My biggest tip to other writers/readers would be to just keep making videos. The first few videos will be bad but as you get used to the camera you'll grow with your channel
Oooh, I've been looking forward to you making a video like this! As someone who came on to Authortube/Booktube not much earlier than you, it has been SO COOL watching your channel grow. Especially with your debut coming out soon, I've been enjoying watching the traditional publishing side of Authortube. I definitely think you nailed one of the most important things - be an active member of the community! Watch others' videos! Comment! You can make some great friends, collab to cover great ideas, and the inspiration itself (if nothing else) will prompt ideas for your own channel. And I totally agree that you don't need to have your *thing* or what is going to make your channel special figured out right away. Sometimes that comes later, as your personality in front of the camera comes out and/or you realize what types of videos you like creating most. Also THANK YOU for the soft box shout-out. I've been wondering what to buy but also didn't want to drop so much on a ring light. I'm ready to leave behind my current DIY system of pointing multiple lamps at myself!
Just a few things I would recommend: 1] The best gear is the gear you already have. 2] AVL budget - Audio, Video, Lighting in that order: Audio isn't exciting but it is so overlooked. If you watch a video and the video quality is bad but the audio is good, you can bare watching that video. If the audio is bad, it is almost unbearable because our brains process audio before video. (I click off videos with bad audio because I rarely watch them, I listen to them). Can I point out that authortubers talk so much and it requires people to properly listen? Audio😂 3] Watch Adam Neely's "14 years on youtube" video as an example because it really helps you understand how he developed his channel. Btw thank you so much for these tips, Alexa cause they were a very helpful insight.
Great advice! You are definitely providing a lot of value. Authortube does seem to be dominated by self-publishing, so having a traditionally published author's perspective balances it out.
Wow, very thorough and professional guide! Looking forward to future videos in this series. I wished I'd been better about the audio quality in my first videos; I still haven't quite mastered that aspect. You mentioned using your microphone for your podcast. What kind of set-up do you have for that? Your makeup is killer, by the way!
Always remember, audio and lighting are more important than video! So even if your camera is terrible, don't worry too much about it at the start. People will be more put off if your mic is terrible.
I love the point you made about how there may already be multiple videos on one topic, but those videos are still worth making because everyone has their own experience and take on the subject. Also, I just noticed that on your book cover inside the orb is a couple ❤️ such a cute detail!
Another tip broaching off webcams: If you can't afford a camera/phone another option it to just buy a webcam. Like the webcams people buy when they do a lot of calls for work and stuff. Logitech sells some pretty good ones, some even shoot 4k. The plus side to that is you can also get a mini light that goes with webcams and you're set.
What a great video! I’ve been going back and forth about starting an authortube channel and it’s always great to see a little more insight as to creating one. I’m excited for part two! And I love your make up btw, it kinda matches your book cover. (:
Thanks, Alexa. I'm thinking I'm gonna launch a UA-cam channel in February of next year. Your advice and authortube boot camp series has been really helpful in helping me prepare.
Thanks so much for this. I want to start doing videos in the near future and want to get my act together before I start. I love the advice about posing for your photo during the video rather than waiting for the perfect moment within the video... which never seems to come.
Thanks for this now-classic video. :) Just wanted to say that I always take a few camera shots before I film -- then I get my stills AND double-check my lighting.
I found you a couple of days ago and I'm really trying to learn as I go. My main concern is the fact that English isn't my first language so I struggle to review books in a way that is eloquent. I'm also trying to become more comfortable in front of the camera. But I know that's something you get used to as you keep creating. Anyway, thank you for this video. It's really helpful
Hey there, Love this video! Best timing ever! I'm gearing up (literally) to try my hand at an author tube channel. I was going to use my smartphone as the camera. I bought a Lume Cube for lighting. I have a tripod. I also bought a VideoMic Me for sound. And my big investment was for editing software. Currently, I'm wading through the learning curve trying to figure it all out. Powerdirector for PC is the editing software. Not cheap. Thank you for this. It really couldn't have dropped (uploaded) at a better time. Take care. Jeff
These are all great tips! I have to say, I find your channel to be more informative than a lot of the bigger authortube channels. And I love that you’re coming from read pub because so many channels are self pubbed, which is great but I have a little more interest in trad pub right now 😊
Such great tips for authors! Thank you! I love finding channels like yours and I totally agree-we are here to help each other. And for me, it's all about getting used to the camera. We (writers) tend to be natural introverts.
Watching this video for the 3rd time. I'm nervous to start my channel! I know what I would like to focus on, but I still haven't filmed my first video.. Thanks for this video!
