Are you a successful YouTuber looking to expand your brand and engage with your audience in a new, exciting way? Have you ever considered self-publishing a book?
A book can be a powerful tool to promote your channel, share your journey, and offer exclusive content to your subscribers. It’s a tangible way for your fans to connect with you beyond the screen. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to generate additional revenue.
Why Self-Publish?
Self-publishing gives you complete creative control over your content, design, and marketing. You decide what to share, how to share it, and when. You’re not bound by traditional publishing rules or timelines. Amplify Your YouTube Success with a Self-Published Book.
Case Study 1: First Man Photography
In this case study we look at the debut book from First Man Photography, Illumination. An illustrious hardback book, part photography journal, part autobiography. It showcases the highest production values with cover materials from Winter&Co, white foiling, GF Smith Colorplan endpapers and section sewing.
The winning print spec is:
223×297 Landscape Case Bound Books.
Standard Case: Wibalin Natural Black.
Collector’s Edition Case : Napura Canvas Charcoal.
Wrapped over greyboard case. White foiling to outer cover.
2x 4pp End Papers onto Wibalin Natural Sapphire Blue.
Four colour print throughout.
Trimmed, collated and case bound.
The front cover is understated and very classy. The inside pages are onto 170gsm Silk at a bespoke size of 223x297mm. This is A4 width and a little bit extra on the height. It affords the luxury of displaying the photography at a more prominent size and showing enhanced details with a more engrossing experience of the subject matter. It creates wide double-page spreads which are great for landscape photography.
We worked tirelessly with the author to produce a book he was really proud of and the finished publication is testament to the work put in on both sides. Do enjoy looking at the First Man Photography YouTube channel which is a tremendous resource for inspiration. Check out the print spec in the description below and do get in touch if you would like to print a similar book to showcase your finest photography, illustrations or artwork.
Case Study 2: Romell Henry
Take a look at Romell Henry, a successful YouTuber who took the plunge into self-publishing with his book “Just Die.” Romell, known for his daring and often outrageous content, used his book to delve deeper into his creative process and offer his fans an intimate look at his life and work.
The book was a hit, garnering attention from major outlets like Dazed Digital and Ignant. It allowed Romell to reach his audience in a new way, strengthening his brand and creating a new revenue stream.
The Benefits of Self-Publishing
- Brand Expansion: A book can help you expand your brand beyond YouTube. It’s a tangible product that fans can hold, display, and share.
- Deeper Connection: A book allows you to share more of your story, giving fans a deeper insight into your life and work.
- Revenue Stream: Selling a book can be a significant source of income, especially if you have a large, dedicated fan base.
- Credibility: Having a published book can boost your credibility and establish you as an authority in your field.
- Creative Control: When you self-publish, you have complete control over your book’s content, design, and marketing.
The Power of Booktube
BookTube is a thriving community on YouTube where individuals share their love for books. Some of the most influential BookTubers include Christine Riccio of ‘PolandBananasBooks’, who is known for her enthusiastic and humorous book reviews, and Ariel Bissett, a Canadian BookTuber who hosts thoughtful discussions and creative book-related content. Another notable BookTuber is Jesse George from ‘jessethereader’, who is loved for his engaging and passionate book talks. These BookTubers have a significant impact on their viewers’ reading habits and the overall book industry.
Many YouTubers have also ventured into the world of authorship, writing books that often become bestsellers due to their established fanbase. Some notable books by YouTubers include “Binge” by Tyler Oakley, “A Work in Progress” by Connor Franta, “The Amazing Book Is Not on Fire” by Daniel Howell, “Girl Online” by Zoe Sugg, and “I Hate Myselfie: A Collection of Essays” by Shane Dawson. These books span various genres, from memoirs to fiction, reflecting the diverse interests and talents of YouTubers.
Printing for Instagram Influencers
On Instagram, influencers are shaping trends and promoting brands in various niches. Some of the top Instagram influencers include Huda Kattan, a beauty influencer with a makeup line called Huda Beauty, and Cameron Dallas, who rose to fame through Vine and YouTube and now has a significant Instagram following. There’s also Nikkie de Jager, a Dutch makeup artist and beauty vlogger known as NikkieTutorials, who inspires her followers with her makeup skills and personal journey.
