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#IWSG April 2015: Why are authors on You Tube?

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Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.

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I would like to start today’s adventure by saying…AHH! 😮
I can’t believe I’m co-hosting this month!

Honestly, with so much going on, including the A to Z Challenge, I’m just glad to be able to help out.

Now let’s talk about, “Why are authors on You Tube?”
1. Obviously it’s another opportunity to reach potential readers with:
-Book Trailers
-Sample Readings, and
-Interviews (however rare and elusive they may be)

2. To learn from others and perhaps go viral. – There’s a lot to be said about 15 minutes of fame. It’s more than most of us get. Also, by interacting with this audio/visual search engine and social media platform, your creativity may be increased by seeing what other people are doing around the world.

3. To have fun and share. (This is more of a why authors should try it.) – I get it, not everyone has the time, means, creativity, or motivation to host a You Tube channel, but I do it because I want to share my ideas with others, whether I’m reaching anyone or not; the same reasons I blog. 

Here are a few examples of how I use You Tube.
 

Also, I’ve put together an impromptu book blast featuring one of my video series. It would mean alot if  you could participate. Just click on the image below. Thanks.

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Have you given any thought to building your audience with
You Tube or some other video streaming platform?

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s other co-hosts: Suzanne Furness, Tonja Drecker, Rachna Chhabria, Fundy Bluee, and
 Donna Hole!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #181).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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By Toi Thomas

Author and illustrator of children's books, as well as clean adult fiction and nonfiction. Toi is a geek-girl blogger, vlogger, reviewer, and advocate for a healthy reading lifestyle. She finds comfort in faith, family, and creative expression. Toi believes in the dream of world harmony and hopes all your dreams come true.

65 replies on “#IWSG April 2015: Why are authors on You Tube?”

Hi, Toi, thanks for being a co-host. I did a video for my last book release and noticed how popular it was. Got a ton of views on Facebook I guess because it’s not something people take advantage of regularly. Have fun with it!

Thanks for stopping by. That’s cool to hear to did a video for your book. I’m actually not good at trailers, but I try to do what I can.

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No Alex, Ninjas should not been seen. That’s just part of how cool you are. Plus it’s a sign of how well you connect with people. Many have never seen you, but they feel they know you so much better than many others.

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Kudos to you,Toi, for braving the You Tube World! Your intro cartoon is cute. Can you add some fun music to it? You seemed more comfy and relaxed in the second video. Yes, video is the way to go and cleverly having your sponsors be your books is a fantastic idea!! Have you tried Google+ Hangouts on Air yet? That’s my next learning curve to conquer. Iplan to use it to build my audience.Check out Lou Bortone’s Youtube channel for some great tips on making videos and marketing. Best wishes and thanks for co-hosting!

Thanks for stopping by J.Q. Glad you liked my videos. This whole process is a learning experience and yes, I’m working to reboot my content and my intro. I’ve looked at Google+ and on air, but that’s a project I’ll research more later.

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I bet a few videos based on your plays would do well on You Tube. Thanks for stopping by.

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Yeah, it’s not forever one all the time, but I’m giving it a go right now. Thanks for stopping by.

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My book trailers are on YouTube, too. But I don’t often monitor the number of views. But it’s a fun way to get the word out there about your work.

Thanks for co-hosting!

I don’t always monitor views either, but I like the idea that I have videos floating around cyberspace just waiting to be discovered. Thanks for stopping by.

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Thanks for co-hosting this month. Congrats on finding a way to engage your audience. I haven’t tried U-Tube yet–not even for book trailers. One more thing on my to-do list.

IWSG #111

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’ll consider testing out You Tube. For me, it’s a great opportunity that may or may not pay off, but at least I’m having fun and I have something out there for others to discover.

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Thanks for co-hosting, Toi. I think your YouTube idea is brilliant. As soon as I’m able, I’ll be checking out your video, plus the list they place in the right side column. Should be interesting.

I hadn’t though about the side colmn list. You’re right it, should be interesting. Thanks for stopping by.

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I have on book trailer and think about another. It becomes another marketing piece that requires time to promote, etc. So it’s a 50/50 for me. Worth it? Or is my time better served doing more writing or other piece? I think being “known” helps trailers do better, but don’t do as much for us underlings.

I agree it helps to be known, but the same can be said for blogging. It’s just another anvenue to pursue with as much or as little effort as you choose to put into it. Thanks for stopping by.

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I don’t think You Tube is a must. Some people are really good and flourish in other areas and probably shouldn’t take on the distraction if they are exactly where they want to be. For everyone else, it’s just another option to explore.

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I started out by visiting other channels and videos and then leaving comments, just like with blogging. After following a few others, I finally felt I was ready to try it myself. Thanks for stopping by.

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Use that radio talent them. I do actually have a few ideas I’ve tried where I only show images and text as I talk. I’ve seen others do this as well and it works for them. Thanks for stopping by.

