Why are book and author videos important in publishing?

Video has become an essential element in publishing from newspaper and magazine newsrooms to Big Five book publishers.
Why?
- Readers like videos: This a powerful way an author can directly greet readers.
- They’re shareable: YouTube-based videos, in particular, are super-easy to spread across social media.
- They boost searchability: Google gives videos special priority, so your book might wind up on the front page of a Google search easier via video than a text-based webpage.
- Amazon likes video: Not all videos can be shared on Amazon, but some videos that describe a book or other product are allowed. Here is one of Amazon’s seller pages that explains the basics about their video policy. (There’s also more Amazon information below in this column.)
Example of a book video: 30 Days with America’s High School Coaches
I made this video for Martin Davis’s new book 30 Days with America’s High School Coaches. This particular video is designed for widespread sharing among readers.
Care to learn more about book videos in publishing?
Check out some of our earlier Front Edge Publishing columns about videos:
- How Do I Create Videos to Promote My Book?
- How Do I Add Video to My Amazon Author Page?
- And, Video Tips from MSU School of Journalism’s Joe Grimm: Bored with zooming? Meet Prezi!