From the Archives: “How to Promote Your Self Published Book Using Video”

Welcome back to our Tuesday segment, where we’ll be revisiting some of our most popular posts from the last few years. What’s stayed the same? And what’s changed? We’ll be updating you on the facts, and taking a new (and hopefully refreshing) angle on a few timeless classics of Self Publishing Advisor.

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[ Originally posted: February 27th, 2013 ]

Video is one of the hottest tools in advertising and marketing right now. Thanks to YouTube and smart devices, people are watching tons of videos, and this tool offers great marketing opportunities for self publishing authors. Here are three ways you can use the power of video to market your book.

Create a book trailer

Book trailers are a hot marketing tool right now. They are like commercials for your book. They are a great item to include on your website and social media pages, and they often increase exposure because readers can easily share videos they enjoy with their friends, family and social media followers.

Record yourself

Video isn’t just used to sell your book; it can also be used to sell yourself as the author. This is especially useful if you write about a topic you are an expert in. For instance, if you wrote a book about weight loss, you could create videos sharing weight loss tips with your readers.

Make it funny

Many of the online videos that go viral include humor. While this technique isn’t appropriate for all books and authors, most people can improve their video ratings by including some humor in their videos. Don’t be afraid to look silly.

I’d love to know, how do you use video to promote your self published book?

– by Kelly Schuknecht

We’ve come a long way in three years! Even in 2013, however, there was abundant evidence that video was rapidly becoming ubiquitous––becoming more than just another tool in the self-publishing author’s toolbox––and that authors like myself needed to catch up. We now have an entire generation of megastars whose sole platform and original source of popularity was YouTube: Adam Montoya, Amber Lee Ettinger, Bethany Mota, Caspar Lee, and hundreds of others have now become household names in large part due to their savvy use of this one video platform. If you needed proof that video really did kill the radio star, you have it.

Video is so ubiquitous, in fact, that you can now find embedded YouTube, Vimeo, and Instagram clips on every other social media site. It’s easy to forget that YouTube is its own fully viable social media platform (for more on that, see my entry for YouTube in last year’s social media primer) because it is so fully conversant with Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and so on. Videos can even be embedded into your Amazon author page, your email signature, and your personal website. Basically, they can go everywhere and be everything to everyone.

In a sense, my original points remain relevant untouched. They are not, however, entirely complete. The world of video marketing for self-publishing authors has evolved well beyond where it was three years ago, and while to a certain extent it will always continue to be a moving target, I think it well worth a little time and care to catch up, and cultivate a video presence online. In fact, I think I’ll make that one of my goals for 2016: in some way, shape, or form, I will boost my engagement with online video marketing. And of course, I’ll update you on my progress here at Self Publishing Advisor!

In closing, I think the most important tip that I left out of my original list is this:

Marketing your book is all about human connection, and video marketing is no different. Many of video’s greatest assets––its immediacy, its ability to convey a lot of information very succinctly and sometimes entirely through context––tap into the our deepest emotional centers. Video has the power to move people. It has the power to capture your readers’ attention but it must do so quickly, in the first few seconds, or else they will move on to other content. Human communication is almost entirely non-verbal, and within seconds of clicking your YouTube or Vimeo link, people will decide whether they like and trust you.

That’s a lot of pressure, if you approach video marketing this way. And while I certainly advocate for keeping these facts in mind, I don’t think fear should serve as your primary motivation. Instead, think about video as a backstage pass into what you do as a writer, an all-access ticket to the theme park of your book’s greater universe. No single video will make or break your online presence, so make as many as possible, catapulting off of the energy and enthusiasm you feel for our work, and share them across as many social media platforms as you feel comfortable using. If posting a video clip feels as quick and simple as posting a Facebook update, you’re doing it right!

If you have any other ideas, I’d love to hear them. Drop me a line in the comments section below and I’ll respond as quickly as I can. ♠

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Executive Vice President of Outskirts Press. In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog, kellyschuknecht.com.

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Self-Publishing News: 3.7.2016

This week in the world of self-publishing:

Top 3 Amazon Alternatives for Kindle Writers

“Not happy with your Amazon royalties? Not thrilled with Amazon’s latest strategy to pay self-published borrowed books is a pool based on pages read?” asks Liesha Petrovich for HuffPost Business on March 3rd. Answers Petrovich: “You’re not alone.” And indeed, as she points out in her article, a number of high-profile as well as mainstream self-publishing authors are growing dissatisfied with Amazon’s offerings, services, and standard of treatment for its customers––readers and writers alike. And just because Amazon may appear to have a stranglehold on the indie publishing marketplace doesn’t mean that it’s the only option available; as Petrovich writes, “If you’re a current or future writer, with dreams of making a living writing, Amazon isn’t the only path to self-published success.” Her suggestions are threefold, and they don’t rely on switching companies––such as leapfrogging from Amazon to Kobo, or some other platform––but rather upon changing the sales paradigm altogether. Her recommendations are to:

Sell from your own site
Sell on other platforms (such as the Apple store, or through B&N), and
Create your own path to publishing success.

