Do you dream of being on The Oprah Winfrey Show? Lots of people do. An appearance on Oprah is considered by many to be the pinnacle of success. Authors dream of having best selling books as a result of an Oprah appearance, or by being selected for Oprah’s Book Club.
First, a little reality check: Every author believes that his or her book is “perfect” for Oprah. Most are not. Even if your book is related to a regular show topic, the odds are still against getting on the show. And, even if you make it to the chair next to Oprah, it does not guarantee that your book will sell millions, or even thousands, more copies.
That said, there is nothing wrong with dreaming big and aiming high. If you are determined to make it to The Oprah Winfrey Show, here are some tips to help you get there.
Before pitching your story to Oprah, become familiar with how the show is structured. Oprah changes the show’s focus from time to time. Watch at least a full week of shows to learn the type of stories the show features and how regular segments fit into the show. As you watch, imagine how your story might be told on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Do not think about you and your book, think of a great segment for the show and how you fit that segment.
Don’t send your pitch directly to Oprah Winfrey. Watch the credits to get the names of producers who work on the show. If you have a media kit, send it to the appropriate producer. Tell them why you think your story is right for the show, and how you see your story fitting into the format of the show. Include a copy of your book, a product sample, a short video, or other items that help make your case. Get specifics on how to contact The Oprah Winfrey Show and Oprah’s magazine here.
The Oprah.com web site is a great resource to help you land a spot on the show. The web site includes a list of topics they’re working on for upcoming shows, and tells you how to contact the show to tell your story. There are links for getting your story into O, the Oprah magazine, too. You can also use the web site to research regular show features and the topics of past shows. That knowledge can help you target your pitch to the show.
While you are on the Oprah website, sign up to be a member of the forums. You can see what viewers are talking about and join in the discussion. You never know who may be reading those forums, including Oprah staff members or producers.
Keep in mind that Oprah and her producers get pitched thousands of times each week, but they like to discover new stories on their own. I know authors who got on the show because a producer read and was helped or inspired by their books. You can’t control that directly, but getting buzz for your book means that it will reach lots of people, including (maybe) producers for Oprah or other major shows.
Remember that Oprah and her staff watch television, read newspapers and magazines, and listen to the radio. They are always looking for great stories. Get your story in other media and they may find you. Doing lots of other interviews will also be great practice for when you actually make it to the Oprah set. The Oprah Winfrey Show is based in Chicago, so you might want to make a special effort to get publicity in Chicago media.
Know the show. Visit Oprah.com frequently to see what guests they are looking for. Follow up and contact the show when you can make a connection with an upcoming topic. And have a nice time in Chicago!
Copyright Cathy Stucker. Learn more about how you can attract customers and make yourself famous with free publicity at http://www.IdeaLady.com/pr.htm
Discover how to contact The Oprah Winfrey Show at https://www.sellingbooks.com/contact-the-oprah-winfrey-show
It would be a blessing to be contacted by anyone that works with the company. I have written a “self help” book that is currently being edited.It is my very first one.My drive is not for money, but for help to others. I know this book will help to not only inspire readers but will provoke a change in so many peoples attitudes towards stepping out on faith.
i would love to be on oprah.
I can inspire other younge ladies like myself.
The msot impotant reason I would love to be on Oprah is because I wrote a book in order to help people, including kids that are being attacked. I also went through shocking and an un-ordinary circumstances growing up and by studying the Bible for years and going through many heart wrenching trials, I finally came to the point where I finally trusted God. By trusting God unbelieveable miracles took place in my life.Through the miracles I learned that we have a built in never fail weapon for protection that not only adults, but even children can use to protect themselves from every form of evil, including: kidnapping, rape, beatings, burglary, murder, etc. I know without a doubt in my heart that there is no other weapon in the world that can compare.