Here's the thing. Readers like videos. They like knowing that you are a real person with dirty dishes in the sink and a cat that thinks your laptop is her personal heating pad. They like seeing you get excited about big news and emotional about happy news and all the other range of emotions.
Don't believe me?
I dare you to watch this video of Veronica Roth in a tub of marshmallows or this one of Kelly Hashway holding her book for the first time and not fall in love with these authors. Seriously? Kelly's video still gets me teary eyed. Why? Because it shows these authors are real people. They make us laugh and cry and have the feels. We like the feels so then we buy their books. And yes, for the record, I own both of these lady's books.
So don't worry about sounding silly or looking bad or not knowing what to say. Unless you stare at the screen and silently smile like a creepy serial killer, you're good. Just get in front of the camera and let your readers know who you are.
As a bonus, when media organizations are scheduling programming for tv, it makes it easier for them to call you if they see you are already comfortable in front of a camera and won't freak out on their morning show.
For today's task, record a video. Seriously, any video at all. You don't have to post it. But if you don't, then make a commitment to make another video tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that until you have one you like.Then post it. When you do, share the link in the comments so we can all go tell you how fabulous you look.
Oh lord, and I was scared of the Skype idea. I'm now officially hiding under my desk, and definitely not coming out unless someone offers me a LOT of chocolate. ;)
ReplyDeleteAt least with this one you can edit out all the bad parts. :)
DeleteHi there! I wanted to drop by and thank you for visiting my blog during last Monday's Blitz. I had a great time reading all of the comments. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you're having a great weekend. ☺
I have to admit, the only reason I even know about (and had to pre-order) The End Games by T. Michael Martin is because of his YouTube channel. He's so funny and fabulous on it, how could I not want to read his book? Plus, this works really well for John Green. He has the power of nerdfighters behind him thanks to him and his brother's YouTube channel Vlogbrothers.
ReplyDeleteGreat examples. It's hard not to love the nerdfighters. They never forget to be awesome. :)
DeleteThank you so much for mentioning me, Sarah. That video was so hard for me to make because I could barely talk, but I promised myself it would be an "in the moment" video. No retakes. That was me and my reaction to holding my book for the first time. I'm glad I did it too because I wanted to share that moment with everyone.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a special moment with us. :)
DeleteThanks for pointing me to the Building the Buzz thing!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I love T. Mafi's videos. Ill have my husband video me if I ever sell my book, that's for sure!
ReplyDelete