Author Podcast Pitch Template and Interview Preparation Worksheet
A strong author podcast pitch offers a conversation the host's listeners will value. It connects your experience with the show's audience and makes preparation straightforward. Use this guide to write a focused pitch, gather talking points and arrive with a recording setup you have already tested.
Download the editable worksheet
Download the interviews & podcasts worksheet (Excel) →
Open the Excel file in your spreadsheet application or import it into Google Sheets and review the formulas after conversion. Save a separate copy for your project. Fill in the pale-yellow cells and use the Review status dropdown. Ready items and Items to review update from those choices; Not applicable removes an item from the remaining review count. Your edits stay in your file and do not sync to Author Rise.
1. Listen before you pitch
Review a recent episode and the host's current guest instructions. Note the audience, tone, typical length and questions the show explores. Choose one genuine connection between your work and that audience. A pitch addressed to a specific show gives the host more useful information than the same promotional message sent everywhere.
2. Offer one topic with three listener takeaways
Name a topic you can discuss from experience. Explain what listeners could understand, try or reconsider after hearing the conversation. Keep the takeaways specific and realistic. Your book can provide context without making every talking point a purchase request.
3. Make the invitation easy to assess
Draft a brief introduction, the proposed topic and the reason it fits. Add a public media-kit link and a relevant sample if the host requests one. Offer to discuss suitability rather than assuming a booking. Record the host's preferred follow-up process in the worksheet.
4. Prepare prompts rather than a rigid script
Choose a short opening story, three talking points and examples that support them. Record topics you would rather keep private and discuss relevant boundaries with the host. Prepare a concise bio and one helpful link listeners can use. Practice answering aloud so your explanations sound conversational.
5. Confirm the appointment and technical setup
Check the date, time zone, recording platform and whether video will be used. Test microphone, headphones and internet connection beforehand. Arrange a quiet space and a backup way to contact the host. After recording, ask about the publication link and share only the agreed materials.
A practical starting point
Pitch starter: I enjoyed your conversation about [specific topic]. I could contribute an episode on [focused idea], drawing on [relevant experience]. Listeners would take away [three concrete points]. Would this fit your upcoming conversations?
Adapt this example to your own work and the recipient's requirements. Complete the first three relevant worksheet fields, then choose one action you can take today.
Continue with related Author Rise resources
Further reading and useful tools
Find a connection and keep your working files
Explore the Author Rise Directory → to review the directory and its current contact options. Agree availability, deliverables and any fees directly with the person you choose. Example listings are illustrative; browser-created profiles are not shared member listings.
Download all ten community worksheets (ZIP) → or return to the Author Rise Community.