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]

Linda,

I can only tell you how I did it. The first step is to check to see if you have "Movie Maker" already installed on your computer. If you don't, you can Google it and download it for free. Once that's done, you'll need to find photos (you may have some or you can find sites online that will allow you to download free images) that best describe your book. You'll also need royalty-free music. Again, use Google to find it. The next step is to write several sentences - I used the blurb on the back of my book as a guideline - that tell the story.

From there, it's a matter of synchronizing the photos and music and experimenting with various transitions. I won't say it's easy to do one but I will say that, although you may be frustrated at times, it's fun and worth the time you spend doing it.

Here's the link to my trailer in case you'd like to see my finished product. Good luck!

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

[linda jackson]

thanks will do

[Jennifer Lee Lefort]

Wow, this was encouraging! I released my book a couple of months ago and have been wanting to do a trailor, but was lost to how to do it. I thougt I was going to have to purchase some expensive software, but it sounds like I already have everything I need on my pc. Thanks for the information.

[Mia Hoddell]

Hi Linda,

Like Patricia said, you can do it yourself on movie maker, like I did as well but there are a few other options too. There are companies/graphics designers etc who will design a trailer for you but can be quite costly sometimes and if you don't work closely with them you may end up with a product you're not happy with. Although if you do choose this option you should end up with a professional video and save yourself some time and energy (not that you can't make a good one on movie maker).

At the moment I am designing my second trailer and instead of doing it myself I have advertised in my local college for students studying graphics design/film studies. I got quite a few people willing to do it for free or a small fee ($5) as long as I give them a credit at the end of the trailer to help promote them too. I don't know what the video will turn out like but they have more skills than me and they are listening to what I envision. As to music, most people I know use royalty free stuff, but I am lucky enough to have a brother in the industry who will do it for me. I have also tried to email unknown artists I found on youtube and have had some success with that too.

Anyway I hope this helps!

Mia

[linda jackson]

thanks i'll look into it although i'm not very good at that kind of stuff!

[Patricia Gligor]

Believe me, Linda, if I could do it, so can you! If you do decide to give it a try, feel free to email me with any questions. I'd be happy to help.

[e-mail]

[Jodie Pierce]

Mia,

Going to a school for film makers is an excellent idea! I would never have thought of that and I have 2 art schools in my area! Great information! Thanks!

Jodie Pierce

The Vampire Queen

[Adam Cushman]

http://www.red14films.com

[Jeff Korte]

I hired a production team of college students to put my trailer together. Sorry it took me so long to respond! I've been insanely busy. If you're interested their email is [e-mail].  I hope you liked my trailer and if so please check out my website!  http://www.danilothebook.com 

[J H GAINES]

I would like to share my newest trailer,

The song helped me get into the mood to write it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyFwEHRoagE&feature=plcp

[Mary Ellen Quigley]

I definitely think it helps to have a book trailer. I'm not sure if it really helps sales much, but it is a nice tool to have. I create my own trailers and have found that the more visual people prefer the trailer to the book blurb. It doesn't hurt. That's for sure.

I usually just upload my trailers to youtube and embed them on my website, Goodreads, and anyplace else that will take them. I also like blazingtrailers.com. I got some sales from posting my trailer on that site. 

[melissa love]

I created a book trailer for my second book Secret Affair and Holy Suspicion. I think they are fun and people get see your book instead of reading.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdtmmRFRYS4