Book trailers are an interesting animal. Some people swear by them and claim they’re an extremely effective marketing tool, some say they’re a waste of time and money.

Listener question from Elizabeth Jane Kitchens author of  The Beast's Enchantress

"What's your opinion of book trailers? Are they worth the effort? Should they be like movie trailers? Have the author introduce the book by connecting it to its theme (by talking about self-image or freedom, for instance)? Be like a slideshow of the book blurb with mood setting background photos and music? Or follow some other format?"

Shownotes:

Before we dive into the pros and cons … let’s talk about what a book trailer is.

Pros

Could blow up
TV is powerful. Can carry the emotion of words, pictures, and music

movies are the most powerful way to communicate in today’s culture

People understand movie trailers, so make the leap easily to
More attention getting than just copy
Easier to share
Makes you look like a big deal
Makes your book stand out

Cons

Your competition is movie trailers
Promoting one medium in another medium
A bad trailer is worse than no trailer
Do you really have time to learn the skills necessary?
Readers aren’t necessarily sold on them
Most people can’t tell you if they work or not
They don’t get a lot of views
ROI

If You’ve Landed on the Pro side

Should they be like movie trailers? Have the author introduce the book by connecting it to its theme (by talking about self-image or freedom, for instance)?
Be like a slideshow of the book blurb with mood setting background photos and music? Or follow some other format?
Seven keys to an effective trailer

Short
Professional
Get in the vid … in movie trailers you see the actors ...
Inexpensive
Know what you’re going to measure
Hire a script writer
Hire GOOD voice over talent

Resources

Do it yourself

Film students

Fiver or the like
You probably already have the connections
Pond5.com

Links:

Sense & Sensibility and Sea Monsters Book Trailer
Voices.com
Pond5.com
AudioJungle
Craigslist

Sponsor:

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