This is a very practical manual for how to setup a YouTube channel, how to research what videos to make, branding tips, SEO tips and how the YouTube dashboards work. I've read other books on this topic but what makes this one stand out is how practical it is. There are lists of things to do so you can plan how/when you're going to complete each step. Struggling to think how to do, e.g. a non-cringy call to action? Dale provides examples of how he does it as well as sample video outlines. Struggling to think of good video titles or descriptions: Dale shares his AI prompts for how he generates possibilities. Highly recommended. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

As someone who has spent more time on YouTube than I care to admit, I never considered it might be used by authors. I mean being an audio/visual medium it seems to be the ‘enemy’ of books. But Dale Roberts does a great job of breaking down how the medium can be used. And explains how and what to do in a way that even someone who really isn’t tech savvy shouldn’t have too much trouble. I still don’t know if it is something I will end up doing, but thanks to this book if I decide to I feel fairly confident I could do so without that much difficulty. Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

YouTube is so much more than a dumping ground for goofy home videos. Like-minded people can meet, have fun, and get knowledge there.
That’s how the author presented the platform, and I agree. Being an author myself I launched a channel more than a year ago. Yet, engagement is low and subscribers aren’t near to 1K yet. That’s why I requested this book on NetGalley, as I hoped to learn new things and move forward with my channel.

Consistency is key, as for many thinking life. So you have to take it seriously and do the steps you’ll learn for a longer time before seeing results.
The platform cares especially about the amount of time a visitor stays and that they enjoy themselves while being there.
The author will share concrete examples on what to do, and explain why you should donut that way.

I’ve been applying the new advice I’ve gained thanks to this been, let’s see how it goes 🤞

Definitely recommend to other authors.

Dale's book YouTube For Authors is a good overview of the process for creating videos for your channel, from initial idea through posting, promotion, and monetization. A good read and good place to start for anyone interested in the subject.

I've read several of Dale's books, and this is my favorite one. For $5, it's a bargain given all the information you get.
I've got 3000 subscribers on YouTube and part of the Partner Program, yet I still learned quite a bit, such as:

- YouTube shopping linking with Shopify, Spring, and Spreadshirt.

- Tools like Morningfame, TubeBuddy, and VidIQ

- Title & Thumbnail are paramount!

- YouTube Posts are more useful than I thought

- Live Video is also far more helpful at growing your audience than I thought

- Disarm hostile comments by asking them, "Are you okay?"

- Books2Read and BookLink are helpful

- Playlists encourage binge watching

- Share playlists, not single videos

- Sponsorships can range from $50-1000 per video and far more

- Channel banners reveal what the channel is about

CONCLUSION: Packed with practical tips, Dale's book delivers.

Simple, practical and extremely useful. Step by step guidance for authors who want to leverage Youtube to increase their reach, sell more books and find additional ways to monetize their content. Simple but not a quick rich scheme, you will have to put sweat equity to grow your sibscriber base. There are tips for improving discovery via Youtube SEO, growing followers and lots more.
An excellent manual on starting a new YouTube channel from scratch even if you are not an author, but just want to grow your online brand in new ways.

DNF @ 47%
As an author who creates content on YouTube myself, I was excited to see what Dale had to offer those who wanted to get started. The content of this book isn’t bad, per se, but the author focuses SO MUCH on generative AI practices that I really felt betrayed by a member of our community recommending so throughly. (I’m talking like every other page telling you to use AI for everything under the sun). Those who succeed on YouTube are those who put their personality and humanity on screen. I feel hurt that a fellow author would recommend this practice.

As someone who’s recently launched a YouTube channel to promote my Teachers Pay Teachers products, I was genuinely excited to receive an advanced reader copy of YouTube for Authors. I’ve followed Dale Roberts for a while, and this book didn’t disappoint. It’s packed with practical insights, encouragement, and clear next steps for authors looking to connect with their audience on YouTube.

I’d call myself an “advanced amateur” when it comes to YouTube—I’ve already done some of the heavy lifting like creating a niche, designing a channel concept, and posting content consistently. So, I found the early chapters a bit repetitive. That said, they’re perfect for absolute beginners or those still wrestling with clarity and direction. Dale does a great job of walking readers through the foundational steps in a supportive, easy-to-follow way.

Where the book really delivered for me was in the middle-to-later sections, which focus on how to scale, grow, and eventually monetize your channel. That’s exactly the phase I’m in right now, and I found Dale’s tips both actionable and encouraging. He doesn’t just skim the surface—he goes deep into strategy, tools, and mindset shifts that are crucial for turning a hobby channel into a legitimate part of your author platform.

Even though I’m not quite ready for the more advanced material on expanding income streams or hiring help, I appreciated Dale including it. It gives me a roadmap for what’s ahead and makes this book something I’ll return to as my channel grows.

The tone is conversational, never preachy or overwhelming, and the content is clearly well-researched. Bonus points for the formatting—it was clean and easy to navigate, even in ARC form.

I’d highly recommend YouTube for Authors to any writer, educator, or digital content creator looking to boost their visibility through video. Whether you’re just getting started or trying to grow what you’ve already built, Dale’s book has something valuable to offer.

YouTube for Authors : How to Use Video to Sell More Books and Build Your Brand. This is a very useful and practical book about setting up a YouTube channel and making it work for you. There are plenty of examples and sample video structures to get you started. Even AI prompts for generating possibilities. There is lots of good useful information and resources and this is a really good useful book to choose on the subject.