Great job taking action! You’re diving in at the perfect time to start building lasting momentum for your book. Whether you’re still in the writing phase or beginning the publishing journey, this is your opportunity to connect with readers and generate interest before your book even hits the shelves.
The earlier you start sharing your process, the better. By letting people in on your journey—your ups, downs, and milestones—you’re giving them a reason to care. And when your book is finally released, you’ll already have a built-in audience that’s excited to support you. Promoting becomes easier when you’ve created real connections and curiosity along the way.
One of the most effective (and personal) ways to do this? Video. It gives your audience a glimpse into your world, and helps you stand out online. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a short video and share it on Facebook. We’ll assume you already have your Facebook account ready.
Step-by-Step Guide to Posting a Video on Facebook
Step 1: Plan Your Video
Pick Your Topic
Think about what your followers might enjoy or be curious about. Some ideas:
- Introduce yourself and your book
- Read a short excerpt
- Share a writing update or milestone
- Give a behind-the-scenes look at your writing setup
Prepare What You’ll Say
You don’t need a full script, but it helps to jot down the main points. Practice a few times so you feel confident and natural on camera.
Step 2: Record Your Video
Get Set Up
Use your phone or any recording device. Make sure it’s steady—prop it on a solid surface or use a tripod.
Good lighting is key! Face a window or use a lamp to light your face. Keep your background tidy and distraction-free.
Start Recording
Look into the camera lens, smile, and speak clearly. It’s okay to stumble or restart—this doesn’t have to be perfect. Aim for warm, enthusiastic energy.
Step 3: Edit Your Video (Optional)
Keep It Simple
Use built-in tools or free apps like iMovie (iOS), InShot, or Adobe Rush to trim the beginning or end, add text, or insert transitions.
Add Captions
Captions help viewers who watch with the sound off and improve accessibility.
Step 4: Post Your Video on Facebook
Open Facebook and Create a New Post
Tap “What’s on your mind?” at the top of your feed, then choose “Photo/Video.”
Upload Your Video
Select the video from your gallery.
Write a Short Caption
Tell viewers what the video is about and why they should watch.
Example: “Sharing a quick read-aloud from my upcoming novel! This scene gave me chills—can’t wait to hear what you think. #BookTeaser #AuthorLife”
Use Tags and Hashtags
Tag any relevant people or pages. Add hashtags to reach more people: #WritingCommunity #BookLaunch #BehindTheScenes
Hit Post!
Tips for Success
- Be Yourself: People connect with honesty and personality more than polish.
- Invite Engagement: Ask viewers to comment or share their thoughts.
- Keep It Short & Sweet: Aim for 1–3 minutes unless you’re doing a deeper dive.
- Stay Consistent: The more regularly you show up, the more your audience will grow.
By sharing your process through video, you’re not just promoting your book—you’re creating a story your audience can follow and feel part of. That’s powerful marketing, and it all starts here.
Let’s get your first video up and running!