My Videos
What is it about videos, that make them so much easier to follow? Whether it is step by step instructions or just a little friendly advice, a video can sometimes go a lot further than a blog post or meme or cheat sheet can.
Introduction
Hi! I am so pleased to see you! Let’s talk about writing, about social media, and how to bring out the best in you.
In the meantime, I have touched on a number of fun and interesting topics, including covers and cover artists, beta readers and editors. Also, there’s information on how to write a blurb, and how to keep out of copyright infringement hot water.
So, please come and check out my YouTube channel when you get a chance. And let’s talk writing!
Some Videos About Covers
So, covers are a natural topic for a YouTube channel and also a blog, all about writing. Getting into covers also means getting into genres. And, it means working with artists and contracts! Yes, as in legal documents.
Videos About Working with a Cover Artist/Covers
Videos on Color Theory
The color theory vids now have their own page. They now have a lot more written detail, too. You can find them by going to my YouTube channel.
Videos on Getting Published and Polishing Your Work
So, you can’t have the first without the second!!
Beta Readers and Editors
Here is a bit about which is which. Also, why you need both.
Working with a Beta Reader
Here is some information on working with a beta reader. Be kind to your beta readers!
Choosing an Editor
Every writer needs one, and there are no exceptions to this rule. So, let’s look at the process of choosing an editor.
Blurbs, Queries, Teasers, and Elevator Pitches
These are all important. So the idea behind this particular video is to tell the difference. Also, here is some help with how to write them. Because a blurb, a query, a teaser, and an elevator pitch all serve rather different purposes.
Writing a Blurb
It can be one of the hardest things a writer has to do, because so much is riding on it—writing a blurb. And it feels odd.
After all, you are a writer. You have committed, perhaps, millions of words to paper and/or pixels. So, why is it so damned tough to write a blurb that is only going to be a few hundred words long?
I wanted to split off blurb writing because it is so vital. After all, many publishers want this with your query. And if you’re self-publishing, then you’re it when it comes to who’ll write the blurb.
Welcome to being a one-person marketing agency, with just one client—yourself.
Writing a Query Letter
Here’s a look at writing a query letter. As in many areas of life, the better and more closely you follow directions, the better. And if something is ambiguous or confusing—or it just plain isn’t covered, then the best thing you can do is ask.
What better way to show your due diligence?
The bottom line, of course, is: do your best to eliminate as many reasons for a publishing company or an agent to say no to you and your work.
Your Elevator Pitch, Orally and in Writing
One day, someone will ask you what your book is all about. So, you’d better be ready! And, as a bonus, getting this together now, when the pressure isn’t on, is one way to help keep you from stumbling or rambling. Because neither of those is a good look.
Teasing Your Work
Do you know how to tease your work? Teasing is particularly useful for social media. It is, in essence, a form of advertising. Create an interest in your work, and nurture it.
And, just as importantly, learn how to do it quickly, in as few words as possible.
Videos on Working with Social Media
So, here are some videos on how to work with social media.
Demystifying Facebook
How’s Facebook goin’ for ya? If you feel that you’re not getting as much out of it as you could, then have a listen.
Creating a Facebook Page
Did you know that you should be creating a Facebook page for your writing! And by the way, if you’ve got an active community of readers, you may want to create a group for them. Perhaps both.
When it comes to a street team, or people who are regular beta readers of your work, why not make a group for them, as well? And make it a little fun, all right? It shouldn’t just be about marketing your work.
Working with a Facebook Page
But you can’t just rest on your laurels. You need to work with your page! Your followers will want to hear from you!
Advertising on Facebook
Let’s take a look at paid ads. Theories and methodologies do change over time, so be sure to check the source and, if there’s a conflict, of course go with what’s currently on Facebook.
Demystifying Twitter/X
Twitter is such an odd duck (pun intended a bit). So, here is some information on it. Does this info apply to Bluesky? Well, kind of.
Starting a Twitter Stream
How do you get started? Can you plunge right in?
Optimizing Twitter
And how do you make the most out of Twitter AKA X? Is Twitter still a worthwhile social media platform for marketing? Maybe.
MSWL (Manuscript Wish List)
What is #MSWL? Why does it matter, anyway?
PitMad on Twitter
So, what was the late, lamented #PitMad all about? Did people actually get publishing deals out of it?
The 5 Worst Things You Are Doing on Social Media
So, for the love of manuscripts, please don’t do this!
Videos on Copyright
Art is valuable. You are valuable. Therefore, this means that you should protect your work. And you should respect others’ works as well. And do not even get me started on AI.
Your best means of protection in the United States is to register your work with the US Patent Office. And no, mailing it yourself does not count.
Why you Can’t Charge for Fanfiction/a Crash Course in Copyright
Stephenie Meyer notwithstanding…
Transitioning from Fanfiction
So, why should you move on from fan fiction? Also, what happens if you don’t want to? Is that so wrong? Also, can you take what you’ve learned and apply it to wholly original works?
Creative Commons Videos
What is Creative Commons? Is it still valid?
Interview Videos
For interviews, I keep them separate, so be sure to check out my interview videos!
Videos: Takeaways
So, these are always a lot of fun to make. Dang, I should make some more! And maybe they’ll be for Facebook Reels or TikTok, rather than YouTube. Or on Bluesky.
So, what is the limit? Only the sky, blue or otherwise.
Finally, will I be making any more vids? Sure, why not? Eventually. But any newer ones are more likely to be under my actual name, Janet Gershen-Siegel.
More to come!
Want More About My Videos?
If my experiences with videos resonate with you, then please check out my other videos covering various and sundry topics.
Videos and Visual Communication
These are video documents about certain subjects directly related to writing, social media, or both.
• Color Theory Vids
† Inspiration Vids
• Interview Vids
† Vids (uncharacterized)