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April 30, 2012

Book Trailers — What Do You Think? [Discussion]

Let’s face it: much of book marketing is rather, well, static. Enter book trailers — much like the familiar trailers (previews) you see for movies and television shows, book trailers bring your book to life with visuals and a soundtrack. The best trailers build anticipation and encourage sharing by offering the viewer/reader something capitvating, unique and different.

Book trailers come in all shapes and sizes, from professionally-edited in Premiere to a slideshow in Windows Movie Maker. We want to know: what do you think about these prolific promotional tools? Tell us:

  • Have you created (or do you plan to create) a book trailer for your book? If so, what tools did you use? How long did it take you?
  • Has a book trailer motivated you to check out a book? Has one ever turned you off of a book?
  • Are book trailers an effective promotional tool? Are certain genres better suited for book trailers?
  • Why are book trailers growing in popularity?
  • Are the most effective book trailers those professionally made? Can you tell the difference between professional and amateur trailers?

We can’t wait to hear your responses! To join the discussion, please leave a comment below addressing any (or all) of the above questions. Also, mention the discussion to your indie author friends — we’d love to hear from everyone!

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  • I certainly plan on using trailers, but I HATE 90% of the one’s i See. I will ONLY use if i can come up with a creative idea that lets the book and trailer stand out. Everything needs a purpose, and most of the ones i see are awful :(

    Matt (Turndog Millionaire)

    • Adam

      If you have a chance, check out some of the book trailers we’ve produced. We’re taking a whole new approach. https://www.red14films.com

    • I’m with you Matt, they definitely have to be done right, but when they are it can be a great promotional tool. 

  • dehelen

    I’m having one made as we speak. I’ve seen only one so far. I liked it. It inspired me to contact the author, and I’ve since read and reviewed the book. I hope my trailer will inspire people to read my book. I have a professional filmmaker doing the trailer. We’ll see. I’m not putting up anything I wouldn’t want to see myself. 

    • That’s a great point — don’t put out anything you wouldn’t want to see yourself. It can be such a powerful promotional tool when done right, if you’re going to do it, you have to do it right. I’m sure yours will turn out excellent! Be sure to share it with us when it’s done :-)

  • Delinda

    I love my trailer.  It was professionally produced. It is at least 90% effective in convincing someone to buy the book in a setting where I have the opportunity to show it to the potential customer.  I have no idea if anybody looks at the trailer when they see my book on another site.

    • I’m so glad you like your trailer, Delinda! I think you shared the link on Twitter, but would you mind posting it here as well so we can check it out? Thanks!