An author with a vision - create a book trailer

Guest blog post by contributor Sierra Osborne

​Book trailers are a great way for authors to promote their work, especially in today's digital age where people are more likely to consume information visually. You can find them on author websites, social media channels, or even platforms like YouTube.

An engaging trailer can leave a lasting impression on viewers, and the more effort you put into it, the more compelled your audience will be to read the book. 

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What are book trailers?
Book trailers are essentially commercials for books, designed to pique your audiences’ interest and get them excited to read your story. They're short videos, usually around 30 seconds to 2 minutes long, that use a combination of visuals and audio to give you a taste of what to expect during the read.

Have you ever watched a movie trailer that persuaded you to buy a ticket to see the film? Or even purchase the movie itself? Imagine that same concept, but for your book.
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Here's what a book trailer typically does:

• Introduces the genre and tone of the book: Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a sweeping romance, or a hilarious comedy, the trailer will give you a sense of what you're in for.
• Highlights key plot points and characters: You'll get glimpses of the main characters and some of the challenges they'll face. But don't worry, they won't spoil the entire story!
• Hooks you with a compelling message: The trailer will leave you wanting more, eager to dive into the full book and see how the story unfolds.

Whether science fiction, romantic, mystery, or supernatural, a book trailer will give potential book buyers a sneak peek into your world. 

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How are they made?
An engaging trailer can leave a lasting impression on viewers, and the more effort you put into it, the more compelled your audience will be to read the book. Effective trailers can be shared across social media platforms, reaching potential readers who might not have otherwise come across the book.

Ultimately, the goal of a book trailer is to generate interest and lead to sales. Book trailers can boost sales by capturing the essence of the book, making the genre and tone clear, and enticing viewers to take action. Studies have shown that people are more likely to purchase a product after seeing a video about it. Trailers can be a powerful tool for authors to convert that interest into sales.

Book trailers can be made in a few different ways, depending on budget and desired complexity. Here's a breakdown of the general process:

1. Concept and Script: This is where you brainstorm and solidify the key message you want your trailer to convey. Write a script that outlines the visuals, narration (if any), and music to achieve that goal.

2. Gathering Assets: This involves collecting the visual and audio elements you'll use in the trailer. These can include:

• Filmed Scenes (Live-Action): For a more professional look, you can film short scenes with actors portraying characters or depicting key events.
• Stock Footage: Websites offer royalty-free video clips that you can use to represent certain settings, moods, or actions.
• Images: This could be book cover art, character portraits, or evocative images related to the story's themes.
• Text Overlays: Text on screen can be used to introduce key lines, chapter titles, or other elements.
• Music and Sound Effects: Music sets the mood and tone, while sound effects can add realism and impact.

3. Editing: The magic happens here! You'll use video editing software to assemble your clips, images, text, and audio into a cohesive and engaging sequence. There are many editing programs available, some with user-friendly interfaces suitable for beginners.

4. Polishing and Distribution: Once you're happy with your trailer, add any final touches like titles, credits, or calls to action. Then, export the video in a format suitable for online sharing on platforms like YouTube, social media, or your author website.

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Alternative Approaches

• Animation: If you're comfortable with animation software or can hire an animator, you can create a more visually unique trailer using animation.
• Online Trailer Makers: There are online services that offer pre-made templates and tools specifically designed for creating book trailers. Check these out if you are a beginner on a budget.

The bottom line ... whatever your vision, bring it to life in whatever way you can! Your audience is waiting.

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Sierra Osborne is a writer, content creator, and avid reader. She's created podcasts, book trailers, and more.

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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay