Book Club discussion

Have any of you done a trailer for your book? Purchased a trailer? Please share your experience.

I'm currently working on a book trailer for my book.

How's it going? I hope you'll post it when it's done. What program are you using? And are you using still photos?

I started in like October, minor pause unforunatly. I'm using Windows Movie Maker. I'm not real tech savy so I'm still figuring things out. My friend said she is going to take pictures which is another reason for the pause. I have a summery of the book and I'm going to put the pictures behind it, I wouldn't mind doing video, but I really don't have the camera or the people to act as the models. I'm going to see if any of my firneds might do music otherwise I might see if I could figure out a voice over. I'm going to post it on my profile on here, youtube, book blogs, and my blog, possibly facebook also

Will be looking forward to it. I've been thinking about a trailer, but don't know where to begin. I'll have to do some research... see what other folks are doing. I have a program called Studio 11 which I purchased for a class one year. Of course I'll have to figure out how to use it first though. :)

I'm playing around, I really don't know what I'm doing. I just refuse to pay someone to do it. Oh I'm learning the program as I play along.

I'm glad you said that. Sometimes I feel like the stingiest writer on the planet. I'm convinced I can do my own book cover. After months of working on it and learning PSE, I finally have something coming together.

We'll see.

Oh trust me, I'm a college student with no job right now. When I did have a job I was trying to be as independent as I could, I was paying for gas and saving to move out of my parents house when I graduate. I get so annoyed that people make me sound like I'm just being cheap! The book insturty is not known for making money! My friend did my cover of my first book! Why pay someone when I know people who can do it also! Good luck!

Fortunately for me, my publisher created my book trailer. Book trailers are great as you can implement them on your website, blog and places like goodreads!

I put together a trailer for 'Maranatha' a couple of years ago...it was only ever supposed to be a rough cut but I never found the time to develop it further:

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

Intriguing. Left me feeling a bit melancholy and thoughtful. Maybe if you do a re-release party you can do the trailer.

Reena, I had a friend do my trailer for me. He's a videographer. However, I've seen some good ones done in PowerPoint and Windows Live Movie Maker.

I've used Movie Maker myself for other things, such as creating a slide show. You can't beat the price: free. You can't beat the learning curve: short and easy.

My trailer is posted here on Goodreads and the home page of my website if you'd like to check it out.

Delaney Diamond

Very bold presentation. I checked out Anthony Nixon's website. It seems he's very into making a statement with the music choices. Thanks for the added information. I might give PowerPoint a try since I'm fairly skilled with it.

Thank goodness my publisher made my trailer because I'm a technotard. I wrote the "script" and selected the images from istockphoto.com, and we both selected a piece of free music and then they threw it all together in a way that pleased me greatly. I'm really impressed by authors who compose the music to their trailer, but that's beyond my skill set.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuRZwd...

I liked that, Jennifer. It wasn't too long, either. Just long enough to arouse interest.

Your trailer was very fitting for the concept. I liked the way you brought the cuffs into play with the cover.

Your video was also extremely helpful. I'm familiar enough with PowerPoint, I can actually put something like that together. Encouraging!

Hey Jennifer, how did you get free music?

Delaney, thank you.
Reena, I'm glad the trailer encouraged you!
Ottilie, I believe my publisher went to www.demosongs.com

thank you jennifer!!

I have a trailer up on youtube. here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRR08B...

My family and I make book trailers for my books. Three are out, one to be put up in Jan. 2011 in advance of book 3 released; and we are currently working on #4 for next summer. It takes awhile and planning to release videos ahead of books. Take a look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2Yc0s...

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHD41P...

Enjoy!

I take my hat off to you guys. I am totally internet and tech illiterate.

Trenice, if it's something you want to do, you should give it a try. It's not that hard. I promise.

You should try Windows Live Movie Maker. It's super easy and very intuitive. It's perfect for making basic videos.

I think if you invest an hour, you'll be surprised at the results.

I'll try. :) But, after I get over this crappy flu...ugh!

i had apex make my trailer. :) it was a package deal along with them reviewing my book. which got 5 stars.. :D sorry had to put that out there. you should try them if you want to get a trailer or review done.

Liz ^_^
www.vampyrekisses.com

Thank for the info, Elizabeth, :)

anytime! :D ... always glad to help

@Elizabeth ~ You continue to amaze me. I love the choices you made with visual representations of your book--both trailer and cover. I checked out the site. Very reasonable prices.

@Shawn ~ I love the D&D feel to yours and the music. I can't believe you and your family put them together yourself. They look very professional. What software did you use?

Thanks,Reena. My daughter did all the character artwork while my husband did the coloring in Photoshop and used Flash for animation, video assembly and output. We used Garage Band for the music, although my daughter compose the Guardian Theme for that video and I did the narration with a faux British accent.

Okay this form really is kicking my butt to put more effort into finishing one for my first one, especially with 2 on the way...

Shawn, I have to agree with Reena. I can't believe you and your family put those together. They're amazing. You should also do it professionally instead of only for your own books. They're awesome!

Aw, Delaney, you're making me blush. I feel blessed by a talented and supportive family.

@Shawn ... totally kick ass! I would totally pay you to do one for me. I love that its your own drawings and everything. Its very unique from most trailers I see. (including mine) ... Love it!

Liz ^_^

Thanks, Elizabeth. {BTW -that's my middle name. :)}

As for hiring out - that's all up to my daughter and husband, both who work full-time. I won't dare to volunteer them. But will kick around the idea. :)

Well, Elizabeth is a really awesome name so I am just not surprised. hehe :D

Well if they are interested let me know!