Your Expertise Requested

wendy · Post by **wendy** » Tue March 8th, 2011, 1:46 pm

I have just launched a book-specific web site for FIRE ON DARK WATER at
http://www.FireOnDarkWater.com

But following the recent chat on Book Trailers I'm wondering if I need a YouTube clip too? Does this cater for a different audience?

I'd be most grateful for your feedback and expertise. Thanks.

LoveHistory · Post by **LoveHistory** » Tue March 8th, 2011, 4:10 pm

I enjoy a good book trailer but I've never bought a book I wouldn't otherwise buy based on something I saw on YouTube.

On the other hand, if you can evoke a Pirates of the Carribean feel without infringing on the copyrights for Pirates of the Carribean, you may have something. There are a huge number of PotC fan videos on YT. If you can tap into that market it might be a worthwhile venture.

wendy · Post by **wendy** » Tue March 8th, 2011, 7:52 pm

[quote=""LoveHistory""]I enjoy a good book trailer but I've never bought a book I wouldn't otherwise buy based on something I saw on YouTube.

On the other hand, if you can evoke a Pirates of the Carribean feel without infringing on the copyrights for Pirates of the Carribean, you may have something. There are a huge number of PotC fan videos on YT. If you can tap into that market it might be a worthwhile venture.[/quote]

Great point. I don't suppose Johnny Depp is available . . . sigh!

LoveHistory · Post by **LoveHistory** » Wed March 9th, 2011, 5:33 pm

No, he's in a long-term relationship.

Alisha Marie Klapheke · Post by **Alisha Marie Klapheke** » Fri March 11th, 2011, 3:33 am

As a reader--I have not yet completed my novel and so have no solid info on the marketing--I do not search for a book's website yet I do look at book trailers on youtube. Perhaps because they are a fledgling art and I enjoy watching them...I would do one if I were in your shoes. Just my humble opinion but I would keep it simple. Most of the trailers are painfully awful. The cut rate acting, the lame music, the overly dramatic voiceovers. Just keep it simple and pay for some good music. I think the music makes or breaks it.

wendy · Post by **wendy** » Fri March 11th, 2011, 1:30 pm

[quote=""Alisha Marie Klapheke""]As a reader--I have not yet completed my novel and so have no solid info on the marketing--I do not search for a book's website yet I do look at book trailers on youtube. Perhaps because they are a fledgling art and I enjoy watching them...I would do one if I were in your shoes. Just my humble opinion but I would keep it simple. Most of the trailers are painfully awful. The cut rate acting, the lame music, the overly dramatic voiceovers. Just keep it simple and pay for some good music. I think the music makes or breaks it.[/quote]

Interesting advice. Thanks Alisha.

fljustice · Post by **fljustice** » Fri March 11th, 2011, 4:34 pm

I would agree with Alisha, reach out to as many audiences as possible and keep it simple. You can put together a straightforward presentation with a few public domain slides and good music. My college-student daughter put mine together (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1GxDeLUEVc) with original music from a friend of hers. It's had fewer than 100 views, so it hasn't gone viral, but it's a useful add to my Amazon author page and embed to my website. An alternative to the book trailer is a taped author interview. Here's one by Jean Auel on her new book The Land of the Painted Caves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTR4jQYrmnY