“You’re not limited,” says Petrovich, “and you may have to try a few [options] before you find the results you’re looking for. Just remember you choose to go independent for a reason, and not to increase Amazon’s profits.” Amen to that. For the rest of Petrovich’s article, follow the link!

13 Self Published Books You Won’t Find At A Book Store, But Need To Read

Says Meg Kehoe of the Romper in another article from March 3rd, “The amazing range that self-published books provide can be hard to navigate, but thanks to sites like Indie Reader and Goodreads, the world of books becomes slightly less daunting.” Kehoe herself is a handy resource for readers looking to break into the world of ebooks but find themselves without a map or compass. Her list of books you can’t afford to miss includes Jabberwocky by Theodore Singer (CreateSpace)––with obvious ties to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland series, just in time for a new movie coming out this summer––and Jack Hammond Junior’s The Last Hanging in Scots Bend (Lujack Press), Nina Ansary’s Jewels for Allah (Revela Press), and Russell Newell’s The Boy and the Bastard (Dog Ear). I don’t know about you, but after perusing Kehoe’s list and reading her summaries of each, I definitely feel like cracking open a few new ebook covers (figuratively, at least) this next week! You can view the entire list here.

The teen author bandwagon

Sometimes, it’s nice to hear from the very demographic we write so much about here on Self Publishing Advisor, and in his March 2nd column for The Beacon, the official (online and print) student newspaper of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Mitch Chapman speaks up for teen authors everywhere––and what he has to say may come as a surprise, in that he asks for us to stop defining teen authors as “teen authors” and instead define them simply by what they do (write) and how well they do it. Says Chapman, “even before the rise of self-publishing platforms such as CreateSpace and Lulu, there has been an unusual fixation towards teenage authors that sometimes bleeds into college life.” He goes on to argue that, although the phenomenon of the teen author pop icon has its roots in a fascination with the gifted youngsters among us, it has created a culture which commoditizes and monetizes an author’s age … and by turning age into currency, we of course perpetuate an opportunity for unhealthy exploitation. The label “teen author” also has the undesirable side effect of following young writers into adulthood, and diminishing the true value of what they do. Chapman concludes that, “At the end of the day, what matters is not your age, but the quality of your work and your personal integrity.” Wise words for us all. You can find the rest of his article at the MCLA Beacon website.

As a self-publishing author, you may find it helpful to stay up-to-date on the trends and news related to the self-publishing industry.This will help you make informed decisions before, during and after the self-publishing process, which will lead to a greater self-publishing experience. To help you stay current on self-publishing topics, simply visit our blog every Monday to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Executive Vice President of Outskirts Press. In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog, kellyschuknecht.com.

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Saturday Book Review: “The Legacy of Skur: Volume One”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of Blue Ink Review:

The Legacy of Skur : Volume One

by L.F. Falconer

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1478761914

Synopsis:

The Legacy of Skur is as grim a fairy tale as one could want. Volume One begins with Fane’s quest of misfortune upon the mountain of Skur which ultimately leaves him imprisoned there. His sole companion has come from underground. And his only protection is a crystal talisman. When Fane’s brother, Kael, is unwittingly thrust into the care of Fane’s newborn daughter, he also gains possession of the crystal talisman. Yet when the talisman’s rightful owner comes to demand its return and holds Fane’s daughter for ransom, an impossible choice must be made. How much is Kael willing to sacrifice? More than he realizes. Fane’s daughter is the legacy of Skur. She’s four and a half feet tall, wields a sword yet is no warrior, claims the title of wizard yet cannot cast a spell, and of the two parents she never knew, only one was human. Her story has only begun….

Critique:

L.F. Falconer boldly embraces complex narrative devices in The Legacy of Skur, the second of what promises to be an epic saga.

The tome reads like three fantasy books in one: Each of three sections boasts its own well-crafted characters, distinct tone and unique perspective. The first part follows Fane, the son of a warrior intent on becoming a wizard. Along with his companion Jink, Fane sets out to scale the ominous mountain Skur in hopes of bringing back gold and other riches guarded by the dragon Ragg, but the mountain ultimately ends up being his prison. The second part focuses on Fane’s warrior brother Kael, as he brings up his brother’s infant daughter, finds love and wages his own battle against the shape-shifting dragon. Fane’s grown daughter Elva is the protagonist of the third part, which is rooted in themes of legacy, revenge and redemption.

