I was recently part of a Facebook group discussion on book trailers. The conversation included pre-pubbed, published and multi-published authors and opinions varied. Here’s where I landed:
If your publisher is going to pay to create a book trailer for you…awesome.
If you have video editing know-how and time and think it’d be fun to create your own cool, non-cheesy trailer…awesome.
If you have to use your own money to pay someone else to create a trailer…well, that’s where I waffle a bit. But not because I have anything against book trailers. I think they can be a pretty smart move and I’ll tell you why in a second. The only reason I’d waffle is if paying for a book trailer takes away resources from other, possibly better marketing efforts.
For instance, if your choice is between a book trailer and a well-placed ad on an incredibly well-read, reader-oriented website (note “reader-oriented”–placing ads on websites designed for writers probably isn’t as effective), then go with the ad.
But here’s why I think book trailers can still be a good idea and aren’t just a passing fad:
They give you AND your fans something to do and something to share before your book releases.
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