20 Topics a YouTuber could write a book about
- Behind the Scenes: A detailed account of what goes into making their YouTube videos.
- Personal Memoir: Sharing personal stories, experiences, and life lessons.
- Influencer Marketing: Insights into the world of influencer marketing and brand collaborations.
- Content Creation: A guide on creating engaging content for YouTube and other social media platforms.
- Travel Diaries: Sharing experiences and tips from their travels around the world.
- Cookbook: If they’re a food YouTuber, they could share their favorite recipes.
- Beauty and Fashion: Tips, tutorials, and personal style advice.
- Fitness and Health: Workout routines, diet plans, and wellness tips.
- Tech Guide: Reviews and recommendations on the latest tech gadgets and software.
- Comedy: A collection of humorous essays or anecdotes.
- Motivational: Sharing personal growth experiences and motivational advice.
- DIY Projects: Step-by-step guides on various DIY projects featured on their channel.
- Gaming Strategies: Tips and strategies for popular video games.
- Photography/Videography: A guide on how to take and edit photos and videos.
- Entrepreneurship: Sharing their journey of becoming a successful YouTuber and entrepreneur.
- Parenting: If they’re a parent, they could share their experiences and advice on parenting.
- Home Decor: Ideas and tips for decorating and organizing your home.
- Personal Finance: Advice on budgeting, saving, and investing money.
- Mental Health: Sharing their experiences and advice on dealing with mental health issues.
- Sustainability: Tips and advice on living a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
A Book is a Tangible Addition to Your Channel
A book is a fantastic tangible extension of a YouTuber’s brand. While digital content is consumed and then often quickly forgotten, a book is a physical object that fans can hold, display, and return to time and time again. It’s a lasting, tactile representation of a YouTuber’s work and creativity, and it allows fans to engage with their favourite content creator in a new and more intimate way. A book can contain behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive content, or deeper dives into topics that can’t be fully explored in a video format. It’s a way for YouTubers to share more of themselves and their knowledge with their audience, and it’s a keepsake that fans can treasure.
Moreover, publishing a book can open up a new revenue stream for YouTubers. In an online world where ad revenue can be unpredictable and fluctuate, a book provides a more stable income source. It’s a product that can be sold directly to fans, at speaking engagements, or through online retailers. Plus, a book can also attract new audiences who may discover the YouTuber through their book, leading to increased viewership and subscriber count on their channel. In essence, a book allows YouTubers to diversify their income, reach a wider audience, and solidify their brand in the physical world as well as the digital one.
You Don’t Need to Worry About Algorithm Changes
Absolutely! In the ever-changing digital landscape, where visibility is often at the mercy of algorithms and fleeting trends, a book stands as a solid, unchanging testament to a YouTuber’s creativity and hard work. It’s immune to algorithm shifts, hashtag trends, or Google updates. Once printed, it’s out there in the world, ready to be discovered, enjoyed, and shared, independent of the whims of digital platforms.
At Ex Why Zed, we specialise in turning ideas into beautifully printed realities. We can guide you through the process of becoming a published author, helping you create a book that not only complements your digital content but also stands as a work of art in its own right. Whether it’s a collection of your best scripts, a behind-the-scenes look at your creative process, or a deep dive into a topic you’re passionate about, we can help you create a book that you and your fans will be proud of.
In a world where digital content can be ephemeral, a book is a lasting statement. It’s a way to make your mark, to say, “I was here, and I created something of value.” And in the process, it can open up new opportunities for revenue and audience growth. So why not take your content offline and into the world of print? With Ex Why Zed, becoming a published author is more achievable than you might think.
How Ex Why Zed Can Help
We specialise in helping influencers and online creators like you bring their visions to life. We offer high-quality, affordable printing services tailored to your needs. We worked with Romell Henry on his book “Just Die Trie” and we can help you create a book that reflects your brand and resonates with your audience.
Ready to take your YouTube channel to the next level? Contact us today to start your self-publishing journey.