Tossup between here and CS, but here goes:
Does Dean Koontz make a habit of going on small local morning news shows? I just saw him on my local news. He was supposedly live by satellite, and the anchor was asking him questions, so I think he really was live on the show (as opposed to taped and released to any station that wanted to use it). I haven’t seen other nationally-known authors do this. Is this normal for him?
I never watch local news, so I don’t know who does this or not, but the general technique is very well established, though mostly for Hollywood celebrities.
A setup is made in a hotel room someplace. Backdrop, lights, camera, makeup, all the necessities.
The local new stations call in at set intervals. The celebrity looks into the camera and answers the questions (always the same, and always stupid) with as straight a face as possible. The local station makes sure to repeat their call letters or slogan as many times as possible. Then the next one calls in.
Literally dozens of these interviews can be done over the course of a day, each one an “exclusive.”
It costs money for the studio or publisher to set these up - though obviously a lot less than actual traveling would cost - so only the biggest names get to publicize their books this way.
My guess is that about two dozen name writers would qualify, along with any newcomer the publisher is making a special effort to push. Koontz would qualify as a name.
Not every writer is comfortable doing this, although almost all the bestseller genre brand names have learned this is necessary to keep them bestsellers. Guessing again, I would be surprised if Koontz didn’t do this regularly.
Whether you local station takes part in every one is another question entirely.
The West Wing once had President Bartlet doing a lot of short interviews this way. It was the show where he made a (purposeful) gaffe in referring to Gov. Richie of Florida, his likely opponent in the next election.
I had thought about that, but dismissed it since all the news programs are on at the same time anyway, and there are only so minutes in an hour. I failed to take into account time zones. :smack: