Interviews
Last updated May 2025
A bionic reading version of this page is available here.
Thank you so much for considering an interview for rubyallencadman.uk.
The intention behind these interviews is to provide valuable insights into publishing, writing and other creative industries, but they’re also intended to put a (low pressure) spotlight on you.
I’ll always aim to make you feel comfortable, listened to and celebrated. With that in mind, below is an overview of the interview process. You’ll also find a general consent form, here – but you do not have to send this through immediately; you can always email me with additional queries or requests first.
Please feel free to download a copy of this information for your records.
About the interview
- Questions are not fixed. If there are questions you would like to change or would prefer not to answer, or you have some to add on, I am very happy to discuss them with you ahead of the interview (or not, just say “not that one”, and there’ll be no questions asked [ha]). If I have additional questions specific to the subject of our interview, I’ll get them over to you for approval head of time, too.
- If you consent, in-person or video interviews will be recorded. I will then transcribe and edit for clarity, usually within ten (10) working days.
- You will be sent a draft of the interview for your comments or amendments. Unless otherwise agreed (I’ll always work to accommodate your schedule) you will have ten (10) working days to provide feedback.
- I will send a final version of the interview for your approval. You will have a further ten (10) working days to approve. This is also your last chance to request for the interview to be discarded/deleted before it is posted,
- If you are happy for me to do so, I will crosspost the interview to Substack. If you would rather I didn’t, that’s fine, just let me know.
- With your consent, I will also advertise the interview on social media platforms. This is including but not limited to Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, Pinterest and LinkedIn. If you wish to have sign-off on these posts or would like to specify which platforms you are comfortable for it to be promoted on, please let me know ahead of the interview.
ADDITIONAL INFOrmation
- Anonymous interviews: if you would like your interview to be anonymous, I will endeavour to make it so. However, by agreeing to be interviewed and approving the final work, you acknowledge that I am not liable if you are identified from the post.
- Deleting the interview: if you have not been financially compensated*, I will delete the post and any and all mentions of the post from my services within five (5) working days of your request. Please note, I am not liable for any copying or reposting to third-party sources. If you were financially compensated, justifiable cause is needed for the post’s removal including but not limited to:
- A breach in anonymity
- A violation of my terms of service
* For the sake of clarity: me buying you a drink (hot or cold) does not count as financial compensation.
Q & A TEMPLATE
Please tell me about yourself
This is just the “hello” and can cover your name, pronouns, job title or published works; essentially any interesting facts you’d like to share with the class.
Tell me a bit about your career and/or life journey
Where you are now, how you got there, some high- or low- lights.
What got you interested in [topic of interview] and why does it matter to you?
This can be whatever you like, an in-depth explanation or a summary statement
What do you think the [publishing/writing/creative] industry is doing well [in regards to this topic]?
If the answer is “nothing” that’s okay, though it’s always good to have some positives.
What would you like to see improve ?
I find it helpful to consider three main action points you want addressing here, but more or less is fine.
Do you have any tips/suggestions for how these changes could come about?
Don’t worry, I’m not asking you to fix everything, but if you have some ideas share them here! Also a good point to cite books, articles, videos, websites or training course you’d recommend.
What book are you currently reading and/or what’s your favourite book at the moment?
This is mainly for me; I just like to know.
Bonus! Question — If your life had a soundtrack, what would it be?
This song will be embedded in the interview as an optional play along for readers.
Ruby Allen-Cadman 