Although the book spans several generations and explores the Tillaman Realm, a world full of magic, mystery and complex mythology, Falconer ties everything together through characters and setting. She works to distinguish each story, using different tenses and perspectives, adjusting her narrative style to fit each epic chapter.

Throughout, the author offers a well-honed approach to storytelling, employing descriptive prose and a vast vocabulary. This description includes—as with George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire saga—plenty of graphic details regarding sex and violence. Even typical battle scenes contain far more bloody detail than one finds in J.R.R. Tolkien or Terry Brooks novels; after a battle with a monstrous boar, for instance, one character gleefully dines on the beast’s entrails and manipulates its corpse. This, and the shifts from first-person to third-person perspective, may make the book a bit too challenging for casual or young fantasy readers.

However, for adult fans of the genre who appreciate experiments with narrative conventions and aren’t repelled by graphic elements, Falconer offers an intriguing and well-crafted fantasy of epic proportions.

[ reviewed by the staff of Blue Ink Review ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

As I was reading this book, The Legacy of Skur, a blockbuster movie-in-the-making was all I could picture. Every chapter, every scene, was laid out before my eyes with such precision, such mastery, such descriptive prose that only a master at the craft of writing could accomplish, and L.F. Falconer is just that.

This “grim” tale could do no wrong. While darker than I normally like and gorier than I normally tolerate, it had me absolutely hooked from the very first page, the very first scene.

I pictured everything as if seated in a movie theatre, watching this tale unfold on a silver screen in panavision and technicolor. Move over Lord of The Rings because this Legacy needs to be seen and heard by the masses!

My heart was pounding from the get-go in Part One reading Fane and Jink’s trek to the dreaded mountain of Skur, and their encounters with Larque and Seret and Ragg were marvelous.

Ms. Falconer’s words jump right off the page and onto the silver screen of my imagination . . . it’s THAT good because this author is that good! I cannot wait to get my hands on Volume Two. Hurry it up, Ms. Falconer. Your loyal fans await the next exciting installment with bated breath.

– Goodreads Reviewer Elizabeth Good

L.F. Falconer is one of my favorite authors. This book was no exception in its complexity. It was like reading three different books that were all connected. The writing was superb, and the characters compelling. I learned a new word on almost every page. That being said, I wish I had known it was a dark fantasy going in. I’m more of a PG-PG13 reader and this book deserved more of an R rating. Plus, it was dark, which is not my preference. So, it’s a matter of taste. If you want a fantastic dark fantasy, you’ll love the Legacy of Skur. I guarantee it!

– Amazon Reviewer j. turner

Book Trailer:

Thanks for reading! Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

Self Publishing Advisor

Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks

Conversations: 3/4/2016

WHAT IF…We Could Not Read?

Do you remember the times—sitting with one or both of your parents—as they read a story to you? Within my writing (and reading) group of friends, we’ve asked ourselves that question. Most remember turning the pages of their first Little Golden Books as someone’s voice “read the pictures.” A few recall pointing to an illustration on the page and then the word that matched it. Then, there’s me. I saved several of my early reading books—Little Golden Books: Three Little Kittens, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Tootle—and the children’s version of the Lassie and Tarzan series. Yet I don’t have any recollection of any reading to me. Both my parents were avid readers, but their books were their books and we rarely discussed them. Then someone gave me a copy of Annie Oakley, Sharpshooter! Yes, that was a Little Golden Book, too. I was reading on my own by then, and my imagination took flight! AND THAT IS WHAT WRITING—FOR READERS—IS ALL ABOUT! It never gets old to imagine the moment when someone reads what you’ve written and grasps the meaning.

History tells us that humans are compelled to communicate—to tell their stories whether fact or fiction—thus the creation of writing (written languages) somewhere around 3200 BC. Just as the people of that ancient civilization found value in being able to share their thoughts, so it is that today, we find not only value but joy. Frederick Douglass, one of the most well-known African-American writers, statesmen and orators, said: “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” This also applies to the writer, who—once our skills are honed—enjoys a unique freedom with the completion of the last page of every manuscript! And, as Dr. Seuss says, “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book!”

Recent statistics tell us that over 120,000 books are published each year in the United States. Of those books, 53% of Readers seek out Fiction—and 43% select Non-Fiction. Does your genre of writing fit in one of these categories? Of course! So be encouraged! We are possibly the most blessed writing generation of all, because the majority of people on this planet are Readers.

DID you know that the whole month of March is National Reading Month? What are you doing to support this cause? An increased population of Readers will be an increased population of buyers for your books! The National Education Association will be hosting a 6-city Reading Tour. Check out their website for event schedules, planning tips, artwork, and more @ www.nea.org. The Scholastic teachers’ organization suggests selecting a theme (for yourself or your family, office friends, etc.). Some of their favorite themes include OUT of this World—Space, Wild About Reading—Jungles, and All American—Patriotic. For the writer in you, these themes should also inspire new projects!

