BY KATHI KAMEN GOLDMARK AND SAM BARRY

The Author Enablers are here to answer your questions about writing and publishing. Together, Kathi and Sam have more than 25 years of experience in book publishing. Kathi is an author, radio producer and former publicist; Sam is a marketing manager at a major publishing company and a freelance editor. They are also proud members of the Rock Bottom Remainders, the all-author rock band founded by Kathi in 1992.

Author tips from a broadcasting pro

You've written your first book—Confessions of a Cereal Killer: The Life and Times of a Psychotic Breakfast-Food Entrepreneur—and it's been sold to Cranky Pants Press. The publicist assigned to your title is hard at work sending out review copies and soliciting interviews. Electronic media (radio and TV) can make a huge difference in sales, but how does a first-time author land such a spot, especially without much experience or training? And once you're booked, how do you prepare?

As always, your trusty Author Enablers are here to help you figure that out. We talked to Sedge Thomson, the host of "West Coast Live," a weekly radio show broadcast coast-to-coast on many public radio stations. (In the interest of full disclosure, we want to point out that we've both worked on "West Coast Live"—Kathi as producer and Sam as piano man—but we're pretty sure Sedge would have talked to us anyway.)

Sedge has been an on-air interviewer for more than 20 years, has filled in for Terry Gross on "Fresh Air," and is well into his 15th year on "West Coast Live." The show, which airs live on Saturday mornings in front of a theater audience with live music and interview guests, is considered an A-list booking for authors. (Learn more at wcl.org.)

We asked Sedge about common pitfalls that authors should avoid. We also asked him how an author can do such a great job that he or she will be asked back to discuss future books. Here's what he had to say:

What defines a great interview?
I'm looking for an interesting conversation that tells a good story. Sometimes the better-known authors will use a set piece, but I prefer to tease out new, less rehearsed material. Unlike lawyers, I don't ask questions because I know the answer beforehand. I want to learn something new.

What drives you crazy?
Sometimes, especially when guests have had media training, they keep repeating the words "In my book, [insert title here], I reveal . . ." That comes across as desperate and unprofessional. If an author relaxes and we have a fascinating talk, our audience will be interested in the book, the author and upcoming readings and appearances, which are easily found through links on our website. Also, it's not a selling point when publicists or authors point out that there have been interviews on other big national shows; it makes me wonder why—with all this other attention—they need us.

Any other tips for authors who want to make a good impression?
Send out review copies and press materials in plenty of time, and make sure your contact information and available dates are clearly communicated. Let us know why you think your book will be of particular interest to our audience. When you're confirmed, link to us on your website and let your fans know so that locals can join our live audience and others can tune in. Don't mispronounce the host's name—because we try to get your name right, after all—arrive on time, don't cancel at the last minute; we hate to let our audience down. Thank-you notes after the fact are always appreciated, and circulated among our whole crew. As far as a need to prepare, in my view you've been preparing for the interview all your life. Radio is such an intimate medium that often listeners respond out of a connection to you as a person, as much if not more so than what your book is about. So personal stories are compelling. Make a listener curious about you. It's a seduction of the intellect and the soul.

Final thoughts?
Feel free to send us a personal note and remind your publicist if you think an appropriate media booking has been overlooked. Please don't take it personally if we say "no." It could just be bad timing, so feel free to give us another try later on. Each show has its own culture and preferences, but all interviewers appreciate courtesy and professionalism. By the way, always bring a copy of your book and your reading glasses, if you're lucky enough to need them.

So there you have it, direct from one of America's premier on-air interviewers. Of course, you could try showing up drunk or stoned like Dylan Thomas or Hunter S. Thompson were reputed to do, but we don't think there's much percentage in that. The best authors are pros and sweethearts—they show up and do their job, and are remembered fondly.

With more than 25 years experience in the industry, Kathi Kamen Goldmark and Sam Barry have the inside scoop on writing and publishing. E-mail your questions (along with your name and hometown) to AuthorEnabler@aol.com.