Monday 9 November 2015

To vlog or not to vlog, that is the question...


Over the weekend I've been thinking about my website, and my author 'brand' and all that jazz. While going over my marketing plan and ticking off the things I'd done on my 'to-do' list, I discovered that I'd written down the word 'vlog' with a huge question mark next to it.

I don't tend to use YouTube that much. In fact, my dad knows how to use YouTube better than I do - the only time I ever go on it, is if someone links to a cute animal video on Facebook.

But apparently book vlogs are becoming more of a big thing now. I've seen on Twitter a couple of people doing a video of their book reviews and I've watched a couple of author interviews on Goodreads, but I only really know of one author who posts videos to his website. In them, he discusses his books, his upcoming projects, his mental health issues and being transgender - they're really interesting videos, but then again, he is a NYT bestselling author. If I posted a video up, would anyone even bother to watch it?


Yeah, I could discuss the things I already write about on my blog, such as self-publishing, and review a few books and talk about my writing (or lack of), but would people actually find that interesting? I'm just not sure. I think I'd have to come up with a certain angle for my videos, but if I'm completely honest, between blogging, using Twitter/Tumblr/Wattpad, as well as actually writing my next book, I just don't know if I'd have the time to commit to vlogging as well.

The topic of social media is a source of never-ending fascination to me. I find it incredible how people can make an actual career out of making videos on YouTube or posting photos on Instagram. Yes, I'd absolutely love to reach more readers and have a conversation with them, but it sounds like it would take up an incredible amount of time to set up. Plus, I hate the way I sound/look on video.

So, what I'd like to know is:

Do any of you vlog? If so, how do you find it?

Do you think vlogging is becoming more of a thing for authors? 

Do you watch vlogs by other authors? (Please, do link to their videos in the comments, I'd love to check them out)

Do you think authors vlogging is a good thing or a bad thing?

Seriously, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this! If you have any info on vlogging, please share it in the comments below :)

Have a great Monday, everyone!

4 comments:

  1. I've wondered this about book trailers...I'm not sure that many people watch them. It's especially odd because authors are readers, so it seems like we would be more likely to read a blog than watch a video about a book. I can't imagine a time when I'd sit around watching videos about books, but I know vlogs do well when it comes to things like makeup tutorials. But with a book review, you don't really need to see anything demonstrated.

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    1. I've always thought that too - I've never been convinced by the idea of book trailers. That's a very good point - thanks Stephanie :)! Although perhaps that might change in the future - I have a feeling people are shifting more towards videos/being more interactive rather than just looking at photos or reading blogs...but I could be very wrong! I know I won't be giving up blogs for videos any time soon :)

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  2. I don't have a vlog and I don't think I'll ever have one. I may create a video hear and there in the future but I love my blog and writing too much to do a vlog regularly. Plus, I'd be even more insecure about that...having people hear and see me? *cringes* I'll stay behind my computer screen. :P

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    1. Hahaha, my thoughts exactly, Chrys! I might create the odd one to say thanks for following/reading my blog/books but I don't think I'll ever become a vlogging superstar! Thanks for stopping by :)!

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