Okay, let’s face it. We all love the fact that video/film outlets such as Netflix and Hulu display movie trailers for our previewing pleasure. I will even go as far as to claim that these movie trailers are often the very reason we stream a movie onto our computer, or pop it into our queue in hopes of its imminent arrival by mail.

It stands to reason that book trailers, like movie trailers, would do the same for us with books.
If done well, they do. A well-produced book trailer allows us a sneak peek at a piece of literary fiction or non-fiction, while expounding on the book’s juicy or informative morsels of content. The delivery of information comes within a nontraditional medium for the likes of books (unless, of course, you’re a Muggle experiencing the moving pictures within the The Daily Prophet in an adaptation of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter Series).

Ask Generation Y how much more compelled they are to purchase a product after being able to view it in video form. I have asked, and the majority would rather watch a video to glean a book’s premise than read a Preface from the very book they are considering buying. (A bit ironic, yes; however, this is the same group that will text a friend only 5 feet away from them, rather than walking over and talking to them directly).

The Millennials aside, even those of us of the Gen X and Baby Boomer generations who are avid book readers cannot deny the intrigue of what we commonly know as a movie trailer. There is something about the way the scenes, the music and the cadence captivate and draw us in. There is just enough information shared to titillate us and pique our curiosity to want more.

A good book trailer uses the very same notion of baiting our interest, in the very same way a movie trailer does. Emerging authors are budgeting money to produce book trailers for the following reasons:

* To provide a multi-media promotional piece to announce a forthcoming book.
* To offer fans an opportunity to post links or embed the book trailer video into social media outlets.
* For utilization in press kits for garnering reviews and publicity, or create an entire integrated marketing campaign with the book trailer as a key piece of collateral.
* Agents can provide a link for editors who might show interest in reading a manuscript, to additionally augment the agent’s already well-delivered synopsis of the book. (Ahem)

Publishers are also using book trailers in additional ways. Harper Collins outsources book trailer work for authors such as bestselling author Melissa Marr. Marr’s latest paranormal thriller is one example. Watch here.
Publishers (large and small presses) are utilizing book trailers for their in-house benefits of presenting a book for editorial review consideration, as well as supporting their authors once the book is picked up and launches.

The book trailer below was produced for the book titled THE SECRET OF THE GOLDEN VINE, by middle grade and YA author, Rob Fiser. See how we’ve infused still imagery with action video, while combing casted scenes to create this trailer. We think it is a good sample of a well-rounded trailer that holds the attention of the viewer.

What are some of your favorite book trailers? Do book trailers compel you to purchase the book? We would love to hear from you.

Secret of the Golden Vine – Book Trailer

Based on the book “The Secret of the Golden Vine” by author Rob Fiser
Art Director —- Lisa Fravel
Videographer —- Connie Aramaki/Jae Macallan
Video Editor —- Anderson Zaca/Jae Macallan
Producer —- Deborah Drouin
Cast Wardrobe Stylist —- Theresa Clarke
Documentarian/Photographer —- Anton Moentenich

CAST
Miranda —- Victoria Gersch
Shelley —- Mira Wellington
Munch —- Landon Brooks
Dr. Marsh/Grandpa —- Dale Bowers

Introducing the new face of my company, and the new focus of my time (a slight iteration of my previous career path). Jenée Arthur Agency LLC represents authors and filmmakers within the currently exciting and evolving publishing and production landscapes. Check back from time-to-time to experience new authors and filmmakers. We have some pretty exciting projects forthcoming!