I get this question all the time. How do you get booked on Oprah?

I’ll tell you what I’ve told everyone else. If you haven’t done dozens of media interviews, you don’t want to be on Oprah. You’re not ready.

It’s like a high school quarterback saying “I want to play in the Super Bowl.” He’d want to have a lot of victories notched before he got a chance to play in the biggest game of his life.

Sitting on Oprah’s couch is about as good as it gets from a PR perspective and if you’re booked on her show, you had better bring your “A” game. You get prepared by doing a ton of local and national media interviews.

But assuming that you’ve done that and you’re finally ready for Oprah, here are some tips from some of her former producers:

1) Watch the show

Producers say it’s amazing how many people pitch stories to the Oprah staff without ever having watched the show. Start recording episodes and really study them. Watch the rhythm of the show, the type of guests she has on and the subjects she tackles.

Would your segment actually fit? Or is it better suited for another TV talk show? There are plenty to choose from–Dr. Phil, Ellen, Rachael Ray, Regis and Kelly, Bonnie Hunt, Wendy Williams and the list goes on.

2) Pitch something topical

For instance, right now a marriage counselor or sex therapist talking about Tiger Woods and cheating is much more likely to get booked than other less timely subjects.

If a news item breaks on a subject that’s right up your alley, that’s when you should grab the phone and call one of Oprah’s producers.

3) Try, try again

Oprah has dozens of associate producers who field calls from potential guests and publicists. The producers don’t always talk to each other. If you get rejected by one, don’t give up. Just call back and ask for another producer and begin pitching again.

4) Check out Oprah’s website

The producers are always posting show topics that they need of guests for. Here are three topics they’re trying to book guests on right now:

–Oprah, MAKE OVER MY MAN!!
–In Need of a Marriage Ref?
–Did you take “Oprah’s No Phone Zone Pledge?”

Oprah’s been doing her show for 25 years. After interviewing thousands of guests she’s announced that this is her last year. She’s leaving her show to concentrate on opening her very own channel, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network in 2011. Maybe it’s finally time you worked up the courage to get yourself booked. What’s stopping you? Fear of rejection? Isn’t that what Oprah’s message is about in every single episode?

Take Oprah up on her advice. Be your best self and claim your place on Oprah’s couch this year.

www.oprah.com