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RE: The complexities of being a self-published author
When creating content, for me it wasnt writing it was creating videos it was 25% joy and the rest is work. Research: kinda fun, Scripting: not so much fun Audio: not so much, Shooting: a little bit fun. Marketing: No fun. Yes there are a lot of things around the core, especially when you want to make a living out of it. I guess writing is similar.
That's a good point actually, the videos! I could reach out on another audience then; YouTube.
I also find that some people can be lazy when it comes to reading posts and blogs, unless they're actually that way inclined (a blogger themselves) then they don't tend to read them. Video would take the pain out of reading and all they have to do is sit there and watch/listen.
Will have a good think about that.
You could combine both and make a video book trailer! I self published 2 years ago and had the same issues about marketing... it's hell, in a way, but after 4 years of writing my book I was pretty determined to sell it. One of the ways was the video book trailer (I'll put a link below) it has had 318 views... does that translate into sales, I'm not really sure.
When I self published I got 300 books printed (ambitious!) and also made a kindle version. The book hasn't really taken off, some people love it, I have good Amazon 5* rating, some friends, not all. I have done book fairs... hard slog. One good offshoot is that I now teach a writing course in an Arts Centre because I actually became obsessed with the writing process as I went along. Turns out I'm pretty good at inspiring other people to write. you gotta go with your heart. If you're a writer, you're a writer, ain't nothing you can do about it. Give in and keep going.
I've seen a few people do video book trailers, doesn't really interest me personally. But hey, if it works, then it might be worth a shot!
Videocreating is a lot of work if you start at zero. But if you are a experienced writer that will definitely help you, since most of professional "Youtuber" script their videos to cut out "nonsense", because the audience has a very small attention span. Best way in my opinion is just to get started and then keeping up that learning curve. Marketing of course is important , especially when you havent built a large audience. Good quality content comes first, but you probably know how frustrating it can be if its not getting the attention you think it deserves. I also believe if you decide that videos are not the medium you like, making that experience can improve your writing skills. I learned a lot of things from YouTube.