How can I turn a book I wrote into an online course?

Turning a book you wrote into a video course is an excellent way to leverage different learning modalities and engage a broader audience.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you seamlessly transition your written content into a compelling video course:

1. Define the Course Transformation:

   • Just like your book, your new video course will be bringing your audience from point A to point B. Point A is where they're at now and point B is the place they would like to be. They will be undergoing a transformation into the new identify at point B. Describe that identity. Identify the key concepts, skills, or knowledge you want your learners to acquire. This will guide the structure and content of your course.

2. Break Down the Book:

   • Divide your book into logical sections or chapters. Each section should represent a module or lesson in your video course. Consider the flow of information and how it can be presented visually.

3. Create a Script:

   • Develop a script for each video lesson. That script can be in the form of bullet points so you can speak freely in the video, or as a full transcript where you'll read to the audience while keeping the conversation light and engaging. Use the content from your book as the foundation and adapt it for a spoken presentation. 

4. Plan Visual Elements:

   • Determine how to visually present your content. Consider using slides, screen share demonstrations or live demo to complement your spoken words. Visual elements enhance the learning experience and break up the monotony of a talking head.

5. Filming Techniques:

   • Beginner: Keep it simple by filming with your phone or DSLR camera on a tripod with ring light. Maintain eye contact with the camera to establish a connection with your audience. Pay attention to your tone, pace, and overall delivery. It shouldn't feel like you're reading from a script.
   • Advanced: Experiment with different filming techniques, such as close-ups, wide shots, and varying camera angles or choose to hire a video editor or professional filming crew.
   • I can share with that just because your video is filmed with your phone camera doesn't mean it's inferior to a professionally shot video. You will not likely be able to charge more just because a fancy camera was used in the filming process. It's more about content than quality of filming. That said, great lighting is very important.

6. Edit Videos Professionally:

   • Edit your videos. Trim unnecessary segments, add visual elements, and ensure a smooth flow between different sections. Pay attention to audio quality, and consider adding background music if appropriate.
   • I used a free software called Shotcut. Recommend Googling it. I find it easy to use and learn.

7. Include Interactive Elements:

   • Incorporate interactive elements to keep your audience engaged. This could include quizzes, email reminders, discussion prompts, or activities related to the content. 

8. Create Supplementary Materials:

   • Develop additional materials that complement your video content, such as downloadable resources, checklists, or transcripts. These materials can reinforce learning and provide valuable resources for your audience.

By following these steps, you can successfully transform your book into a dynamic and engaging video course. Remember to keep the learner experience at the forefront and adapt your content to suit the visual and interactive nature of the video medium. Consider an eBook I have available here on this very topic >>