from great ones. Here is what the top podcast hosts know about interviewing published authors and writers.
Actually READ the book (or at least key chapters) — authors can tell instantly if you haven't
Ask about the story BEHIND the book, not just a summary of it
Find the contrarian angle — what in their book goes against conventional wisdom?
Ask about their failures and rejections before the book deal — that's where the good stories are
Why Great Author Interviews Matter
Author interviews are a staple of podcasting, but most of them follow the same tired formula: summarize the book, ask about the writing process, plug the Amazon link. Listeners have heard it all before. The hosts who create standout author episodes are the ones who go deeper, finding the stories behind the stories and the ideas the author is still wrestling with.
The best author interviews feel like a conversation between two people who are genuinely fascinated by ideas. That only happens when the host has done the work: reading the book, identifying the most provocative arguments, and preparing questions that push the author to think in new ways. Authors are storytellers by nature, so your job is to unlock the stories they have not told yet.
Great author interviews also serve as evergreen content. When someone discovers a book months or years after publication, they search for interviews about it. A well-prepared, deeply researched author episode continues to drive traffic and downloads long after it goes live.
Frequently Asked Questions About Interviewing Authors
Common questions from podcast hosts preparing to interview published authors and writers.
Do I need to read the entire book before interviewing an author?+
Read at least the introduction, conclusion, and 2-3 key chapters. Authors can instantly tell if you haven't engaged with their work, and it shows respect for their craft.
What makes a great author interview vs. a boring one?+
Great author interviews go beyond summarizing the book. Ask about the stories behind the writing — the rejections, the chapter they almost cut, the idea that changed during editing.
How do I help an author promote their book without being salesy?+
Naturally weave in the book title during conversation and ask questions that make listeners want to learn more. End with 'Where can people grab a copy?' — simple and effective.
Should I ask an author about their writing process?+
Yes, but be specific. Don't ask 'What's your process?' — instead ask 'What does your actual Tuesday morning look like when you're on deadline?'
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