How Effective are Book Trailers?

[Jean Henry Mead]

I had a book trailer made several months ago that didn't turn out too well and I'm considering having another one done by a different company for my latest novel. I'm not sure my first trailer translated into book sales. Has anyone else had good (or bad) results with their trailers?

[Rachel]

Hi Jean,

What is your latest novel and when will it be released?

Thanks!

[Jean Henry Mead]

Hi Rachel,

Sorry I haven't replied to your message sooner. My computer crashed and I'm finally up and running. My latest novel, A Village Shattered, is a mystery suspense novel and is available today in multi-format from http://www.epress-online.com/index.html and will be available in print at Amazon.com the first week in December (no link yet).

Thanks for asking.

[Bookish Ruth]

I'm not an author, but thought I would share my thoughts as a reader and book blogger. I enjoy book trailers, but usually run across them on the author's site, which means I already have some knowledge of the author and possibly that particular book. I do try to include them on my blog if a book I'm reviewing has a trailer, though, and based on comments, they are viewed by a good ratio of my readers.

I agree with Karen about bookmarks. I have purchased books because a bookmark caught my eye. Also, when I do book giveaways on my blog, if I have promotional bookmarks on hand for other books, I'll toss a few in for the winner. I know that several other bloggers do this as well.

[Elizabeth W.]

I would love to learn more from editors, publicists and authors, about the phenomenon of book trailers. When did book trailers start being made? How did they get so widespread? What are some of the creative decisions that go into making the trailers?

Particularly intrigued by the way the music is chosen, and the creative choices that differ between book and movie trailers.

[Jean Henry Mead]

I wish I could answer your questions but I don't really know. My second trailer is just up at my blogsite and you might like to take a look. They're pretty expensive but I'm told well worth it if it translates into book sales. We'll see: http://myblogtour.blogspot.com/ My blog tour starts Monday, Dec. 1 and runs through Dec. 15.

Jean

[Norm Goldman]

I have always been curious about book trailers and their effectiveness. I have to admit that I am impressed with some of these trailers and yes, before deciding to review a book, I do watch these trailers. If it influences me one way or another to review the book is another question.

Regards,

Norm, Editor Bookpleasures.com

[Jean Henry Mead]

I had a new, expensive trailer made. Would it make you want to review my senior sleuth novel? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9mVh6Z6GGg

Thanks,

Jean

[Susan Stephenson]

I've watched several book trailers and would love to know how they translate to actual sales. I read one comment where an author saw her Amazon rank change and directly attributed it to the trailer. I do suspect that the placement of a trailer is part of the promotional wisdom.

Here are two sites not as well known as Photobucket and Youtube. One is Blazing Trailers, where you can add your trailer for free and only pay for them to actually make a trailer for you. The other is a kind of Youtube for teachers, Teachertube . This site has lots of vids for teachers, including video reviews of children's books, and placement is free there, too.

[Lisa @ Books and Cooks]

Although I am curious about book trailers, I don't make my decision to buy a book or not based on the trailer. I've seen some really good ones, but more times than not, I find them a little...lame. I agree with Ruth, if I happen to come across a trailer, its probably becuase I've visited the authors website and my interest is already piqued. Some of the books I've read and really liked didn't have great trailers. I agree, it would be interesting to know how these trailers affect book sales.

[Nicola O.]

Speaking strictly as a reader, ie, no marketing expertise, I think trailers are pretty much zero value add to me. Most of the time I don't even like them, even if the book is great.