Is it best to have a book trailer?

[Mia Hoddell]

I have recently published my first two books and have just finished creating a book trailer for the first (it's pretty simple but I'm planning on upgrading it when a friend gets back as he has proper filming equipment).

I was wondering whether they are good to have and worth the time spent on them? I know I prefer watching them rather than reading long descriptions sometimes.

Also if anyone else has made trailers, is there anywhere beside youtube and blogs that are good for posting them?

Thanks

Mia 

http://miahoddell.blogspot.co.uk

P.S If anyone wants to host my trailer on their blog or do a review of either of my books etc I'd be happy to send out copies.

[Patricia Gligor]

Mia,

I recently created a book trailer for my mystery novel, Mixed Messages. You're absolutely right - it takes a lot of time (and patience) to create one. The reason I did it? I had seen the book trailer for Marja McGraw's "Old Murders Never Die" and, although I was already considering buying it, the trailer convinced me. I ordered it right away. (It was great, by the way.)

The sequel to my first novel, Unfinished Business, has a tentative publishing date in November. I'm already thinking of how to do a trailer for it.

So, yes, I do think it's worth the time and energy it takes to create a book trailer.

[Nathan Gottlieb]

I agree that book trailers are not only necessary, but are going to be the next big marketing tool. We live in a society where people would rather look at things than read about them. A very visual society, especially among the younger set. When you are a featured guest on another writer's blog, and they post photo of your book, also post the trailer. Mine was done by a talented friend who charged me way below what others get, and is willing to work with you on both an affordable price and the content of your trailer. Having a screenwriter's background, I wrote the "montage" for the trailer and he brought it to life. If you care to look at it, here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fsJZlvxYYk

[Kevin Leu]

Besides the time and energy, make sure you don't break the bank putting together a promo video. As a former TV news reporter, I had the friends to help me accomplish shooting and editing my book trailer (free) - and it is anything but typical. The best part for me was the fun that went into making it. The sales, as a direct result, have so far been unnoticeable.  

But, I'd love to hear everyone's opinions on the video. I tried to do something that I have never seen a book promo do yet, which is to make the video with "viral" intentions, and plug the book afterwards. Something that I've read is called, "candy with the medicine."

Let me know what you think! http://youtu.be/wkc3Lwp8W54

[Helena Gouveia]

Yea, it is a good idea. If I were you I'd tell someone to make one for you. I think if you have a booktrailer it shows that the book is really good so it even has a trailer. 

[Pearson Oldmitz]

Hi Mia,

I put up a similar question on my page about eight months ago. To date it has had 115 replies and over 2800 views. You might find some of the answers interesting. The text of my post is below. Please feel free to post your trailer to my discussion as it seems to get a lot of views.

DO BOOK TRAILERS SELL BOOKS?

My friend, author Stephen Poleskie, recently had a book trailer made for his book VIGILIA'S TEMPEST. While it had over 700 hits on YouTube in the first months it was up, and has now passed 4000 hits, he is not quite sure how many sales this actually accounted for. Here is the link to his book trailer if you would like to check it out: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY5eCVRnDw0

Let me know what your opinion is of the effectiveness of book trailers, positive or negative. Please feel free to post your book trailer here if you have one, or someone elses if you wish to comment on it.

I hope you find this helpful.

Best wishes,

Pearson Oldmitz

[Mia Hoddell]

Thanks Pearson that page was helpful.

I have only recently put my trailer up (it's self made but I'm thinking of getting a professional one done as I have some friends in the film and music industry) so I can't really comment on the effectiveness of mine yet. However from watching others I find sometimes they help persuade me to purchase the book if I'm undecided or they can instantly turn me off the concept. For me if the music doesn't fit with the genre and the text hasn't intrigued within 30seconds I probably won't be interested in looking into the book further.

Anyway, thanks for your help

Here's a link to my trailer if you're interested: Trailer It's on my blog as I'm still trying to get a higher quality video on youtube as I'm a bit of a perfectionist.

Mia

[Patricia Gligor]

Mia,

I watched your trailer. I think you did an outstanding job with the music and, although I prefer some photos on trailers, the background you used worked.

This is just my opinion and I'm certainly not an expert but I think it might be a bit too long. The articles I've read, encourage writers to create trailers that are one to one and a half minutes long. Although yours certainly got my attention, I found myself losing interest. I think a shorter version, with less details, would get the point across a lot better. Again, just my opinion.

Patricia

Here's the link to my trailer for Mixed Messages.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib9QTJItPA4&feature=youtube_gdata

[Mia Hoddell]

Thanks I appreciate the comments. I was considering shortening it as I've seen trailers that are under a minute but then again I've also seen longer ones. I probably will end up shortening it as this was just my first attempt and wanted feedback.

Thanks

Mia

[Patricia Gligor]

Great! I'd love to see it when it's finished.

[Mia Hoddell]

Ok so I've shortened my trailer to 1:52. Here is the link if you're interested.

http://miahoddell.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/shortened-trailer.html

Thanks for the feedback!

[Jeff Korte]

Hi my name is Jeff Korte and I just recently had a production team put together a book trailer for me, and so far it is definitely paying off. Here's the link so you can check it out. Feel free to ask me any questions you might have!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGZv_s44JFE&hd=1

[linda jackson]

how do you create a book trailer?