What if…
Open with the speculative question your book answers.
Example hook: “What if memories could be sold?”
Tech explainer
Explain one invention from your world in 20 seconds.
Example hook: “This is how jump drives work in my book.”
Ship tour
Tour the ship or station deck by deck.
Example hook: “Welcome aboard. Don't open deck 9.”
Mission briefing
Present the plot as a briefing with objectives.
Example hook: “Objective: reach Titan. Problem: the crew.”
Science behind it
Share the real science (accurately) that inspired an idea.
Example hook: “The real physics I bent for this scene.”
Faction intro
Introduce factions with symbols and one-line goals.
Example hook: “Three factions. One planet.”
Future news report
A fictional news bulletin from your world.
Example hook: “Breaking: Mars colony goes silent.”
AI character
Let your AI or robot character speak to camera.
Example hook: “I am the ship. I have concerns.”
Comps
Compare tone to known sci-fi honestly.
Example hook: “For readers who want hopeful space opera.”
Timeline
A quick timeline of your world's history.
Example hook: “300 years of future history in 20 seconds.”
Tips that apply to every idea
- Put the hook on screen in the first second — many people watch with the sound off.
- Keep one idea per video; 15–30 seconds is plenty for most of these formats.
- End with one clear action: 'link in bio', 'comment your pick', or 'follow for part 2'.
- Batch-make a week of clips in one sitting, then post on a schedule you can keep.
For a full posting plan, read How to promote your book on BookTok and Reels.
Don't want to film yourself?
xBookvideo turns your manuscript into narrated, illustrated vertical episodes with subtitles — and the Marketing Pack adds 5 hook clips and a 30-day posting calendar. This sample was made from The Great Gatsby.
More for science fiction authors
Science Fiction book trailer guide · How to make a book trailer · Classic books as videos