This is honestly one of the scariest things I've ever done. I'm camera shy, I'm self-conscious, and I've been putting this off for so, so, so, SO long. But I've been promising myself I'd do this for YEARS. So, here I go....
Thanks for these videos. Doing research is really important if we want to do things right and learning from others is the best way to move forward. I'm about to start an AuthorTube channel myself and will definetly be as low key as you, when it comes to tech and add ons.
Hello I have been watching you for months now I have been looking at how to start my UA-cam channel for months as well. I didn’t know you had one as well on how to start your channel. I’m one of your subscribers, I hope I’m not being bold and asking for tips on my channel when I get it up and running. Thanks a lot I have learned so much from you.
Great video as always. I recently discovered your channel this 2018 and I love how honest and grounded you are especially with the publishing industry!
This video was so informative and helpful! I tend not to find general advice helpful, so it was great that you were specific with all your experiences. Thanks so much! Can't wait to watch more videos by you :)
Thank you so much for doing these videos. I've been tiptoeing around as some of my Twitter peeps were like "hey you should do vids" and your videos have helped me decide to go for it in my niche.
Haha. It's one of my potential plans. I just have to finish this pesky masters thesis first. I would love to hear you talk about youtube vs podcasting. You mentioned you had a podcast mic in this video and I didn't know you had done podcasting! Or do you already have a video on this that I missed. I've been under a rock lately with writing. (Which of course explains why I'm here procrastinating.....)
That timing, I just desided to start Booktubing :D Love your channel! I have a bit of a problem with my english, so it will be interesting xD My english is good, but my accent is a bit.. terrible :P
Hello, Alexa. Thank you so much for your WHOLE channel. Binge watching now and grateful there's more. I followed the links provided for starting up a UA-cam channel, but the link for the Limo Studio Soft Box Kit no longer worked. (I realize I'm watching the video 3 years later, so I might have missed out on that particular set!) I searched the same words in Amazon, but there were so many options that I wasn't sure which one would be best. Which one would you recommend now?
I have the home depot clippy light. I value your advice to put it behind the camera. Thanks for sharing your experience! I have to get over speaking loud enough to blast through paper thin walls.
I just found your channel with this video. I'm starting my own booktube and authortube channel. I'm still trying to figure out all technical side of things.
This video is great! I’m getting ready to launch my own AuthorTube channel to document my journey from aspiring to working author as a mom, writer and blogger. You are giving me all the great ideas and I love the way you are so honest. I do have one question : do you use your personal (watching UA-cam) or do you have a specific account for your brand name for an AuthorTube? And a Alexa! You are in SoCali?? Me too!
I always wonder about ring lights, but if you wear glasses then you see the reflection more with the ring lights which can be annoying for the viewer. What time of day do you tend to film? That’s a good idea to look up settings for your camera. I was thinking I needed to get a different lens because I do like when the backgrounds are a little blurry, but I’m going to look into the settings first! Great video! -Mel
Hi Alexa, I'm wanting to start a AuthorTube Channel but I don't like the way my voice sounds on camera. Do you have any tips as to how I can get myself over this fear? I have Spina Bifida, and am physically disabled, so I already look kind of strange. That isn't as big a deal to me though as my voice. Please help.
If I were to get a camera to film with at some point instead of using my web cam on my mac would I still be able to use iMovie to edit? Is it easy to import footage or would I have to buy a different editing program?
Had to start one for my books, and it sucks. UA-cam really does hurt the small channels. Zero subs Vs the army of Twitter followers I have. Drives me insane.
My biggest tip to other writers/readers would be to just keep making videos. The first few videos will be bad but as you get used to the camera you'll grow with your channel
Yes, my first video was so bad I've set it to unlisted. 🎥😱
That and not getting a lot of views at first. But we keep going!
Oooh, I've been looking forward to you making a video like this! As someone who came on to Authortube/Booktube not much earlier than you, it has been SO COOL watching your channel grow. Especially with your debut coming out soon, I've been enjoying watching the traditional publishing side of Authortube.
I definitely think you nailed one of the most important things - be an active member of the community! Watch others' videos! Comment! You can make some great friends, collab to cover great ideas, and the inspiration itself (if nothing else) will prompt ideas for your own channel. And I totally agree that you don't need to have your *thing* or what is going to make your channel special figured out right away. Sometimes that comes later, as your personality in front of the camera comes out and/or you realize what types of videos you like creating most.
Also THANK YOU for the soft box shout-out. I've been wondering what to buy but also didn't want to drop so much on a ring light. I'm ready to leave behind my current DIY system of pointing multiple lamps at myself!
