Writing Wednesday
On Wednesdays I like to share information I picked up on my journey to being published, marketing my first book, editing and preparing to be published again. Information that I wish someone would have shared with me, back then…
If you like the information I hope you will share it!
Book Trailers
A book trailer is a video advertisement for a book which employs techniques similar to those of movie trailers to promote books and encourage readers to buy.
As I was going over the marketing plan for my first book, Bristol boyz Stomp so I could fine tune my plan for my second book, The Stranger in My Recliner I came across my notes on book trailers.
I knew back then that I wanted a book trailer. I wanted it to be a tribute to my brother. It took some time to find somebody who not only understood what I wanted but was also willing to create it within my budget.
Selling a book requires evoking some sort of emotion from potential readers, something that gives them some idea of what is in the book. What better marketing tool than a ninety-second video to create interest, evoke emotion and end with a call to action.
A book trailer is a commercial but it doesn’t feel like one.
There are many companies and individuals that can create a trailer for you or you can make your own using a program like Microsoft Movie Maker.
Spend some time watching them on YouTube to get an idea of what appeals to you.
What I wanted was more like a movie trailer than a book trailer. I wanted to use family photos, family video and an Allen Parson’s song. It took some time to get permission to not only use the song but to change some of the words. There are independent musicians that would be more than happy to write music for your book trailer for the credits and exposure.
I was blessed to cross paths with J.C. from New Pace Productions. The company never created a book trailer and they agreed to give it a try.
We went into a music studio and our niece, Caroline recorded the song. J.C. took the music and added the photos, video and some new footage.
J.C. felt the trailer was a beautiful tribute but it was not going to sell books. I reluctantly agreed.
The first trailer:
http://youtu.be/PAc7b-pnfLw?list=UU0xYCcNFkyYQIINBkrcJA7Q
We came up with a script, a plan and got some help from one of the most talented voice over guys in the business, Scott Perry.
The second trailer:
http://youtu.be/_6ApR_tV63Y?list=UU0xYCcNFkyYQIINBkrcJA7Q
I am planning to create a book trailer for The Stranger in My Recliner. The last time we just put the trailer up on YouTube and expected people to find it. That didn’t happen. This time around I want the trailer to be more like a short movie. I will embed the video into my website, add it to my Amazon author page and other retail sites, add it to my e-mail signature and use it in all of my marketing and advertising.
22 thoughts on “Writing Wednesday/ Book Trailers”
As always, thoughtful and good advice from some one who has been there and done that.
I love the book trailer idea. I love movie trailers..I could see getting hooked on book trailers very easily!
I love watching them.
Wow! I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a book trailer! Do people create them for fiction as well?
Yes they do create them for fiction too!
I think it’s a great idea to do a book trailer, but for your book it must have been so difficult to do!
The one for this new book will be a lot more fun.
Book trailers are a super idea. I love watching them but more so, I love including them when I do book reviews on my site. Good luck with yours!
Thank you,Lisa.
More interesting news about the publishing world. I’ve heard of book trailers — I guess they are becoming more and more popular now.
They are becoming popular although not always cost effective.
I didn’t know there was such a thing as a book trailer. Thank you for keeping me informed.
They are fun to watch.
I learn so much from you – every single week! I had not even considered a book trailer. I have some research to do!
They are fun to watch.
The research should be fun.
Your book trailer is great Doreen, it for sure does the job of getting a person interested in your book. I agonized over my book trailer, I do think they are a good idea and can be a very effective way to get people excited about reading the book. Thanks for sharing yours, your niece has a beautiful voice.
Thank you Elin. Those 90 seconds are so important. I am going to look for yours.
There should be a YouTube channel dedicated to book trailers!
That would be great!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I had not heard of these… I’m so out of it, but when I get my book out there I will have a trailer for it! Great sharing, as always. Thanks again!
Thank you Nancy. I wish you the very best!