Get Started Making Your Book Video

Book videos don't have to be two or three minutes. You can say a lot in just a few seconds, especially if you use the right words and images. 

Last month, I told you the things you shouldn't do. This month, we're going to focus on what you need to get started and where to find those things, most of which are free or low-cost. 

You will need high quality images. One of the best places for free images is Pixabay.com. There is not attribution required, and you can use them commercially. If you want to spend some money, though, Deposit Photos has fabulous images as does Fotolia. But, focusing on free, you can find some at www.stockfreeimages.com and http://www.freeimages.co.uk/ (although this one does require credit). 

You will need an editing program. Windows Movie Maker works fine, and most video editors allow a thirty-day trial so I would encourage you to download one, give it a try for a month and see if you like it. You can always delete it and try another one. I use Corel Video Studio Pro and Cyberlink PowerDirector. There is also Adobe Premiere, Pinnacle Studio Ultimate, and more. You can find the top ten list by PC Magazine here. 

Of course, you'll also need music and/or sound effects. Maybe you even want to use voice over. One of the best places to find voice over artists is www.fiverr.com. You can listen to samples, and, if your text is short enough, may get what you need for only $5.00 (plus Fiverr's small fee). 

For free music (although you should still attribute it to the artist), try Incompetech or Purple Planet Music. 

Now that you know where to start looking, take some time to go through the images and the music. You want to choose carefully to create the best video possible. 

I'll be back soon to go over some of the logistics behind creating a video.