Yes! Good luck "moving on up" with the lighting! It really make a HUGE difference and people should not underestimate how much it can boost a channel!
I know this is an older video for you, but I'm so excited to launch my channel! Thank you for the inspiration, tips, and overall support!
Just a few things I would recommend:
1] The best gear is the gear you already have.
2] AVL budget - Audio, Video, Lighting in that order: Audio isn't exciting but it is so overlooked. If you watch a video and the video quality is bad but the audio is good, you can bare watching that video. If the audio is bad, it is almost unbearable because our brains process audio before video. (I click off videos with bad audio because I rarely watch them, I listen to them). Can I point out that authortubers talk so much and it requires people to properly listen? Audio😂
3] Watch Adam Neely's "14 years on youtube" video as an example because it really helps you understand how he developed his channel.
Btw thank you so much for these tips, Alexa cause they were a very helpful insight.
Great advice! You are definitely providing a lot of value. Authortube does seem to be dominated by self-publishing, so having a traditionally published author's perspective balances it out.
Wow, very thorough and professional guide! Looking forward to future videos in this series. I wished I'd been better about the audio quality in my first videos; I still haven't quite mastered that aspect. You mentioned using your microphone for your podcast. What kind of set-up do you have for that?
Your makeup is killer, by the way!
Always remember, audio and lighting are more important than video! So even if your camera is terrible, don't worry too much about it at the start. People will be more put off if your mic is terrible.
I love the point you made about how there may already be multiple videos on one topic, but those videos are still worth making because everyone has their own experience and take on the subject. Also, I just noticed that on your book cover inside the orb is a couple ❤️ such a cute detail!
Another tip broaching off webcams: If you can't afford a camera/phone another option it to just buy a webcam. Like the webcams people buy when they do a lot of calls for work and stuff. Logitech sells some pretty good ones, some even shoot 4k. The plus side to that is you can also get a mini light that goes with webcams and you're set.
I've watched and rewatched this video multiple times. Thank you for the tips.
What a great video! I’ve been going back and forth about starting an authortube channel and it’s always great to see a little more insight as to creating one. I’m excited for part two! And I love your make up btw, it kinda matches your book cover. (:
Thanks, Alexa. I'm thinking I'm gonna launch a UA-cam channel in February of next year. Your advice and authortube boot camp series has been really helpful in helping me prepare.
Thanks so much for this. I want to start doing videos in the near future and want to get my act together before I start. I love the advice about posing for your photo during the video rather than waiting for the perfect moment within the video... which never seems to come.
Thanks for this now-classic video. :)
Just wanted to say that I always take a few camera shots before I film -- then I get my stills AND double-check my lighting.
I think you have a very good point, what can you add to enhance the community... and being part of the community... great advice
I'm just starting to dabble in Booktube. Thanks for this video! This is very good information to up my game with my filming.
I found you a couple of days ago and I'm really trying to learn as I go. My main concern is the fact that English isn't my first language so I struggle to review books in a way that is eloquent. I'm also trying to become more comfortable in front of the camera. But I know that's something you get used to as you keep creating. Anyway, thank you for this video. It's really helpful
Hey there,
Love this video! Best timing ever! I'm gearing up (literally) to try my hand at an author tube channel. I was going to use my smartphone as the camera. I bought a Lume Cube for lighting. I have a tripod. I also bought a VideoMic Me for sound. And my big investment was for editing software. Currently, I'm wading through the learning curve trying to figure it all out. Powerdirector for PC is the editing software. Not cheap.
Thank you for this. It really couldn't have dropped (uploaded) at a better time.
Take care.
Jeff
Thanks, I'm considering starting a channel this summer and this video was super useful.
Love your videos! Always so much useful and helpful info!
These are all great tips! I have to say, I find your channel to be more informative than a lot of the bigger authortube channels. And I love that you’re coming from read pub because so many channels are self pubbed, which is great but I have a little more interest in trad pub right now 😊
Such great tips for authors! Thank you! I love finding channels like yours and I totally agree-we are here to help each other. And for me, it's all about getting used to the camera. We (writers) tend to be natural introverts.
Watching this video for the 3rd time. I'm nervous to start my channel! I know what I would like to focus on, but I still haven't filmed my first video.. Thanks for this video!
This is honestly one of the scariest things I've ever done. I'm camera shy, I'm self-conscious, and I've been putting this off for so, so, so, SO long.
But I've been promising myself I'd do this for YEARS.
So, here I go....
