Something I wish there'd been a guide to back when I chiseled my work on cave walls was interviews. So here's my advice for newer folks.
Research for your book can almost always be improved by interviews, and sometimes demands them.
Don't be shy. Experts love to talk about their fields, whether by chat, phone, or in person. The last is the most enjoyable and most likely to lead to other contacts, at least for me. That's a bit surprising, because I'm an introvert and needed to get used to interviewing, but take that as an example showing that you, too, can get used to it. In any medium, ask at the beginning if you want to record.
The author talking about Dunkleosteus with Dr. Robert Bakker.
It's ok to be a writer they've never heard of, so long as you're prepared and your questions are intelligent. Some people can't fit you in, but the only person who EVER flatly refused to talk to me was Neil Armstrong. And be flexible: work with their schedule. Finally, it's ok if you're not polished as long as you're prepared.
Do some Googling before reaching out and determine who's most likely to have the right information. Especially check people close to you in case you'd like to talk in person. You can also hang out online with groups who share your interest and introduce yourself. Mention one of the expert's publications, or perhaps an interview or presentation you saw, when you contact them. Remember the most famous names may be a bit swamped. If you can't get the primary author on a publication, for example, look at the secondary authors.
Prepare. Don't ask a paleontologist what the biggest dinosaur was: you can Google that. She'll be inclined to tune you out. Be ready with intelligent questions about the things books and searches haven't answered for you. Also, if you ask, "Was Source X right on this?" Source X needs to be a reasonable source to being with. Don't cite Andrew Wakefield on vaccines.
Experts enjoy talking about what-ifs if the scenario is at all possible. Don't bring up a novel about the Royal Family being lizard people. (Seriously, have you ever seen a lizard with ears like that?) Or a novel about thousands of Sasquatches in a remote valley: ask instead how many Sasquatches might remain hidden in that region. I had no trouble getting expert opinion on, assuming Dunkleosteus was still alive, whether it could end up where I wanted to set the novel.
Wrap up on time and ask for any recommendations if you still need to talk to someone else. Thank them even if the interview didn't produce much of use. You might, for in-person chats, leave a small gift, like your previous book. I keep a supply of Dunkleosteus pins I give to any expert or agent/editor who gives me time in person.
Those are my top tips for those new to interviewing. What are yours?
Matt Bille is a writer, historian, and naturalist living in Colorado Springs. He can be reached at mattsciwriter@protonmail.com. Website: www.mattbilleauthor.com.
Read Matt's Latest book, Of Books and Beasts: A Cryptozoologist's Library. This unique reference offers a friendly skeptic's 400 reviews of books on cryptozoology, zoology, related sciences, and cryptozoological fiction. Your search for the world's new and undiscovered animals begins here!
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