Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve had a fascination with telling stories through moving pictures since Jurassic Park stomped into theaters in 1993. I launched my video production company back in 2005. In 2013 the company was rebranded as Empire Studios, where I’m currently Creative Director and Principal. I also run Studio 12 Academy, an educational resource focused on video production and running a business around it.
I’ve been featured in Business News Daily, Inc., Momentology and the Everyday Power Blog, among other publications. I’ve written one book, and have a few more in the pipeline. 😉
I live in Connecticut with his beautiful wife and two rescue dogs.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Video Promotion: A Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Your Video Views.
Since I create video for a living, much of it is for companies. What I found was that the majority would not have much of a strategy for promoting and marketing the video, so it would get a small number of views, resulting in my services looking like a waste of resources. I wrote a detailed instruction manual for the best ways to distribute the video and where it could go on their website.
After tremendous feedback on this PDF I was giving to clients, I decided to expand on it a great deal and turn it into a book to help others.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to be very conversational and speak (and write in) plain English, and try not to take things too seriously. I’m a fan of providing a LOT of knowledge, and I really don’t dig boring, long explanations.
If an answer or tactic needs to be long, I love breaking it up with jokes or graphics to help the reader survive to the end.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In general, Michael Crichton and Clive Cussler. Specifically for these types of books that I’m writing, Gary Vaynerchuk and Tim Ferriss have both influenced me greatly.
What are you working on now?
My next book is on using LinkedIn to it’s full potential. A few years ago it was frustrating to hear people say they’re not getting anywhere with LinkedIn, and I thought to put something together for them (I love LinkedIn and have gotten several exciting opportunities as a direct result of it), But recently, I’m seeing more and more people use it like Facebook, where they post aggressive political opinions, post unprofessional memes and overall aren’t treating the platform like the virtual resume (on steroids) that it is.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found that giving the ebook away for free for 3-5 days really helps boost it’s ranking and sales. Couple that with letting several “free ebook websites” know about it in advance while also promoting the giveaway on my social media networks is a solid tactic.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes! Always have at least two people double check for typos/grammar, and spend a few bucks to make the cover interesting and clickable.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“That name sucks.” It was in reference to my (at the time) company name: Bryant Productions. It was the first in a series of events that lead to the rebranding and expansion to Empire Studios and ultimately, me taking my business full time.
What are you reading now?
“The Thank You Economy” by Gary Vaynerchuk.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A *LOT* more writing! Another two books, blog posts (for my own two companies, plus several other blogs that have approached me), and I’m in pre-production on a few online classes I’ll be creating — so lots of writing there, too!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1) SAS Survival Handbook (to help me… you know… not die)
2) Jurassic Park, by Michael Crichton (to help pass the time)
3) War & Peace (which is nice and thick… perfect to keep the fire going for longer)
Author Websites and Profiles
Chris Bryant Amazon Profile
Chris Bryant’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account