Using Video to Connect with Agents and Editors

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BONUS FREEBIE: I have a resource for you that will help you prepare to talk with media and audiences. It’s the 10 Questions Every Author Needs to Answer. You can grab the fiction and nonfiction lists here.

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Trend Alert: Video queries to literary agents and book editors are gaining traction, especially for non-fiction authors. 

Using video to query agents and book editors will become increasingly popular! There I said it! Video is such a powerful tool for building a following and engaging with the media. So why not use it to query agents and book editors?

Turns out — some authors are already creating short videos to go in query letters to agents and editors. It’s a fantastic opportunity to share your personality and stand out. I’ve helped my media-training clients create videos for sales teams for their book once it’s sold, but what about using it earlier in the process? 

If you’re planning to use video in your queries, it’s important to have a cohesive plan — and to remember that using video is a lot like querying agents in general. Every person likes something different and it all depends on what that person connects with. But I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more and more of this. 

There are two situations where video can really work in your favor. One is when you’re querying agents. The other is once you have an agent and they’re communicating with book editors on your behalf. 

Jessica Berg, author, agent, and Agency Director of Rosecliff Literary, told me that she’s getting excited about the personal connection that video can create. 

“I think video pitches are such a smart way to close the gap between the inbox and real life, especially for nonfiction,” Berg says. “I meet so many authors at conferences, and it’s often the person, not just the idea, that hooks me. It’s their energy, clarity, the way they talk about the book that sticks just as much as the concept. Sometimes (okay, most of the time) it’s really refreshing to meet the person behind the pitch.”

Creating videos is especially useful for nonfiction authors. Fiction is its own ballgame. But in nonfiction, you, the author, are a big part of the story. Editors and agents want to know what makes you the right person to share this message. 

Here are some suggestions to get started.

1) Start with a clear, concise hook.

This is crucial. You want to start out strong so that the agent or editor watching your video is immediately interested. 

2) Share a compelling personal introduction.

Introduce yourself and share your personal connection to your book. You might focus on things like..

• What life events led you to write this book?
• What about you makes you the right person to tell this story?

3) Give your book pitch in one minute or less.

Long, rambling videos are not going to cut it. They might actually hurt your chances with an agent. That’s why you need to make sure you get right to the point. You’ll probably need to time yourself to get the time down.

Cutting filler words will help you sound more professional and also help you be more concise. You still want to sound conversational, though — here are some tips on how to do that. 

4) Implement the Accordion Method for flexible, scalable pitches.

I developed the Accordion Method so that authors and experts would have a go-to strategy for media appearances. And it works just as well for videos in query letters!

The Accordion Method means having a short, medium, and long answer to every question. For each version, you need to start with a strong hook and then go into more depth depending on how much time you have to elaborate. Here’s my full guide for speaking in soundbites using the Accordion Method. 

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5) Set yourself up for success with video skills.

Not everyone is comfortable on camera, and that’s okay. It just takes some practice. It’s important to assess your video skills and comfort on camera so you know where you might need some help. 

Having a professional setup is essential. That means considering things like lighting and background. Plus, you’ll want to use a high-quality microphone for clear audio and make sure you choose an appropriate camera to get good video quality. I have lots of tips for creating a professional-looking at-home studio here. 

But… don’t get so wrapped up in trying to create professional videos that you forget about the most important aspect — the message!

Berg agrees: “The biggest takeaway for authors is you don’t need fancy edits or a perfect setup,” she says. “Just show me you get your reader, you know your angle, and you care about the work. That’s what makes me lean in.” 

6) Decide on a video sharing strategy. 

There are lots of ways to host and share videos these days. You’ll want to decide if you plan to host on YouTube, a private link, or agent-specific. 

Relatedly, it’s worth thinking about creating custom videos for each agent rather than one universal pitch. That personal touch can make all the difference.

Berg believes that the personal connection is what will create leverage. Don’t be afraid to show who you are and what you bring to the table. “If I can get even a glimpse of that in a query, it’s a massive win,” Berg says. Your personality and charisma will make agents and editors remember YOU.

Do you have questions or ideas about using video in your agent queries? Or did you use one and it was successful? Comment and let me know!

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BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”

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