The Q&A profile:

1. Alternative form of storytelling.
2. Give a sense of hearing the subject talk by capturing accurately the language of their answers. (Use a tape recorder for your main interview).
3. Create a story with a beginning, middle and end.
4. You can edit your questions so that they are sharp, on point, or set up the answer in the best way possible.
5. You must edit the answers so that they don’t run on too long.
6. You can shuffle the order of the questions from when you asked them. You are not sending me a transcript of your interview. The idea is to tell a story. You are in charge. Organization — and focus— is essential. Ask yourself: what is this Q&A about? Don’t veer off in several directions with your questions. Go deeper and deeper.
7. The intro – No more than 100 words. This is really your nut graf. You want to introduce not only your subject, but the focus or theme of the story. This is not a biography. It is a snapshot. Keep it relatively focused. Make it sound like a coherent, revealing conversation that tells a story.
8. You want your first question and answer to be compelling enough to get the reader to the second one. Identify your final answer before your start and build your Q&A in that direction.
9. Length — 900 words total, with about 100 for your intro. On average, you need between 8 and 12 questions. Keep answers concise and on point. No wordy questions or answers.
10. Reporting Index: You must interview at least two people familiar with your profile subject to help you prepare for your main interview. Include any additional web research.
11. If you can: Include a photograph.