You Got a Media Interview Request. Here's How to Nail It.
Author: Reena Goodwin
Getting an email interview request is exciting. It means a journalist found you credible enough to reach out, and now you have a real opportunity to get your expertise in front of their audience.
But how you respond matters more than most people realize. A lot of great opportunities get underutilized because the answers come back too thin, too vague, or clearly not written by the person whose name is on them. Here's what we tell our clients when a request lands in their inbox.
Why Email Interviews Are Actually an Advantage
Unlike a live interview, email gives you something valuable: time. You can think through your answers, check your facts, and make sure your expertise actually comes through before anything goes to the journalist. That's a gift. Use it well.
How to Write Answers That Get Used
Write in complete sentences. Your answers may be paraphrased or pulled as direct quotes. Either way, a complete, well-formed sentence is quote-ready. Bullet points and fragments are not.
Answer every part of the question. If a question has two or three parts, address all of them. Journalists notice when something is left unanswered – and it can mean your response gets passed over entirely.
Describe, don't just state. Illustrate your points so the reader can visualize what you mean. Instead of "a home office should be functional," try: "A well-designed home office sets you up to do your best work – think an ergonomic chair positioned toward natural light, a tidy organizational system, and personal touches that make the space feel like yours." The second version gets used. The first one doesn't.
Explain the why. Don't just share what you think – share why. If you believe bold color is having a moment in interior design, say so and back it up: "People are craving more personality in their spaces after years of all-white everything. Blues and warm terracottas are especially making a comeback." That context is what makes a quote memorable.
Always answer the "anything else you'd like to add" question. If it's there, use it. If it's not, consider closing with a brief summary thought or forward-looking perspective. It's a natural opportunity to leave a strong final impression.
Never recycle published answers. Even if you've covered a topic on your blog or in a past interview, give fresh responses. Duplicate content reflects poorly, and journalists will notice.
A Note on AI
AI tools are tempting when you're staring down a long list of interview questions. Use them sparingly, if at all – and never as the author of your answers. Journalists are increasingly savvy about AI-generated responses, and many outlets are now moving toward live Zoom or phone interviews specifically because of it.
Your voice, your perspective, and your lived experience are what make a great quote. If you use AI as a starting point, treat it as a rough editor only and rewrite everything in your own words before sending.
You Don't Have to Do This Alone
Responding to a media interview well is a skill – and it's one of the many things we work through with our clients. If you want support navigating media requests, crafting responses that actually get published, and making the most of every opportunity that comes your way, book a discovery call with us and let's talk about what that looks like for your brand.
