The first time an author sees and holds their book, it’s a thrilling moment and incredible milestone in their journey as a writer. The book is the culmination of months, sometimes years, of their hard work, and they are excited that their knowledge, heart, and experience is ready to be shared with the world. Some authors want to remember this first moment, capturing their thoughts and emotions on video, and celebrate the occasion with their audience.

As you open your box of books for the first time, you have an opportunity to invite readers (and future readers!) to share the experience with you. This can be an excellent way to build excitement and create engagement for your upcoming book launch. Consider using media—and especially social media—to connect with your followers, offering them a close and personal view of this important life moment. You’ll have a video of the occasion for you and loved ones but also for your audience and anyone who will benefit from your book or business.

Here are a few easy tips to help you capture your book unboxing experience on video:

1.Gather everything you’ll need for shooting the video. You don’t need to have fancy photography equipment to shoot an unboxing video. Authentic moments are what your followers want to see, and these can be captured on iPhones or other smartphones. If you don’t have someone to record the video for you, a tripod can work great. You can even prop your phone or recording device up against other items (smartphones can be placed in cups!), as long as you feel you can shoot things from a good and flattering angle. Make sure you also have a way to open your box of books.

2. Prepare the scene. There’s no need for a fancy set. Simply choose a well-lit room with a background of your preference. If possible, opt for a background that says something about your personality or captures the essence of your book, and try to keep the shot clean and uncluttered so that your book is the star of the video. Consider any background noises in the room also, so these won’t distract during the shooting.

3. Prepare yourself. Although your video should be as real and personal as possible, it’s not a bad idea to take a moment to reflect on what you’re about to do. Think about who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and what you want to project about yourself in the video. Remember the time and energy you put into your book. Imagine the impact it can make in people’s lives.

4. Begin the video. When you’re ready to start shooting, offer your audience a quick intro of yourself and your book. Make sure viewers know that they are about to witness an author holding their book in their hands for the very first time. If you’d like, briefly share what this moment means to you.

5. Unbox your book! All your hard work has come to fruition. Be yourself, and enjoy your great accomplishment. Whether you experience joy, gratitude, exhilaration, find yourself thinking of those who helped you along the way, or decide right then and there to write your next book, let your genuine thoughts and feelings drive the moment. Allow your audience to be there with you, even if you lack the words. You’re including them in a powerful moment and doing so creates the opportunity for you to foster a deeper connection with them.

Leave your audience with a way to further engage with you. End your video with a smile and call to action. Mention the title of your book, its publication date, key places where your book can be purchased, and your website.

Share your video. After you save your video, be sure to share it with your network. Post it to your blog and social media channels and feature it in your newsletter.

Send Greenleaf your video! Email it to Kesley Smith (ksmith@greenleafbookgroup.com), Corporate Communications and Business Development Manager, who will coordinate a date to post your video to Greenleaf’s social media channels. We want to spread the word about your book too.

If you enjoy the experience of shooting this kind of video, consider creating video content for other book milestones or author opportunities:

• Your book’s pub date is an occasion that would make for a great video.
• You can capture important footage during a launch party.
• Sharing an especially moving consumer review or a bit of reader feedback is a good way to show your gratitude or thank an individual.
• You can capture your reaction to seeing your book in a bookstore or at the airport for the first time. One of the benefits of this is that your audience then also knows where they can purchase your book.
• Walking out on stage for a speaking engagement or book signing offers a way for you to share not only your own excitement but also the excitement of your readers.

There are many more moments you can capture. Be creative. Be present. And think of how you can connect with your audience. If you feel a rush of emotions connected to your book, this can be a moment worthy of remembering. Take a video, share it with your network, and continue the conversation with your followers. You’ll be able to reach more people with your book and also learn more about your audience.

Enjoy this part in your journey as an author!

To learn more, contact Kesley Smith at ksmith@greenleafbookgroup.com.