So, you have your story all ready to go, but you don’t know how to make a marketing video to match. We’ve compiled a list of author resources that can help you with the next step! If you’re looking to create marketing videos or trailers to promote your content, here’s your place to start.
1. CapCut
If you feel up to the challenge of editing your own video, CapCut is an editing software that you can download or use in your browser. CapCut is beginner friendly, but has more advanced tools if you’re already a pro. Plus, it works with all types of videos, and has special features for social media. Our favorite is the effects library, where you can test trending filters and effects to keep your videos fresh.
Download it for free here.
2. Pixabay
Already a video editor? If you want to jump right into the cutting-it-together stage, Pixabay has a huge library of stock footage and images that are free to use with no copyright infringement issues. Just make a free account and assemble your video quickly and easily by browsing their vast options for the perfect visuals. All images are easily downloadable and usable for commercial and personal projects— completely free!
Check it out here.
3. Iconosquare
Never worry about posting on time again. Iconosquare connects all your social media accounts and gathers data to tell you the best time to post. Once your video is ready, schedule the post with Iconosquare. Then use its analytics to track your video’s performance. The data means that you get insight on every single post!
The first 14 days are free, then pricing starts at $33 a month. Check out options here.
4. Boords
Storyboarding is a critical step for nailing the look of your video before you make it. For authors who may need a hand converting their story into a visual trailer, Boords can help you start to think in pictures with its comprehensive storyboard-building tools. Map out what you want your video to look like using AI-generated images, a free picture library, or by uploading your own assets via Dropbox or Google Drive.
After the free trial, Boords’ standard plan is $44 a month. Browse their extensive resources here.
5. Skillshare
Skillshare offers an extensive library of video classes for a more hands-on approach to making your own marketing videos. Since it has a wide variety of options, Skillshare can fit anyone. You can start with the basics or look for a more advanced class to meet your skill level. It’s really great to customize your experience by choosing courses that work for you. Authors can try Jordy Vendeput’s Advanced Video Editing or Maggie Stara’s Social Media Marketing for Beginners, both awesome places to start learning how to create and optimize your videos. Learn from professional experts and become a DIY master!
Get started with a 30-day free trial here.
6. LibreOffice
If you’re missing a solid and reliable word processor, give LibreOffice a try. It’s a free, private office suite that includes a word processor, spreadsheet tool, and presentation maker. And it’s backed by a non-profit! LibreOffice is compatible with Microsoft and you can export your work in a variety of formats, so it’s customizable to your needs.
Download for free here.
7. Midjourney
Midjourney is a unique design tool where you can make your own book covers and more! Type any prompt into the search bar to make an image, then edit, fine-tune, and combine images until you have the design you want. This is great for book cover mock-ups or singular social media posts. Play around with your prompts until your vision comes to life.
Subscriptions start at $10 a month.
8. Freesound
Videos have more impact when you add sound effects. Freesound is a sound effect library where you can search for the sound you want and download it for free. You’ll find all kinds of music (royalty-free), and various sound effects from gunshots to passing trains. Make your videos pop and create a more immersive experience for your audience with Freesound!
Check it out here.
9. Shot Designer
Plan scenes effortlessly with Shot Designer. If you’re using actors, you can block out their movements and test various camera angles. Shot Designer makes clear diagrams of all your characters and the camera so the whole team is on the same page when filming. This is a great tool for writers who have an interest in directing! It also comes with classes and seminars for directing actors, blocking, and more.
Download the app for free or upgrade to the Pro version for $20 a month.
10, Wordkraft
Struggling with a logline or narrowing your pitch down? Using AI, Wordkraft can help write a short, attention-grabbing script for your book trailer or marketing video. With Wordkraft’s trailer script generator tool, you input the genre, the desired length of the video, and a story summary, and it produces a script that’s right for you. Find the generator here.
Wordkraft has a free plan with upgradable options starting at $9 a month.
Want to make your own book trailer? Check out our free guide!
