Ambassador of Possibility

Writing is unique because no matter who you are, you start with a blank page.  All writers face the blank page, that great canvas of unlimited opportunity, and it can be intimidating! 

The great thing about author-ship is that you don’t have to start with nothing alone.  There are many different ways to write a book, but one of the easiest is to write a book that is based off interviews…my first book was based on interviews.  They are easy and fun to conduct, and always provide great content.           

Here is an excerpt from my Wealthy Writer’s Wisdom^© Workbook about the formalities of conducting interviews:

From WealthyWritersWisdom.com

“It is important to remember that when you interview someone, there are a few things you need to take care of to protect you and your interviewee legally, and to make sure that all parties are being treated fairly.   Some of these concerns are:

·  Is there a contract required between the interviewee and myself? 

·  What additional arrangements need to be made to legally protect me and my book? 

·  Do I need to compensate this person monetarily for possible revenues from the book?

When you are initially interviewing the person, make sure you are clear that you MIGHT use this piece in your book, not that you definitely will. Clarity in your communication with the interviewee will protect your relationship with the interviewee and your reputation with others.  If you don’t end up using the interview, no one will have their feelings hurt, and no bad blood will be generated.  In addition to protecting relationships and reputations, it also provides you with creative wiggle room in case your concept changes or you want to look at things from another direction.  Using “possibly” frees you from being tied to one angle or perception.

When you interview someone and write a piece based on the interview, you are creating content, and as a result you own the copyright to that piece.  It should be made clear with the interviewee that he or she still owns the underlying intellectual property (their life story, idea, etc) that is presented in your article. If you do end up using their interview in your book, make sure to have them sign a permission release. In addition to getting written permission from your interviewee, be sure to credit that person (or any other source) anytime you quote them or use one of their original ideas in your book.  It is easy to find sample permission forms, and guidelines about intellectual property usage online by doing a simple search.

There may be no need to compensate your interviewee.  Your interviewee will benefit greatly from having their name and intellectual property appear in your wonderful book.  If you feel you need to give back, you can add a plug promoting their website or business in your book where appropriate; this will drive business for them and generate revenue for years to come.  In some cases, your interviewee may be entitled to some financial compensation.  Visit the U.S. Copyright Office website, or an intellectual property attorney for more information.”  (Lesson 2: Interviewing) 

Interviews create massive credibility for both parties, and it the fastest way to learn about something.  Use interviews to generate content, or even write a book.  Just be sure to consider the formal side of interviews if you do use them in print.

For me, interviews have lead to many great friendships, business partnerships, and opportunities.  When you ask the right question at the right time, you never know what will come of it.  Be curious, talk to everyone; we all have something to share and teach!

—Mark