Thanks for these videos. Doing research is really important if we want to do things right and learning from others is the best way to move forward. I'm about to start an AuthorTube channel myself and will definetly be as low key as you, when it comes to tech and add ons.
Hello I have been watching you for months now I have been looking at how to start my UA-cam channel for months as well. I didn’t know you had one as well on how to start your channel. I’m one of your subscribers, I hope I’m not being bold and asking for tips on my channel when I get it up and running. Thanks a lot I have learned so much from you.
Great video as always. I recently discovered your channel this 2018 and I love how honest and grounded you are especially with the publishing industry!
This video was so informative and helpful! I tend not to find general advice helpful, so it was great that you were specific with all your experiences. Thanks so much! Can't wait to watch more videos by you :)
Thank you so much for doing these videos. I've been tiptoeing around as some of my Twitter peeps were like "hey you should do vids" and your videos have helped me decide to go for it in my niche.
Alexa, your videos are very nice and professionally done when it comes to light and sound. Wish you write more things sometimes. Best!
Ravenclaw solidarity!
JOIN ME! Start a channel!!! :D
Haha. It's one of my potential plans. I just have to finish this pesky masters thesis first. I would love to hear you talk about youtube vs podcasting. You mentioned you had a podcast mic in this video and I didn't know you had done podcasting! Or do you already have a video on this that I missed. I've been under a rock lately with writing. (Which of course explains why I'm here procrastinating.....)
That timing, I just desided to start Booktubing :D Love your channel! I have a bit of a problem with my english, so it will be interesting xD My english is good, but my accent is a bit.. terrible :P
Thank you for this. It's been so helpful.
Hello, Alexa. Thank you so much for your WHOLE channel. Binge watching now and grateful there's more. I followed the links provided for starting up a UA-cam channel, but the link for the Limo Studio Soft Box Kit no longer worked. (I realize I'm watching the video 3 years later, so I might have missed out on that particular set!) I searched the same words in Amazon, but there were so many options that I wasn't sure which one would be best. Which one would you recommend now?
I have the home depot clippy light. I value your advice to put it behind the camera. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I have to get over speaking loud enough to blast through paper thin walls.
This video is so helpful. I'm planning to start my own channel and you made a lot of great points 😊
Thanks Alexa! Great advice.x
Thanks for the great tips. You're so genuine and generous with this info.
Great tips. Thanks. Still helpful after all this time.
I just found your channel with this video. I'm starting my own booktube and authortube channel. I'm still trying to figure out all technical side of things.
thank you so so much for these helpful tips!!
I will enjoy this.. I’m a new book tuber! UA-camr..It’s tought!
Thanks for this! Such great advice and tips! I'm new to the AuthorTube and this was so helpful!
Thank you, really useful tips
Ive been thinking about starting one
This video is great! I’m getting ready to launch my own AuthorTube channel to document my journey from aspiring to working author as a mom, writer and blogger. You are giving me all the great ideas and I love the way you are so honest. I do have one question : do you use your personal (watching UA-cam) or do you have a specific account for your brand name for an AuthorTube? And a
Alexa! You are in SoCali?? Me too!
I started making my booktube channel and really love reading all my comments. :)) One day I want to be an author! xoxo
I always wonder about ring lights, but if you wear glasses then you see the reflection more with the ring lights which can be annoying for the viewer. What time of day do you tend to film? That’s a good idea to look up settings for your camera. I was thinking I needed to get a different lens because I do like when the backgrounds are a little blurry, but I’m going to look into the settings first! Great video! -Mel
I hadn't thought of that with ring lights, but good point! As a glasses wearer, that is a serious consideration!
Filming at night. One light on you, one to fill the background so you don't look like you're in a haunted house. :)
More great information!
Thanks for this.
Hi Alexa, I'm wanting to start a AuthorTube Channel but I don't like the way my voice sounds on camera. Do you have any tips as to how I can get myself over this fear? I have Spina Bifida, and am physically disabled, so I already look kind of strange. That isn't as big a deal to me though as my voice. Please help.
I don't have a decent bookshelf i really want to start a booktube channel
Thanks for the video, it helps a lot. X
Natalia leigh
If I were to get a camera to film with at some point instead of using my web cam on my mac would I still be able to use iMovie to edit? Is it easy to import footage or would I have to buy a different editing program?
Had to start one for my books, and it sucks. UA-cam really does hurt the small channels. Zero subs Vs the army of Twitter followers I have. Drives me insane.
Thanks to humble bundle I got a bunch of software for $20; Sony Vegas, Xara Photo, and Graphic design.
I found youtube video maker app for free