Author recording brief

The following steps provide a guide to how to record your short video clip. It should introduce your latest book in an engaging and concise manner, aimed at a general audience or specific academic peers. The goal is to highlight your work, the book’s key themes, its significance and why viewers should be interested. The clip should end with a call to action to download your book from the uclpress.co.uk website.

Video length and format

• Please record a video of between two to three minutes maximum
• Your built-in webcam on a laptop or desktop will normally work well
• You can also shoot good footage on a smart mobile phone
• If using a mobile, please use a tripod or prop the phone against something so that you can free up your hands whilst you present
• Please record in landscape mode

Suggested content structure

Opening introduction (10-15 seconds)

1. Introduce yourself including your name, position and institution
2. Mention your book’s title and topic, e.g. “I’m the author/editor of [book title] which focuses on [topic]”

Main section (1.5-2 minutes)

1. Explain what the book covers in straightforward layperson-friendly language
2. Talk about why you wrote it including your motivation and research inspiration
3. Who is it for? Include academic research, teaching and learning audiences as well as any potential wider interest, if appropriate.
4. For Textbooks: if it can be used as a textbook, please explain how it can be used in teaching and by students. Mention pedagogical features in the text as well as any additional resources to use alongside (e.g. slide decks, software, etc)
5. What makes it unique or timely? How might it prompt further development in the field?

Closing section (10-15 seconds)

1. Invite engagement: I hope you find it insightful and I’d welcome further discussion via my [social] account [Optional – only if appropriate and you are comfortable with sharing this]
2. Call to action: Download your free open access copy at uclpress.co.uk
3. Final shot: [look at camera and smile for a few seconds before ending recording]
   

Lighting tips

• Sit with a window in front of you during daytime to create your recordings
• If recording in the evening please put a lamp or two in front of you behind your device
• It may be best to turn the light slightly to one side if there is too much glare/shine

Sound tips

• Wherever possible use a decent microphone for sound
• To improve audio add a microphone via your USB port or use a headset or air pods
• Speak loudly and clearly so background sound will not affect compromise quality
• Speak at a reasonable pace

Your background

• Please present in front of an uncluttered background: plain walls are best
• If you are presenting in front of a bookshelf or other objects, make sure there is nothing that could be controversial
• Make sure the clothes you are wearing do not have any logos on

Framing

• Please frame your shots centrally, so that you are in the centre of the screen
• Make sure you aren’t too close to the camera and there is space around your head
• It is flattering to position your camera above your eyeline, rather than below it
• Bear in mind the video will be edited as landscape (16×9)

Tools for recording

• You can record your video using Quicktime or Zoom on a computer
• Use your native camera on your smartphone

Speaking tips

• If using a script place it close to the camera so your eyes don’t move too much
• Be yourself and pretend you are speaking to a friend
• Smile and make eye contact with the camera
• Try not to rush too quickly and get the balance right for the way you normally speak

Submitting your file

• Save you file in a .mov or .mp4 format
• Save and label your file: “[YourName]_BookTitle”
• To avoid file compression use a file sharing service such as WeTransfer or Dropbox
• Please send to uclpresspublishing@ucl.ac.uk