Book review sections are disappearing from the pages of today’s newspapers. While your chances of getting a write-up about your book decrease, reporters continually need expert interviews and quotes to beef up their stories.

Your input might be a perfect way to put your name in front of readers interested in your topic.

However, many authors wonder if they are really qualified to speak as experts. They worry that their credentials aren’t strong enough, or that they will fail to answer all the questions asked in an interview. Ask yourself the following questions to help overcome your reservations and let your inner expert shine:

• What do I care about? Define exactly what you are passionate about and why. Even the shyest people speak well when they feel strongly about a viewpoint or topic.
  
  
• What experience do I have? Write down what you have accomplished, researched and understood in regards to your area of expertise. Until you put it on paper, you probably don’t realize how qualified you really are.
  
  
• What do I need to know? Instead of worrying that you don’t know enough, find the gaps in your expertise and read up on them. This is a great way to learn about something that matters to you while preparing to give informed views.

Whether your book is fiction or nonfiction, the best way to get it in newspapers is to present yourself as an expert. Define your passion, catalog your experience and study your topic so that you can confidently spread the word about your ideas and book.