So, I’ve finally bitten the proverbial bullet and hired an editor. I’m very excited about this process, although I sort of feel like a fish out of water with all of my seemingly stupid questions and need for clarification. Like anything else, it’ll get easier I’m sure.
And, I’m very excited to make some changes to an already strong manuscript. It just needs that last bit of umph and spit shining. Soon. Very soon, it’ll be ready to make its appearance into the world. (I hope anyway.)
But, enough about that. In my effort to bring this precious work into the world, I’m laying some groundwork to prepare it for a warm and welcoming reception. One of the things I’m thinking of doing, is building a book trailer. Well, not me, actually building it, but having one built for me. A one or two minute video clip of my story for those “visual” people.
Personally, I like book trailers – IF – they’re not too long or too cartoonish. Recently I’ve spent some time exploring the world of book trailers. I’ve found some fun ones, some very steamy ones, some stupid ones and some good ones. I like to see the author’s perception of their own books. That’s what I find intriquing about book trailers.
Here’s a particularly good one (in my opinion anyway), that made me laugh right out loud. I’ve decided to share it here because it’s very clever especially if you close your eyes and just listen. Oh. My. Goodness. What a different experience if you don’t watch. I dare you.
Enjoy!
Here was the blurb about that video: “A young, free-range chicken. A dominating, ravenous chef. A naughty tale of fowl play. If Fifty Shades of Grey left you hungry and lusting for more (more, more!), satisfy your culinary kink with Fifty Shades of Chicken, a titillating collection of tied-and-true recipes bound to make every meal a turn-on.”
Isn’t that fantastic? I wish I’d have thought of it.
So, here’s a question readers: What’s your opinion of book trailers? Do you enjoy them? Do you use them? Do you think I should have one ready to go when my book is ready to “be born?” Do you suddenly have a craving for chicken?
Word of the Day: Babacoote
Fun fact about me: I’ll never look at a chicken the same way again.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, February 2016. Photos courtesy Google Images. Video courtesy of “The Recipe Club” (YouTube)
Ha! That video is awesome…so funny how the same words can spin a different perspective, isn’t it? I personally don’t usually watch book promo videos, probably just because it takes more time than it would to read the blurb, but I’m sure a good one can draw those more visual people in.
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I laughed so much at that book trailer. Imagine – it’s for a cook book of all things!
I don’t usually go for book trailers either, but I think it might be fun to have one created for my own book. My own movie version if you will. Perhaps it will give Hollywood some ideas when they decide to make a movie based on my novel.
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week.
Patricia
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I’m not a fan of book videos. IMO most are way too long, and are just amateur Powerpoint slideshows with words placed over the images. Zoe Winters has some pretty good ones; I especially like The Catalyst. I don’t think even the good ones sell books. I seem to remember seeing Zoe somewhere saying that her videos are more for her existing readers, which makes more sense.
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I’d agree with Zoe’s assessment of book trailers. I think if you already have a following it’s a great way to build anticipation for an upcoming novel.
I just think it might be kind of fun to have my own. I’m still undecided on whether or not to actually do it.
Have a great week Jennette.
Patricia
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Forgot the link: http://zoewintersbooks.com/book-trailers/
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Wow – those are all dark and creepy, but I certainly get an understanding of what her book will be like.
I’m sort of partial to the videos that just show a second or two of something and then something else with a powerful musical undertone.
Hmmmm. What to do? What to do?
Thanks for the link.
Patricia
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Hi Patricia!
SO happy to hear you’re going to be putting your wonderful stories out into the world soon!! I love video trailers but I rarely see them. If you decide to do one, I would develop a marketing plan to spread the word about it. I think they’re probably not the best spend, though, unless you know someone who can give you a good deal on one.
Miss you! Hugs,
Suzanne
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Hey Suzanne – I miss you too. I hope things are well in your world.
I’ve decided, that if I go ahead and do a video, it will be very low budget and if I don’t like the final product, I’ll just scrap it and consider it a learning experience.
I know most people don’t buy a book based on a video, but I’m still thinking of giving it a shot. I’d like to put it out there about a week or so before the book is born to build expectation and a pre-order list on Amazon. That’s my plan anyway. Stay tuned.
Thanks for stopping by.
Patricia
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Good luck with the editor, and congrats! I did a book trailer for my first book, but haven’t bothered since. It didn’t cost me anything because it was a fellow Misterio Press author who had an Animoto account and offered to make trailers for us. I’m not sure how useful a book trailer is, but I’d say it certainly can’t hurt. I think it’s great to experiment with different media and see what works, as long as it isn’t a drain on your time or finances.
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Hey Kathy, thanks for the input. I’m not going to invest a lot of money on this project. I’m mostly thinking of using it as a pre-sale advertising tool. Some people would be more interested in watching a very short video than spend two seconds reading the back cover blurb. I’d like to combine them into a video version.
The verdict is still out, but I’m toying with the idea. The book’s still a ways out there, but the ideas are spinning around in my brain.
Have a great week!
Patricia
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