How authors can sell their book online using video

Creating a compelling video can be one of the most powerful tools in your marketing strategy. It helps potential readers connect with your book in a personal way. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create an engaging promotional video.

What You Need:

1. Book Cover and Photos of Your Book:

   • Your book cover is essential. It’s the first thing viewers will see and should convey the essence of your book.
   • Include images of your book from different angles (e.g., front, back, and spine) if possible. A close-up shot adds a personal touch.

2. A Brief Summary of Your Book:

   • Keep the summary short and engaging. Focus on what makes your book stand out, the genre, and why it’s worth reading.
   • Try to capture the emotional hook—why will your readers care?

3. What Do You Want People to Know About Your Book?

   • This is where you sell your book’s value. Highlight what makes it unique. Is it a fast-paced thriller? A heartwarming romance? A self-help guide that will change lives?
   • Share the why behind your book. What inspired you to write it? What will readers get from it?

4. Choose 3 Important Topics Inside Your Book:

   • Pick three key topics or themes that are central to your book’s message.
   • Make sure these topics will grab attention and resonate with your target audience. Discard the rest and focus on the best three.

5. Use Engaging Music:

   • Music sets the tone for your video. Choose something upbeat but not overpowering.
   • You want something in the middle: not too calming, but not too intense either. It should complement your message and not distract from it.

6. Speak Clearly and at a Comfortable Pace:

   • Speak slowly enough for your audience to absorb what you’re saying.
   • Practice your delivery. Listen to your recording 3 or 4 times before uploading to ensure it sounds natural and clear.
   • If you don’t like how it sounds, re-record it! Remember, this video isn’t for you—it’s for your potential readers.

7. Put Everything Together:

   • Now that you have your images, script, and voiceover, it's time to assemble everything into a cohesive, engaging video.
   • Aim for a clean, professional look that’s easy to follow. A cluttered video can lose viewers quickly.

Software We Recommend:

To create a polished video, use these tools:

• Canva.com: Great for designing visuals, including book covers, banners, and promotional images. It’s user-friendly and has lots of templates for beginners.

• Lumen5.com: This tool automatically converts text into engaging video content. You can use it to make videos with minimal effort, adding text, images, and videos seamlessly.

• Capcut: A solid video editor that’s easy to use. It’s perfect for beginners who want to create a professional-looking video without much hassle.

• Audacity: If you need to record or edit your voiceover, Audacity is a great free tool. It allows you to clean up audio, adjust levels, and ensure your voice sounds crisp and clear.

Final Thoughts: By creating a well-crafted promotional video, you’ll be able to show potential readers the value of your book in an engaging way. Follow these steps, and don’t rush the process. Remember, your video is a reflection of your book, so make sure it represents the best version of your story!