A Freelance Writer’s Guide to Finding Credible Sources

TL;DR:

• Expert interviews enhance your articles and establish you as a trusted writer.
• There is a simple formula for finding credible sources.
• Be punctual, flexible, and prepared to get the most out of your expert interviews.

As a freelance writer, your credibility hinges on the quality of your sources. While online research provides a great starting point, your stories need the insight and authority that comes from interviewing experts in the field. Expert interviews enrich your content and help establish you as a knowledgeable and trustworthy writer. However, finding credible sources and conducting interviews can be challenging. This guide will show you how to identify the right experts, approach them professionally, and extract valuable insights for your writing.

Why Expert Interviews Matter

Incorporating expert opinions into your writing elevates the quality of your content. Experts bring firsthand knowledge, nuanced perspectives, and up-to-date information that can’t always be found online or through secondary sources. Whether you’re writing a deep-dive article, a how-to guide, or a thought leadership piece, expert interviews can add depth, authority, and a unique angle that resonates with readers.

Finding Credible Sources

The first step in a successful expert interview is finding the right person to speak with. Here’s how to identify credible sources:

Relevance and Expertise

Look for individuals with extensive knowledge or experience in the subject you’re writing about. This could be academics, industry professionals, or published authors. The key is to find someone whose expertise is directly relevant to your topic. Don’t know where to start? Look for highly ranked university programs in the subject area and reach out to their communications department. Academic institutions have public relations and communications teams eager to help writers connect with relevant experts.

Reputation and Credentials

An expert’s reputation can be a good indicator of their credibility. Check their credentials, such as degrees, professional titles, and published work. Experts affiliated with reputable institutions, such as universities or research organizations, often have the credibility you need. Government websites like NIH.gov can be great places to find reputable professionals in medical and health-related fields. Email or call experts directly, or get in touch with the organization’s media relations team to set up an interview.

Availability and Accessibility

Even the most knowledgeable experts are useless if they’re unreachable. If a direct email or phone call to the communications or media relations department doesn’t work, look online for sources who are accessible and open to interviews. This can include professionals who actively engage with the public via social media or those who are quoted frequently in industry publications. Be sure to check credentials to ensure they’re a published and reliable source of information.

Approaching Experts for Interviews

Once you’ve identified potential interviewees, the next step is to reach out. Here’s how to approach experts professionally:

Craft a Polite and Concise Request

Your initial contact should be respectful, transparent, and to the point. Introduce yourself, explain your writing project, and outline why you think that person’s expertise would be valuable. Mention any relevant deadlines and how long the interview might take.

For example:

Dear Dr. Smith, My name is [Your Name], and I’m a freelance writer working on an article about [Topic]. I’m reaching out because of your extensive research in [Relevant Field], and I believe your insights could significantly enhance the accuracy and depth of my piece. Would you be available for a brief 20-30 minute interview? My deadline for interviews is [Date]. Thank you for your time, [Your Name]

Be Flexible with Scheduling

Experts are often busy and traveling for speaking engagements, so offer a range of dates and times to make it easier for them to fit you into their schedule. If possible, offer to conduct the interview via phone, video call, or email—whichever is most convenient for them.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Before the interview, research your expert’s work and prepare a list of thoughtful, open-ended questions. This shows respect for their time and ensures you gather the information you need. Avoid asking easy questions that could be quickly answered with an online search.

Conducting the Interview

With your expert lined up and questions ready, it’s time to conduct the interview. Here’s how to ensure it goes smoothly:

Be Punctual and Professional

Respect your interviewee’s time by being punctual and professional. Start by briefly reintroducing yourself and explaining the purpose of the interview. Keep the conversation focused and on track, but also allow the expert to elaborate on points where they have more to offer.

Listen Actively

Active listening is critical to a successful interview. Pay close attention to the expert’s responses, and ask relevant follow-up questions. This leads to deeper insights and dynamic conversations. You may discover an angle you hadn’t considered!

Take Notes and Record (With Permission)

Taking notes is essential, but recording the interview (with permission) allows you to capture the conversation accurately. This is particularly useful for quoting the expert verbatim in your writing.

Thank the Expert

After the interview, always thank the expert for their time and insights. A follow-up thank-you email is a professional touch that keeps the door open for future collaboration. If you plan to continue writing in this field, be sure to build a professional and cordial relationship with the source.

Integrating Expert Insights into Your Writing

Once you’ve conducted the interview, it’s time to weave the expert’s insights into your work. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Quote Selectively: Use direct quotes for critical points or unique perspectives that add authority to your piece.
• Paraphrase for Clarity: Paraphrase longer explanations to keep your writing concise and to fit the tone of your article.
• Cite Properly: Always attribute the information to the expert. If relevant, mention their credentials to reinforce their credibility.

Finding and interviewing credible sources is an essential skill for freelance writers. Expert interviews significantly enhance the quality of your content, providing unique insights that resonate with readers and establish your authority as a writer. Using these tips to identify experts, approach them professionally, and conduct thorough interviews will pay off in better work and more assignments down the line.

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