Everyone loves book trailers and today’s guest blogger, Addison Brae offers tips on making yours perfect…
What better way is there to bring your story to life than with film? That’s why we authors have trailers to promote our books. Book trailers take time, skill and money, and your approach can make or break your launch.
Before you begin a trailer, honestly assess your goals and whether you have the time and resources to create a good quality trailer. If not, there are lots of other ways to promote your book. Here are the main steps to create a trailer.
- Decide what trailer style best fits your book—film, stills, animation, anime, with or without voiceover.
- Write a script that will tease potential readers, and compel them to read your book. Since attention spans are tiny, 200 words or less should keep it below 90 seconds. Read it out loud. Lots.
- Secure a director skilled in the style you prefer, preferably with trailer experience. They will help secure other crew members.
- Work with the director to cast your trailer from a local talent agency. Your friends make great extras.
- Scout locations with your director so it works for the production and has the look you want for low or no cost. Be aware of city ordinances, and be prepared with a release form for extras and bystanders that might get caught on film.
- Bad audio can ruin an amazing film. Use music that enhances your story and doesn’t overpower voiceover. If you have a spoken script, use a trained voiceover actor to get the best results, and record on professional recording equipment.
- If resources are limited, professional stock video and photography is available for purchase from iStock as well as free photography sources including Pexels, Pixabay, Stocksnap, and Unsplash. Carefully read the licensing pages. Also explore local university, college and arts magnet high schools’ film, art and drama departments for videographers, animators, actors, or models who may willing to work for low or no cost to build their reel or portfolio.
Some of my favorite trailers are Clockwork Princess, Red Queen, and Dreamless. I’m still in love with my trailer for Becker Circle—I wouldn’t change a thing.
About Addison
Addison Brae lives in Dallas, Texas on the edge of downtown. As a child, she was constantly in trouble for hiding under the bed to read when she was supposed to be napping. She has been writing since childhood starting with diaries, letters and short stories. She continues today with articles, video scripts and other content as an independent marketing consultant.
When she’s not writing, Addison travels the world, collects interesting cocktail recipes and hosts parties. She’s still addicted to reading and enjoys jogging in her neighborhood park, sipping red wine, binge-watching TV series, vintage clothing and hanging out with her artistic other half and their neurotic cat Lucy.
You can find Addison on her website, blog, Facebook and Twitter.
Purchase Becker Circle on Amazon US, Amazon UK, Smashwords, iTunes, Kobo, B&N Nook.