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Start Now Series (How Successful Authors Do It): Part 4. Post a Video

Aug 28, 2024

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  • Start Now Series (How Successful Authors Do It): Part 4. Post a Video
A photo of a woman sitting at a desk in front of a video camera with a mic attached to the top. The video camera is the only element of the photo in focus, the rest is blurred

Welcome to Part 4 of our 4 Part Series on building momentum for your book. Way to go! You picked a great time to start learning and implementing some of the most pivotal steps for success into your regular writing routine. As you start out on the publishing process (or even during the writing phase if you’re lucky enough to start that early), you can build relationships and generate excitement for your new book. The sooner in the process you start promoting yourself and your book publication process the better. By including people throughout your process and sharing your experiences with them, you will already have the momentum you need to promote your finished product while it’s still hot from the press. By following these guides, you will build excitement for your book’s release and reach a larger audience of people who are invested in seeing your final product, making your marketing work that much easier.

Let’s walk you through the steps to create a short video and then post it to social media. We are using Facebook for this tutorial and are assuming you already have your account set up and ready to go.

Step-by-Step Guide to Posting a Video on Facebook

Step 1: Plan Your Video

  1. Choose Your Content:
    1. Decide what you want to share in your video. This could be an introduction to your book, a reading of a passage, a tour of your writing space, or an update on your writing progress.
    2. Script and Rehearse:
      1. Outline the key points you want to cover in your video. You don’t need a word-for-word script, but having a clear structure helps.
      2. Rehearse a few times to get comfortable with what you want to say and how you want to say it.

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Step 2: Record the Video

  1. Set Up Your Camera:
    1. Use your phone’s camera or another recording device. Ensure your device is stable; a tripod or a stable surface can help.
    2. Check your background and lighting. A clean, well-lit area works best. Natural light is ideal, but if you’re indoors, use lamps to brighten your face.
  2. Record Your Video:
    1. Look directly into the camera and speak clearly. Be natural and enthusiastic.
    2. If you make a mistake, don’t worry. You can edit the video later or start over if needed.

Step 3: Edit the Video (Optional)

  1. Basic Editing:
    1. Use your phone’s built-in editing tools or apps like iMovie, Adobe Rush, or InShot to trim any unnecessary parts and add transitions or text.
    2. Focus on keeping the video concise and engaging.
  2. Add Captions:
    1. Adding captions can help make your video accessible to a wider audience, including those who may be watching without sound.

Step 4: Post the Video on Facebook

  1. Open the Facebook App:
    1. Log in to your account if you aren’t already logged in.
  2. Create a New Post:
    1. Tap the “What’s on your mind?” field at the top of the news feed.
  3. Add Your Video:
    1. Tap on the “Photo/Video” option.
    2. Select the video you want to upload from your gallery.
  4. Write a Captivating Caption:
    1. Use this space to introduce your video. Give a brief description of what your audience is about to watch and why it’s worth their time.
    2. Example: “Excited to share a sneak peek of my upcoming book! Join me as I read a favorite passage. Let me know what you think! #BookPreview #AuthorSneakPeak”
  5. Add Relevant Tags and Hashtags:
    1. Tag people or pages if relevant to the post.
    2. Use hashtags to increase the reach of your post. Examples: #AuthorLife, #WritingCommunity, #BookLaunch.
  6. Post Your Video:
    1. Tap the “Post” button in the top right corner.

Tips for Effective Video Posts

  • Be Authentic: Show your genuine self. Authenticity helps build a stronger connection with your audience.
  • Engage Your Audience: Ask viewers to comment, share their thoughts, and ask questions. Respond to their comments to build engagement.
  • Keep It Short: Aim for a video length of 1-3 minutes. If you need to go longer, make sure the content is engaging throughout.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to create and share engaging video content that brings your audience into your writing world. Video content can significantly enhance engagement, making your social media presence more dynamic and relatable.

Thank you for following along with our Start Now Series. By implementing these steps, you’re well on your way to building the momentum needed for a successful book launch. Happy filming and sharing!

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