Current Book trailers a dissection.

I have just finished my study of the current book trailers found on this site.
I did this to find out which trailers work for me and which don't.
These are my findings and no disrespect is intended to anyone.

Far too many are way too wordy. They try to give too much plot content and as a result fail to hook the viewer. A deluge of info can be off putting.
The better trailers are brief using only a small story out line written in one liners only to entice the readers interest rather than convey a full synopsis.

When using images in a moving format care is needed especially with written words that require reading, it is wise to think of the poor reader, it is hard enough work to read reams of text quickly on a small screen even worse if it is moving, sliding, spinning and scrolling around. That is another reason to keep the written info brief.

The soundtracks also need to be carefully designed. Do not use music that is easily recognised. One trailer I watched distracted me with it's choice of a classic piece of music. So much so I lost sight of the images and missed the trailer content.

When I watched these trailers I set out to see if they would grab my interest enough for me to keep watching. Many trailers failed because of the above and because they were in most cases way too long.
Our readers when reading our books have to be rewarded for their efforts, readers want to be emotionally engaged with our stories and as a result entertained. Our trailers need to accomplish this quickly in only a few seconds or else we loose our viewers and our potential readers who will just move on elsewhere. Now I have been taking notes and learning from these findings and I shall incorporate what I've learnt in my own trailer's.

When I see a trailer that really rocks I shall let you all know. Meanwhile have a look at some on this site and see for yourself.

As the trailers I posted were designed by my publisher I have little input as to the content. Perhaps you should aim your comments at them.

This is a paid-for trailer of a book by Barbara Watkins:

Book Video Trailer: Nightmares & Daydreams

"This wonderfully innovative collection serves as the perfect showcase for true psychological and paranormal thrillers. From the sad and lonely life of a child who has been abandoned to the lawyer who gets ..."

That's a perfect way to win friends and influence people, dmondeo. Don't be shy about tromping on feelings.

Shall I tell you, for instance, what I learned about websites after viewing yours?

Well, damn, Brenda!

Yeah? Wanna square off, Don? If so, I'll meet you at dawn in Tara Park near the old magnolia.

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I have just finished my study of the current book trailers found on this site.

Did someone request that you review the book trailers from authors (or their publishers) that post on this site? It would be helpful if you listed both the positive and negative attributes of a specific book trailer rather than making general statements. Do you have expertise in this area?

I know I prefer websites that do not have music. Especially if I am trying to read text, which is what I am doing when I visit a website!! That is my opinion. Other people may enjoy the music on a website.

Would dat be the North old magnolia, or the South old magnolia? I isn't going to be crossin' no Mason Dixon fer dis fight.

De North magnolia, Don. Dat's ok, 'cept I was hopin' you'd bring your guitar.

If we are all meeting at Brenda's North Magnolia and Don is bringing on his guitar, I might be pesuaded to talk the Stanker Sisters to come along. They do know that long legged, guitar pickin' pig in black.

Love,
Betty

Well, by God, it's a party. I'm on my way, guitar slung across my back, and a tall glass of Crown on the rocks getting my throat in shape to sing.

Sounds like a grand party to me. Merri, you're invited too.

Great! I'll bring the grill and some burgers and buns. Heck, I'll even throw in a bag of chips. It's not a party without a bag of chips!

Oh, and Brenda, I got my book and my bookmarks today in the mail! They actually arrived yesterday, but I hadn't checked my mail. Squeeee!!!!!!!!!!

Hoorrayy!!

Glad you are all having some fun! I think "videos on this site" referred to the videos on the Published Authors Network.

Jenny wrote:

As the trailers I posted were designed by my publisher I have little input as to the content. Perhaps you should aim your comments at them.

Oh dear I seem to have offended. I am sorry. I have re read what I posted and fail to see any persons specific Book trailers highlighted in my post.
So it would be difficult to aim my comments at whoever "them" are.
I am new to this publishing business and I am trying to learn how best to promote my book.
My comments were not aimed at anybody. So for goodness sake please put down those rocks, plowshares, swords and pitchforks. I was trying my darndest to give constructive input from the view point of a newbie to this game. If you were upset I have said sorry.

As far as comments about anyones web site come on put them claws away please.

Now listen I have a website but it's one I'm having revamped prior to the new edition of my book coming out. My own efforts at promotion are not perfect that is why I am on my quest find out what works.

I consider you all to be my peers in this game and do not wish to upset any of you
Now that's my grovelling done my knees are getting sore.

It's okay, I knew what you were saying. Writers ask for constructive criticism and then become all sensitive when they perceive themselves to be the target.

I thought you gave an honest and helpful appraisal. I also agree with you: trailers are often two long with too much information and scrolling, flying text that is hard to read is a distraction.

Groveling is good. I've done a bit of that at times, so I'll have mercy. You're now reinstated back into my good graces, and I'll check with the one who had wounded feelings.

It takes a big peson to grovel. I know. I'm a bit bigger than I'd like.

Welcome!

The problem, Shelagh, was not the actual criticism; it was the choice of words, the manner in which it was given.

And, I don't believe that anyone asked for trailer criticism. Instead, the videos were announced with excitement, with an attitude of sharing.

merrihiatt wrote:

Did someone request that you review the book trailers from authors (or their publishers) that post on this site? It would be helpful if you listed both the positive and negative attributes of a specific book trailer rather than making general statements. Do you have expertise in this area?

No one requested anything and yes I consider 30+ years in the film industry and Video business good enough expertise thanks

If I had named specific trailers in my post then judging by the replies to my post already we would be in world war 3, I cant allow that

I would very much appreciate an honest opinion about this trailer (skin of a rhino so don't hold back!):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnbGkrtZT58

Like other members of this board, I posted my videos, produced by my publisher for interest, not for criticism. My publisher took time in preparing the video and quote frankly is disgusted with the comments that have been made. I'm more that happy to pass on the address if anyone would like to take instruct them on where they are going wrong!

Shelagh wrote:

I would very much appreciate an honest opinion about this trailer (skin of a rhino so don't hold back!):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnbGkrtZT58

Surprise surprise we have a winner!! This is one of the better ones. The images relate very well and transitions flow in pace with the music. The text is minimal not obscuring the images. The only thing with it was I was unsure as to what type of story was? Travel? Romance? But It held my interest enough for me to keep watching to the end perhaps a link to a web page on the end would have enabled my curiosity to be rewarded by reading more info on the book.

This is not a brown nosing appraisel I'm being honest:) It is a good good example.

dmondeo wrote:

Surprise surprise we have a winner!! This is one of the better ones.

One of the better ones according to whom? You? I would venture to say that's your opinion and not necessarily everyone else's opinion. That's a bit like writing, "It was a beautiful room." That's the author's opinion, quite different than saying, "I loved the room," or, "I loved your video." But saying it's the best? How do you suppose that makes others feel?

You still don't get that your choice of words can hurt others.

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No one requested anything and yes I consider 30+ years in the film industry and Video business good enough expertise thanks

If I had named specific trailers in my post then judging by the replies to my post already we would be in world war 3, I cant allow that

I asked about your expertise because I don't know anything about you. You may have extensive experience in videography or know someone who does. Adding the "thanks" to your reply gave an edge to your response that I think might be indicative of the edge displayed in your original post, which is what some people may have found offputting.

I have found authors on this board to be very amiable to constructive comments, especially if they are constructive and state both the strengths and weaknesses of a particular work. That is why I suggested offering an individual critique. Every video is different, some are made by the author, others by publishers, and still others by friends of an author. One size doesn't fit all.