Vlogging has very much been an extremely efficient way for me to connect and sell books as an author who has written and marketed three books. Video content is a more personal and engaging way of communicating with your audience compared to other marketing channels. Here’s how you, as an author, can leverage vlogging to promote your books and increase sales based on my experience:

1. Bring the Story Behind the Story

They love knowing what the behind-the-scenes process was that made your book. Share personal anecdotes on vlogs of how you came up with your ideas, what inspired the creation of the main characters, or the challenges you faced when writing. This isn’t just an additional way to connect with your audience more, but also a reason for prospective readers to become invested in your journey.

Example: For my books, I also did vlogs where I talked about why certain themes were important to me and where the real-life inspiration behind my stories came from. It makes the writing process feel more human and allows readers to feel emotionally connected to the work.

2. Create Teasers and Highlights

You can make short vlogs that show the main moments from your book. Video teasers add that anticipation, whether it’s a great quote, an exciting plot twist, or a sneak peek at your favorite chapter. Think of these as "movie trailers" for your book!

Tip: Don’t give too much away; show them the moment they want to see without giving too much away. These vlogs can be used to pique interest among those using social media channels like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

3. Host Q&A Sessions (AMA - Ask Me Anything)

Ask your audience to ask questions about your book or how you became an author. To start a conversation between you and the readers, answer these questions on vlogs. That level of interaction keeps them engaged and buying your book so they can see more of the world you’ve created.

Tip: To have your followers ask you questions and then answer them in your vlog, use Instagram Stories or YouTube comments. That makes your readers feel connected and valued.

4. Collaborate with Influencers

You could team up with book influencers or other authors by posting vlogs with them to get your work out to a bigger audience. You can do vlogs together and appear in each other’s vlogs; you can review each other’s books or host a virtual event where you both discuss your latest works.

Example: Teaming with other authors to do a joint book discussion made more people interested in my book because their followers wanted to know what my writing style and storyline were like.

5. Show Sneak Peeks and Exclusive Content

With vlogging, one of the perks is that you are able to allow your audience exclusive content. For instance, you can vlog yourself reading the first chapter of your book or share an exclusive "deleted scene" that didn’t make it into the final version. By offering a unique item or service, you’re adding value and giving a sense of the special to your vlog content.

Tip: Whether you are a publisher who is offering a sneak peek as an appreciation for the support of subscribers or followers, here is how you can go about it.

6. Show Your Personality

They want to connect with the person behind the words. Vlogs are a way for you to showcase your personality (whether funny, serious, or reflective) so your readers can see you beyond the pages of your book. It can become personal and turn viewers into loyal fans.

Example: Through my vlogs, I found that sharing personal interests and hobbies with my audience helped me to create a bond with them. Sometimes, I create a video like “24 hours in the life of a writer.” It wasn’t just buying my book; they were buying into me as an author and storyteller.

7. Promote Limited Time Offers with Vlogs

If you’re running a book promotion (i.e., discount, giveaway), use vlogs to promote it. Video content is more urgent and exciting than a static post.

Tip: Finish your vlogs off with a call-to-action and ask viewers to go and copy the offer before it expires. Be direct with them about what they should do next.

8. Use your Vlogs to Repurpose for Multiple Platforms

You don’t have to stick to YouTube in limiting your vlogs. Convert your content into several versions for Instagram Reels, TikTok, or even mini pieces to post on Twitter. This will allow you to see different segments of your audience and raise your visibility.

If anything, I discovered I had more success when I created short, interesting clips from longer vlogs and posted them to Instagram Reels and TikTok. 

Final Thoughts

Authors looking to promote their books and build their audience should be taking advantage of vlogging. It allows readers a window into your creative world, builds trust, and creates deeper connections. Talking to fans, and telling your story via shared stories, you sell more books, and you create a community of faithful readers who are eagerly awaiting future releases. If you do monetize your channels, you will be getting paid by two sources of your creativity.

Starting vlogging is not a bad idea; it just might be the key to moving you to the next level of your author success.