The Information Age has made contacting experts easier than you might think. Then there is the Internet. Nearly every company in every industry and every town in the First World, not to mention most of the manor houses and castles of Great Britain, has its own website with photos, FAQ s and contact information via e-mail. Like writers, experts are people with a passion for their subject, but also like writers they are very busy. Here are a few guidelines to enlisting an expert s time and knowledge once you ve located them, either over the ethers or in your hometown.
Respect Is the key to rapport.
Have basic knowledge of your topic before you approach an expert. Know specifically what you need to find out. Do your best to find the information on your own first. No one wants to make a pest of herself. No cute stationery, no fancy fonts.