Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Preparing the Interview Topic
• Method 2 of 2: Conducting an Email Interview
• Tips

Conducting an email interview can be a convenient way to interview someone and get answers to the questions you need in a timely manner. If you are a journalist already under deadline trying to hold a meeting, an email interview can be an ideal option for multitasking your projects, especially if you don't have to meet face-to-face with the subject, or record your dialogue. An email interview can also be effective if you plan on posting it online or in other digital media, or if you just need expert opinion on a specific topic.Before scheduling an e-interview, you must first determine if the subject is available and ready to interview you by e-mail. You can compile a list of interview questions for your subject based on the topic you want to write about. Read this article to learn how to conduct a successful email interview.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Preparing the Interview Topic

1. 1 Contact the subject prior to conducting the interview by email. This will allow you to introduce yourself or your organization and provide an opportunity to explain the purpose of your interview. For example, if you want to interview an author for your book blog, contact him and explain that you would like to publish it on your page on the Internet.
   • Explain to the subject how you came across their name and contact information, especially if you call beforehand. This will help the subject feel more at ease with you and the purpose of the interview.
2. 2 Provide the subject with information about the nature of the interview. For example, if the subject has recently released an e-book about internet marketing, explain that the interview questions will focus solely on their new book.
   • If the subject is hesitant to be interviewed by email, outline positive points that will inspire them to participate. For example, explain that you want to publish the interview on your web page, which will bring additional exposure to the subject.
3. 3 Provide the subject with information about the expected length of the interview. For example, if you want to ask a subject about their new product, inform them that you plan to ask 10 questions related to that specific product.
4. 4 Provide the subject with timing information if needed. This can often ensure that the subject completes the email interview on time, especially if you are on a deadline.

Method 2 of 2: Conducting an Email Interview

1. 1 Research the biography of your subject before working out the interview questions. This will help you understand what is needed to develop strong interview questions. For example, when interviewing a professional athlete, research their athletic performance to find out the names of the teams they played for or other career highlights.
   • Use the internet as a resource to find information about the person and their accomplishments, or consult the interviewee's public relations agent if possible.
2. 2 Write your list of interview questions. Your questions should only contain one query or concept for each question, so that the problem remains clear and the questions are to the point. For example, if the first question you ask is whether a person likes to drink wine, then the second question should be about what kind of wine the interviewee prefers over the rest.
   • Write one or two main questions to start the interview, then move on to more specific questions or topics to move the conversation forward. For example, starting with the question to the pastry chef why he chose the profession of baker, continue to ask him additional questions related to the new bakery he is opening in your city.
3. 3 Email your interview questions to your interviewee. Then he should answer your questions and send them back to you by e-mail before the deadline that you agreed.
4. 4 Correct interview responses as needed. In most cases, especially if you are approving Q&A for an interview with a boss or with a publication that publishes the interview on their website, you may need to edit grammar and punctuation. Sometimes, you may need to rephrase a respondent's answers in a style that matches the style of your readers or post.
   • Review the major changes with the subject of your interview.For example, if you feel you need to edit a specific quote provided to you by the interviewee, contact them prior to posting to obtain their permission to edit their quote.
5. 5 Thank the subject of your interview after your interview is complete. You can express your gratitude both by e-mail and by phone, as well as in the final copy of the interview questions and answers.

Tips

• Provide the interviewee with information about yourself and give him time to look for information about you, if necessary. Some people may want to verify your identity or the veracity of your content before answering any questions, especially if the questions are personal. For example, provide the person with links to other interviews you've conducted by email and posted online.