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Thanks for stopping by. Anytime you want to post a video, let me know. I’d love to see it an share it around. Thanks for co-hosting too.

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First, thanks for co-hosting this month! Second, I’d love to do a book trailer and a videoed interview, but the cost is high to do it the way I’d like, so I’m saving and waiting to go that route. In the meantime, I study folks like you, to do as you said, see what’s out there and get new ideas…. Lisa, co-host AtoZ2015, @ lisabuiecollard.com

I get what you mean. There are other things I’d like to try, but I know I’d like them a certain way and don’t have the means to achieve them. Still, I keep plugging away. Thanks for stopping by and thanks for co-hosting. Hope you are enjoying it.

By Post Author

Great idea! I’d honestly never thought of using YouTube, except for book trailers (which I don’t have the skills to do, lol) But maybe it is something I should look into…
Happy IWSG day 🙂

I don’t have the talent for book trailers either. Someone did one for me and even posted it, but I do have other ideas I like testing out. It’s fun and you never know who’ll discover it. Thanks for stopping by.

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I’ve heard a lot about the benefits of doing a YT channel or podcasting. It all sounds interesting and I have been thinking about trying it. I do have a YT channel but all I’ve done so far is create phoetry videos, posted a book trailer I created and two cartoon/comic shorts of some kind. And that was last year. Anyways, thanks for co-hosting today!

Lidy, sounds like you’re on the right path. The only thing I can say I know for sure about You Tube is that it thrives on consistency. Whatever you are sharing, just share it regularly. That’s something I have to tell myself all the time.

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I haven’t used/made any You Tube videos. I might though, it seems a great way to connect with readers. Thanks for being part of the co-host group this month.

Best wishes
Suzanne (IWSG co-host)

I like that You Tube helps me connect with more than just readers. I don’t have a huge following, but I have has people all over the world view my videos (if only I could get them to follow me and buy my books). It’s a process, or in spiritual terms, it’s a seed planted by the waters. I’m just waiting for a harvest.

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I’ll have to wait until I get home to view the video. Youtube is blocked where I work 🙂

I plan on getting more into Youtube once I have a book ready to publish. Thanks for co-hosting this month’s IWSG!

Thanks for stopping by. I do hope you like the videos once you get a chance to look at them.

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It’s great to meet you, Toi. You have a gorgeous smile. Yes, we should do things like YouTube to have fun. Great post.

Thanks for stopping by. I’ve been to Untethered Realms, but still need to check out MPax.

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So many different ways to promote the author and the book now. I’m not good a making videos, but I do love book trailers. Seems like a lot of fun to make.

There are so many ways to put information out there these day. I guess it’s just about find what works best for you. Thanks for stopping by Donna.

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You are so right. That’s where the fun comes in. I subscribe to some You Tube channels just like cable TV. I have regular shows and content I keep up with. It’s fun. Thanks for stopping by.

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Yes there are. Promotion can be so tricky, and time consuming, and even scary. For me though, I like taking a passive approach that let’s me have fun. Thanks for stopping by.

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To me, You Tube has become just another entertainment option like Netflix or Hulu. It’s a lot of fun. Thanks for stopping by.

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For me, videos are simple. I’m all the time being told ways I can improve, some of which I take note of, but I simply do what I can. I have fun with it. Thanks for stopping by.

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I have actually seen some entertaining live reads on You Tube, but I’m pretty sure those people have had some acting experience. In any case, it’s something to look into. Thanks for stopping by.

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I do have a YouTube channel and have posted a few videos back when I was releasing book two in my Super Villain Academy series. I interviewed readers on the street to find out what type of super they’d be – hero or villain. It was fun, but didn’t grab the audience I hoped for. Haven’t figured that part out yet.

Thanks for hosting this month and for the great info!

The elusive audience hunts me as well, but I do it for fun. If I build an audience with it, that will just be icing on the cake.

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Hi Fellow Co-host Toi! You are obviously light years beyond me when it comes to technology! It never occurred to me to go on You Tube as an author! I’m lucky enough to be able to make things work on my blog most of the time ~ LOL! Thanks for opening my eyes to new possibilities! Have a great writing month! And thanks for visiting my blog!

I had fun co-hosting with you this month. Thanks for stopping by.

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I love seeing author’s book trailers on YouTube. So many of them are so engaging and creative and really makes me want to read the book. It’s cool that authors have social media and resources like YouTube today. Thanks for the wonderful post, Toi.

Glad you liked the post. I too am grateful for many resources we authors now have. Thanks for stopping by.

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Yea, the video book blast is new one for me too, but I’m giving it a go. Thanks for stopping by.

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YouTube is a great tool for authors. Honestly, I just never think about using it. I have one book trailer, but that’s it. But now you’ve brought it to mind, I’m want to use it more!

Yes, the changes were a necessity, but they have grown on me. You know, You Tube doesn’t have to be all about looking good or even showing your face. It’s about connecting in a different. way. Thanks for stopping by.

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