Have you created a book trailer?

Do you think a book trailer is an effective way to get in touch with your readers and reach them more than other traditional methods?

Has anyone created a book trailer to aid with launching their book? If so, what program did you use to create it?

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Permalink Reply by Sharon Lindenburger on July 28, 2012 at 1:16pm

That's a very good question, Haseena. I've read a couple of articles by book publishing pundits that seemed to indicate that most trailers do not have much of an effect on sales. I'm not sure which stats they were basing their information upon (if indeed there are any stats available that can show ROI).Their line of argument was that people buy books in order to read them, so a movie-like trailer isn't a draw in the same way it would be for a movie. Another point they made is that it is often difficult for readers to even find the trailer online. Two of my editing clients recently produced book trailers, and the result was 50/50. One of them did a very good book trailer for her self-pubbed book, and it did not lead to more sales, nor did it lead to an offer of agent representation, so in the end she felt it was a waste of time, money, and effort. The second client did a book trailer also for her self-pubbed book and it did not at first lead to more sales of the book, but it did lead to a solid offer for movie rights (because a well-known producer happened upon her trailer on YouTube, liked it, and so got in touch with her). So the fact that her novel is now being produced as a movie with a fairly major star,is now resulting in more book sales for her.

I would be really interested to hear other people's experiences with trailers, as my editing clients often ask me if they should produce a trailer, and I can't give them any definitive answer.

Permalink Reply by Michelle O'Neil on July 28, 2012 at 1:18pm

I made a trailer using Garage Band on my Mac. It wasn't terribly difficult. I'm not sure how effective it was for promotion. It was viewed mostly by people who read my blog regularly and already knew about the book.

http://www.daughterofthedrunkatthebar.blogspot.com/2011/09/daughter...

Permalink Reply by Jan Lazo-Davis on July 29, 2012 at 3:42pm

Just watched. Very well done. Keep us posted as to how it helps book sales.

Permalink Reply by Jan Lazo-Davis on July 28, 2012 at 1:50pm

I've not done one, but totally interested in this topic. Good question.

Thanks for the replies so I can learn!!!

Permalink Reply by Tellulah Darling on July 28, 2012 at 1:53pm

I'm in process of having it made right now. Because I'm writing a YA romantic comedy, I'm having it animated. It'll be done next week so I can post if you're interested in seeing it. I wonder if it's effectiveness also depends on what you're writing?

Permalink Reply by Jan Lazo-Davis on July 28, 2012 at 2:00pm

Would love to watch it!!! Thanks in advance for posting in this thread.

Permalink Reply by Tellulah Darling on August 1, 2012 at 8:06pm

Thanks! So here it is. I'll post in the regular discussion group as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbWPUQOE8Xk

Permalink Reply by Dr Lesley Phillips on July 28, 2012 at 11:50pm

I'm planning to do a book trailer within the next month - will let you know how it goes......

Permalink Reply by Robyn Opie Parnell on July 29, 2012 at 4:16am

Here is the URL for the book trailer my husband, Rob Parnell, wrote, directed and produced for my book Maya and the Crystal Skull - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NwL7zjB6kM

We wanted to do a trailer like a Hollywood movie and people love the trailer. Some people even say that Maya and the Crystal Skull would make a great movie. I'm glad we have the trailer but it's made no noticeable difference to sales. Fingers crossed that one day the book trailer makes some sort of impact.

You can also see my husband's latest TV show "Write On!" by visiting; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED_s9yDQJQ4

Permalink Reply by Jan Lazo-Davis on July 29, 2012 at 3:44pm

Love the drama!!!

Permalink Reply by Robyn Opie Parnell on July 30, 2012 at 2:56am

Thank you, Jan.

Permalink Reply by Daniel Curzon on July 29, 2012 at 3:29pm