The very creative and wild-idea-man, Walt Disney, once said: “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” Are you writing something golden? Have you started the project and find yourself stumped? READING one (or two) of those treasure books written by your favorite author—or a new author—just might inspire your next chapter(s). Reading IS the “pause that refreshes” and, as one of my writing mentors told us (constantly), “Passionate readers make skillful writers, and skillful writers become published authors of books that sell.” ⚓︎

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.

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In Your Corner : Celebrate National Reading Month With These Marketing Tips! (part one)

March is National Reading Awareness Month! Here at Self-Publishing Advisor, we love the fact that there’s an entire month devoted to celebrating the written word–as well as the ways in which we can spread the joy of literacy–and I would like to invite you to join me in making reading a focus all month long, here in our Thursday blog post slot.

As writers, we’re not just people who produce stories; we also consume them, share them, and advocate on their behalf. As writers, March of 2016 is the ideal time for you to not only finish your book and start publishing it, but also to promote yourself and your book while encouraging everyone to read.

Think this sounds like a challenge? Maybe it is. But I have some pointed ideas to get you started. This is doable. I promise you! All you need to do is dedicate some time each day this month to pursuing the marketing and promotion tips I’ll be posting here for the next four weeks.

GETTING STARTED : Become the local expert.

If you haven’t heard of National Reading Awareness Month or know the details of its longstanding connection to Dr. Seuss’ birthday, the history of the National Education Association, and how you can participate … well, it’s time to you pay a visit to the NEA’s website and browse through the plentiful promotional materials, media tips, press release tips and fact sheets the NEA has posted there in order to introduce you and other acolytes to the Read Across America celebration.

Another tip? It’s well worth offering to speak at local schools and NEA events, or to local organizations on the importance of childhood reading skills. Many schools, libraries, bookstores, and other organizations welcome the outside help in putting on events of this kind, and yes–there’s something in it for you, too. The more you make yourself indispensable to your local literary and literacy-building community, the more likely you are to be called on again in the future, and to get word of your own work before fresh eyes. Best of all, there’s a great deal of satisfaction in knowing you’re helping to foster the next generation of readers–some of whom may go on to read your book! Which leads me to ….

TIP TWO: GET ‘EM WHILE THEY’RE YOUNG

Yesterday was Read Across America Day! Writers are some of the biggest supporters of this day and event. While you may have missed the boat for 2016, there’s no better time to prepare for the next year than now, when the opportunities (even the missed ones) are fresh on parents’ and teachers’ minds. Contact local schools, libraries, and nonprofits to find out how you can help promote reading, writing, and kindergarten readiness in general–not just today, but throughout the entire month of March. Ask if you might partner with some of them in throwing an event next year, in 2017, and start lining up the logistics. When it comes to scheduling things in March, which is testing season for many American schools, the earlier you get started the better an outcome you can expect.

TIP THREE: CONSIDER ONLINE ADVERTISING

The last two tips built upon a foundation of interpersonal networking–that is, meeting people face to face and using this method to benefit everyone. But what about those readers beyond your immediate sphere of influence? How can you get them reading–and reading your book in particular? Here’s a thought: Once your book is published, consider whether it might benefit from any online advertising. You can set up ads on sites like Facebook, Google and Goodreads easily, or with some assistance from your self-publishing company and the marketing consultants they likely keep on staff. If you’ve published through a company like Outskirts Press (my own stomping grounds), you can count on their staff to help you make your book more discoverable on Google with something like the Google Books Preview Program.

TIP FOUR: INTRODUCE NEW FORMATS OF YOUR BOOK

You know how it goes: The more easy a thing is to buy, and the more accessible it is to a large number of people, the more sales of that thing will jump. It’s a well-demonstrated fact that self-publishing authors can reach a larger audience of readers by offering additional formats such as Kindle, Apple iPad or NOOK editions of your book. And if you’ve only ever published your book digitally, perhaps it’s time you branched out into Print on Demand (POD) copies of your masterpiece! Consider which formats you want to offer and add them before or after your hardcover format hits the virtual shelves. If you feel inexpert in how to make the most of a multiplatform, multiedition publication, don’t hesitate to turn to those with the most wisdom to share: your fellow self-publishing authors! We’re here for you.

Always remember: you are not alone. ♣︎

ABOUT ELIZABETH JAVOR: With over 18 years of experience in sales and management, Elizabeth Javor works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable publishing consultants, pre-production specialists, customer service reps and book marketing specialists; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Elizabeth Javor can put you on the right path.

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WHAT IF…We Could Not Read?

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GETTING STARTED : Become the local expert.

Always remember: you are not alone. ♣︎

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