I received a private message from one of you (forgive me for not responding but my life has been in turmoil) asking me to give advice or contact information about Montel, Oprah, etc. so I thought I should explain how this works to help any of you who might want it.

First, you have to really watch the tv show you would like to appear on. Montel, for instance. He wouldn't invite a guest who has a book about normal women His show leans more toward shock value. So, if you have a shocking story or have overcome something that deals with trauma (and this means, really overcoming, not in the middle of recovery) you would have a better chance of being his guest. Trust me, the producers are ALWAYS looking for new guests.

Speaking of producers, this is how it works. Montel for instance, has six teams of producers with each team consisting of three associate producers. They come up with an idea for a show, research it, call the people they're interested in having on the show, interview them by phone and the minute their show idea is accepted, it happens very fast...within a few days. They will overnite your airline itenerary to you and take care of everything.

Once they interview you by phone (if they like you) you might not hear from them for a while. But once you are in their Rolo-Dex, you're in baby! They'll ask you strange questions...do you have any missing teeth, huge birthmarks, scars, tattoo's (sp) strange hair, etc. Not that they won't have you on if you do but they need to know. They will ask for clips, promos, pictures, books you've written, etc. So, have all of this ready. They'll tell you what to wear and what not to wear. They also have people who do your make up and hair so that's a bonus..except I wasn't crazy about my hair when we taped but it was about my message, not my looks.

Don't believe that the host of the show chooses you. The producers do. Montel's producers found me on the Internet by doing a search on domestic violence. The other gal on the show was found in a newspaper article. Producers are always searching! Get yourself out there.

Strangely, Montel and I have the same producer but nobody saw this until we were taping the show and I could see Montel's face light up when he read the back cover and saw that my book was the Hay Foundation Book of the Year and all proceeds benefited battered women and people with AIDS. He got really excited about that and promoted my book like crazy!

Ask your publisher to send a copy of your book. Don't do this hoping Oprah will choose you for the book club though. She refuses to choose books that are sent in. This is what you do: if you see a show that you think is something like what you have to offer (not identical) watch as the end credits roll and get the name of the producer of that segment and then, do your homework. Mail that producer a query along with your website. Don't send your book unless they ask for it. Trust me, if they're interested, they'll ask you to overnite it to them. They have special FED-EX accounts and numbers.

If you want to sell books, make sure you are picky about what shows you're gonna be on. There are certain talk shows that are not necessarily kind to their guests and their viewing audience aren't readers. I received two offers to be on national tv talk shows and I made them promise they wouldn't invite battered women and the abuser to be on the same show because it would endanger the victim. I told them my publicist would also be arriving with me. Guess what? They couldn't promise me, which means they were only going for ratings and didn't care about their guests. Plus, some of these shows will lie through their teeth. Be careful. You have a reputation to protect.

I'm trying to think if I've left anything out. If I have, I'll post it later. And, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I believe in helping each other and especially other "chick writers"

Dianne, thanks for the invaluable information.

You mention doing our homework. That seems to be the ticket with any of our work. Finding the perfect audience is key whether it's an agent, publisher, publicist, radio, or television show.

I can't wait to see you on Monday. I'm so excited for you! Your mission is needed and will be well received. I can tell by your intention and passion.

Dianne,
Just wanted you to know I've alerted the family to tape it for me since I'll be at work. I can't wait to see it!

JJ

Since I'm a newbie here...

I missed what show to watch! Dianne, would love to watch your show. Sounds like it will be Montel. Is that right?

Thanks!

Yep, it's Montel. It airs Monday, Sept. 20th. Polly Mitchell is the guest and I'm the guest expert.

How exciting! Can wait to watch you in action...

Dianne-- Thanks for the helpful information. (I'll try and put it to good use.) I love how generous the women on this site are! --Prill