Submitting an interview proposal for use in newspaper - how to massage both parties

[6079]

My personal goal is to be able to interview interesting people that wouldn't ordinarily make themselves available. I know 99.9% of them and 100% of their publicists want it to be for a relevant newspaper or similar medium though. But I have no writing credits or resume to sell myself with, only an informal interview I have with a famous figure and another one agreed to in the near future.

Based on this, what is my best chance of getting in the door with other interviews for a publication? And I have the utmost respect for writers and the dedication to their craft, paying dues, and climbing to a place of credibility and access, so I don't mean to sound glib with this message or make light of that.

I'm unsure of how to approach this delicate masking of my complete lack of experience and affiliation. Should I get a verbal interest from the publication first, or the interview subject? Obviously, being able to say that the other is interested or confirmed, would help greatly. Then the question is, how do I ask that? In the case of the publication, should that be a query letter? Or some hybrid that includes a sample or resume?

My uninformed instinct would be to explain to the newspaper / online blog / magazine, etc. the interview subject, why I'd be good at conducting an interview, and ask if they'd have an interest in running it. Then I would contact the interview subject and explain essentially the same thing, only much briefer, and include a statement about the interest of the publication.

Your thoughts are incredibly valued.

[TnD]

I think it's going to be harder for you to get your foot in the door with the medium, rather than the person. As far as the 'famous' people, I've done a few interviews without an issue. It all depends on how famous they are.

As for getting your interview published, I think that you should start with the local paper in your area. Ask them what they think of the idea. I think you're on the right track, but (personally), I think that the subject of the interview would be enough for them to make a decision. At least it's a foot in the door, right?

Hope this helps.