While we're on a break from meeting all my characters, I thought I'd do a mini series about a subject I've been seeing a lot on my groups lately: making book trailers.
Book trailers aren't exactly the "hip new" thing on the scene; they've been around several years now and just about everyone has one up on YouTube--even bestselling NY folks. Still, I see writers asking on groups every week how to make trailers, and even more who are asking how to make trailers that STAND OUT. So I've decided to start a week-long series about what goes into effective book trailers, then I will be launching a new segment: Tuesday Trailers and Trailer Shark. I will be featuring some of YOUR great book trailers, as well as offering helpful tips and techniques. In addition, if you send me a trailer you would like critiqued (along the lines of blogs like Query Shark), I will feature you here.
A bit about my background:
I did my first trailer in 2006 for my then-unreleased novel, VISIONS. It was short and simple with zero frills...and was nominated for an award a few month later. I've won awards for other trailer work, produced a number of trailers for other authors, wrote an online how-to workshop, and work with my husband's new production company that, among other things, creates live-action sequences for book trailers and author promotion. (Like my recently released eBook ad on MyeBookCommercial.com.) Meanwhile, I've taken time to study some things about my software programs, sound/video/photo editing, aftermarket add on effects, and am slowly progressing toward low budget special effects.
All that said, it isn't necessary to learn fancy film techniques or spend weeks doing computer training to make an eye-catching book trailer!
ANYONE WITH A COMPUTER CAN MAKE A BOOK TRAILER THAT LOOKS PROFESSIONAL AND EYE CATCHING.
It's easy and fun--so fun you may find that once you make one, it's hard to stop!
Tomorrow I will cover my 1-2-3 Rule of Book Trailers, three of the biggest factors in what makes a trailer concept stand out and grab, or sit back and yawn. In the meantime, I want to open this up to you with the following questions:
Readers: Do you view book trailers? Have they ever given you that "ooh!" factor that made you want to go out and buy the book? Are there styles of trailers that DON'T work for you?
Writers: Have you tried making book trailers, or had one made for you? What was the biggest problem you faced? If you don't have a trailer, is there a particular reason, or have you just never gotten around to it?
Don't forget to come back tomorrow for the 1-2-3 rule for good book trailers.
6 days ago
4 comments:
Can't wait for tomorrow's post.
If you happen to know a romance writer (or someone who writes adult fiction with romantic elements), send them to my blog. We have an opening in our critique group. Thanks.
Lynnette Labelle
http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com
Cool, cool, cool! You were the one who inspired me to try my hand at a book trailer after watching your very awesome Vision's trailer. I didn't know it had won an award until I read your blog right now though. But am I surprised? NO! It was INCREDIBLE!!! You for sure have a knack for them and that you are sharing your insights with a new theme day (LOVE the title, btw)...what a treat for readers! (P.S. your ebook commercial is also stellar and I sure hope more ebook authors learn about and utilize it! ;)
This sounds like a great series. I'm looking forward to it.
Trailers that attract me are ones that look professionally done. I've never done a trailer, but I know it would look like an amateur made it since I've never done anything like it. So, I'll be back to learn from you.
Helen
Straight From Hel
Thanks everyone! Actually, the VISIONS trailer didn't "win" the award, but it was nominated. My trailer for A GRAND SEDUCTION won two awards, though.
Helen, thanks for your input. You raise a great point about trailers that look professional making a better impact. But even an amateur can make a "pro" looking trailer, and we'll see how this week!
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