Interviewing American Artists for International Publications

One of the major complaints freelance writers have about American markets is that it's almost impossible to get the story before a nationally syndicated news agency does. This is especially true for interviewing American artists about recent accomplishments. For example, it would be very difficult for Joe Freelancer to score an interview with an American Idol contestant before every news agency in America has already done it.

The answer to this problem is simple, however, if you know how International markets work. If you're a freelance writer and are interested in interviewing American artists, your work can become hot property for international publications. This is especially true when it comes to interviewing writers because there is a several-month wait for translations of books to be presented in foreign countries.

Of course, you are still presented with a few problems even after you've decided to interview American artists for international publications. Just because other news agencies have gotten their interviews doesn't mean you will be granted one later, and you'll have to interview artists who are known internationally. There are a few ways to accomplish this task even if you don't have the necessary contacts.

First of all, you're going to have to learn the patterns of American artists if you want to interview them for international publications. You need to know their publicists' names, where they live, how often they give interviews and when to contact them. In some cases, you can write their publicists and request an interview if you can name the publication for which you will be writing the article.

Knowing this, your first step is to contact international publications and ask about openings for interviews of American artists. Let them know that you are willing to write a specific number of articles each month, complete with interviews, but that you'll need an assignment if you're going to be granted an interview. It's usually best to target the lesser-known publications first until you have built up a portfolio full of interviews with American artists.