Well, not really. Actually, I’m forging ahead by creating a trailer for Weathering Rock, my time-travel/paranormal romance scheduled to be released in October.
I’m currently enrolled in a class at Savvy Authors on how to put one together and have already taken a few exciting steps, including writing the script. The instructor had us break the plot of the book into approximately 20 short phrases. Turned out to be a lot of fun and really made me concentrate on the elements of my story.
So, do I need a trailer? Not sure, but I like the idea of adding a visual element. It’s also a challenge to sleuth out images that fit the story and, most especially, my hero and heroine. I know what they look like, and feel I’ve described them in a way that will allow readers to see them clearly. But finding images of people who match those pictures in my head? Gulp! Can’t say I don’t like a challenge.
Today’s question:
If you’re a writer, have you developed a trailer for any of your books or are you considering developing one? If you’re a reader, do you like viewing book trailers? They certainly seem to be sprouting up all over the place!
From the Pen of Mae Clair 
I haven’t developed a trailer for my book, but I am definitely thinking about it. I have the same problem though. With the protagonist being of indeterminate origin, I cannot find a way to portray him without giving away the image I have of him. Other characters are not so difficult, but with a children’s/young adult/even grown-ups like it – book, the images need to be clear and I desperately want to bring across the right idea about the book. I am completely stuck with this and may have to seek professional help. I had wanted to have fun doing this myself, but I am having such difficulty with it. (I have tried to find a copy of Weathering Rock btw, Mae, where is it!)
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Hi, Amelia! *waving* Thank you so much for visiting my blog1 I’m so happy to have you here. I hope you’ll come back often.
I know there are many companies out there that do professional trailers, although I’ve heard they can be pricey. It is really hard finding images to match the characters we create, but sometimes there are ways around that. I had to be a little creative with how I portrayed my hero because I couldn’t find a single image that even came close to matching him. The herione was a little easier but even that was hard.I also had to dip into my pocket and purchase a few photos because I couldn’t find what I wanted on the free sites.
Like you I want to have fun with this, but I also want a good product. So, we’ll see how it turns out. Whatever knowledge I gain, I’ll be happy to share.
Oh, and Weathering Rock won’t be out until October. I’m still in the editing phase with my publishing house, but that’s so much for searching for it. I loved hearing that you were interested! 🙂
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Wow, Mae – you’ve taken on another big challenge. Trailers are fun to watch but I only do so when there’s free time – and there’s not much of that. I much prefer a review. A good review will get me to buy a book every time. My hat’s off to you for taking on this project and every bit helps. I think we all have images in our heads of our characters. Do you think it’s possible to match that image with an actual photo? Does your local college or university have an advanced film making class that could perhaps do some acting for you (following your script of course)?
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Awesome idea, about the local college, Sheri! I hadn’t even thought of that although I do know some authors hire actors for trailers. The class I’m taking uses Power Point and, I believe, an inexpensive video module. We haven’t gotten to the that part yet, but I work with graphic images and a number of graphic programs on a daily basis so hopefully, my learning curve won’t be steep (although I am self taught).
It took me a while to find the images I wanted but I’m actually happy with what I selected. Do you know how hard it is to find a photo of a Union Civil War officer with longish blond hair? It’s not out there! So, I had to be clever and improvise.
I can’t wait to put the thing together. And, of course, when it’s done I’ll be unveiling it on my blog. Cross your fingers it turns out!
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Mae, takes on yet another challenge! You just keep going and going, girl. How exciting! When I grow up, I wanna be just like you. 😉
Seriously, you just keep amazing me with the passion you have for this journey you’re on.I know it’s just going to be stellar.Can’t wait to see it.
As for me, nope. No finished book, no thoughts about a trailer yet. I didn’t think the concept would appeal to me, but I have to say I was turned around by some very well produced ones I saw. I think there are probably readers now, who prefer to view one before they buy. Another great marketing tool. It’s a really good idea for you to do one for your October debut. Wonder though– if you’ll give us an early preview??? Hmm?
😉
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You always make me smile, Venice! 🙂 And — YES!!! — as soon as the trailer is done it’s going up on my blog and website. I hope to develop a “Weathering Rock” page that willhave the trailer, updates on publication, where I might be blogging about it, brief character backgrounds and anything else I can think of to share the news. I think my cover is still probably about 4 weeks out, but that will be going up too once it’s done.
The trailer appeals to me in two ways — it’s a promotional tool so I want to try it out to see how it does but I also like the creative aspect: writing the script, choosing the imagery and music, etc.
Cross your fingers for me!
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Trailers are fun! Personally I don’t watch a lot of them and I don’t know if they convince me to buy, but if (when?) I have a book out there I’ll want to do a trailer too. Not everyone visits blogs or follows people on Twitter / Facebook, so why not try to get word of your book out to a wider / different audience? I also think it is interesting from a writing perspective to distil your story to a hook of few intriguing photos and phrases. Can’t wait to see what you create! 🙂
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Thanks so much, Lorraine! I haven’t watched many trailers myself but I have checked a few out of curiosity. And I’m with you on trying to reach a wider/different audience. I have a lot of friends who are terrified of social media. Mention the word blog or Twitter, and they completely blank out on me. But they will visit websites and, if he trailer works like I think it should, it will also be something I can email. *happy dance*
As soon as it’s done, I’ll be splashing it everywhere!
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