Why are book trailers turning into Edward inflicted movies?

A book video doesn't just entice your readers, it can also turn them off.

Just how do you make a book video? Heaps of authors and the like have blog posts about this all over the web, and they all seem to say something similar to this:

1. Find the right images

2. Find a soundtrack.

3. Scream at your movie program for a few hours!

4. Keep it short and engaging.

5. Where applicable, give flash reviews.

6. You're an author, use correct grammar. Present tense is better (just like in a blurb).

It's an extensive, self explanatory list, but following those rules doesn't mean you'll have a good book video at the end of it.

When done right, book videos rock! They bring a whole way for the reader to get excited about up and coming releases. I've seen some pretty impressive author made trailers, some average ones, and some that are cringe worthy to the point where I expect it must have hurt their book sales. I know not all authors have the know how, but it only takes two seconds to ask someone who does! And let's not forget, there are various book video companies whose charges vary; I'm sure getting someone to make the trailer for you is quite affordable nowadays.

To those who are making their own videos, like me, here's some notes I've made along my journey toward getting my book videos produced.

1. Various, uneven sized images look messy and unprofessional, and unintended black space looks icky; crop and/or resize those pictures!

2. Lyrical songs are distracting and take away from the message of the book unless the characters a singer or it's highly relatable to the blurb. Also, edit the soundtrack so it fits into your video, even if it's a simple case of fade in and out.

3.Don't make them too long, definitely no longer than two minutes and even that's pushing it.

4. Don't pique the readers interest and then leave out important information. Uh-oh, big mistake! And no, the links in the youtube information section isn't enough; the videos get embeded, so that expandable information section isn't always available.

5. Using free online programs to make your booktrailer is fine, but may I suggest less sparkles please... Sparkles should be reserved for stories about magical sparkles or something like that! Edward inflicted movies are not a way to grab the readers attention.

Don't get me wrong. I'm no expert. I'm not the wicked awesome COS Productions who make magic with their trailers, or anywhere near that league of book video greatness. I'm just an author who's struggled with iMovies and Windows Movie Maker to make her own book videos on her somewhat limited budget of big fat 0.

This post is about letting you know what I, as a reader, dislike about book trailers to help get better author made book trailers out there. We have so much marketing that we have to do these days, and sometimes it's hard to find the time for it all. But book videos are not to be rushed through, they are a representation of our work. And I'm even holding up my own videos for criticism and study, so there!

Here are my book trailers, all meant to promote the same book, which should make a nice comparison for the length issue. Think about the length and pace of each video while you're watching, to see which time frame was suitable to keep you engaged right the way through.

In order in which they are made (you can see the addition of effects etc...as I got used to the process, and how much of a difference that made). As an experiment, why not take a look and comment which one you preferred and why. I know I'd like that insight, and perhaps we'll all learn something from it. So, which book trailer made you want to hit it up in google or your bookstore? That's if either of them did! LOL Of course, that is probably only applicable to readers who enjoy paranormal romance n mysteries. But you never know!

Book Video #1

My first attempt -- I used Windows Movie Maker (paint shop pro for the effects of eyes). This was meant as a teaser, to make the viewer curious about the book without giving too much away pre-release. FYI: Hot point for people leaving this video is at 59 secs in, after author website is given. Interesting...no?

Book Video #2

Second attempt -- I used iMovies and had not quite figured out how to use all the features of the program! Using a shortened down blurb to the book, this is the longest video of all three and gives all relevant information on how to find out more. FYI: Hotspot for leaving this video is at 1.46, after publisher's website is given, and at the 1min mark.

Book Video #3

My most recent attempt -- I used iMovies. Short and to the point; not much chance of a reader turning off half way through...it's only 25 secs long. It includes everything a book video should; setting, a hook, reviews and how/where to buy. FYI, new up so not enough feedback from youtube to give hotspots.

And the main point that I've taken from this learning curve? Book videos need to be under one minute!

So, now I throw this out to you -- things you like or dislike in book videos. Let's learn something from each other.

I fly by the seat of my pants. What about you?

Sassy Brit's Blog Hop asks...

Are you a plotter or a panster? Do you plot your stories ahead of writing? Or do you write and see what happens? (Writing “by the seat of your pants”.) Why do you work that way? What are the benefits ...and drawbacks?

I live dangerously, and fly by the seat of my pants.

Plan? Me? Ha, that's a huge joke! Which is funny, because I am organized in every other part of my life. Yet, when it comes to writing, I just take it as it comes. Sometimes, I get dry spells. Sometimes, I can't write fast enough. One thing is for sure, though, I won't be able to write it if I plot before I start. I tried it once, and got so frustrated because the characters didn't want to do what I wanted them to do. I've never done it again, because there is nothing worst that characters forced into doing stuff that just doesn't suit them. As I write, things change, and the plot changes. Heck, once a character even had a sex change half way through a work in progress. A he became a she, because it made more sense like that.

So a panster I am, and I'm happy with that. My process works for me, so who am I to try and change it?

My process is as follows.

1. The idea or basic feel for a new story is sparked by a song, or movie, or book...or seeing a kid picking his nose -- yeah, ideas come from the strangest of places. For example. 80s rock romance came from re-watching some John Hughes classics! I just had to revisit the feel of my favorite era, why hadn't I already?
2. Who will be in this story, and what will their conflict and goals be? Google image search is great for this!
3. Open a new .doc and write chapter one to get a sense of where the story will go.
4. Write a loose premise.
5. Chapter one is written, and I have a premise. Now it's time to carry a note book around with me everywhere I go, because once I have started a new story, the plot bunnies never leave me alone...unless I try and do something that the characters don't like...until I'm finished. Wait, does that make me a semi-plotter and panster? A planster? hmmm Yes, I'm a planster!
6. I edit the complete book. Maybe four or five rounds, because the first draft is really rough.
7. Next comes layering. Within the rounds of edits, I find holes in the plot, or new twists I can use to enhance and build on the story.
8. Sigh, I've finally finished. Oh wait, I forgot to add such and such information so this scene ties into that scene, or this character should have red hair so the next scene is more believable. yeah, little 'touches' are added throughout until I'm happy I can add no more.
9. Final step, and the most dreaded. The synopsis. It begins with a step by step outline of the story. Then I narrow it down to all the important parts. And then those points turn into paragraphs. From there, I edit it to make sure my voice and style comes through, as well as the story.

So, what about you? Plotter, panster or planster? Why? Have you tried all three ways? Is each project different in the way you approach it? I'd love to know...maybe I'll pick up tips on how to be a little more organized in my 10 steps to a book! (oh, that sounds like a book! LOL)

Now do you understand why my debut book, When A Mullo Loves A Woman has so many twists and turns, and the ending can never be guessed? Maybe I was a mystery writer in a past life? hehe

READ FOR A CURE!

Talking of When A Mullo Loves A Woman and past lives...

If you buy this paranormal romance mystery book, through April 2011, all publisher proceeds go to American Cancer Society's Relay For Life program! How awesome is that? Buy links, and information, can be found in the left hand column of this blog. But basically, it's available in most major eBook stores!

CHECK OUT MY LATEST ROMANCE EBOOK HAUL VLOG!

http://romanceebookshaul.blogspot.com/

Manuscript Limbo

I finished Death of Me, most of you know this by now. But what you don’t know is, four weeks ago I submitted said mauscript to a publisher. I kept it quiet in case I got rejected. Then I wouldn’t have to explain myself to everyone…instead I could curl up into my own little world, and rock a while before jumping myself back into action, and more submissions or corrections dependant on rejection letter.

Frustrating...

I couldn’t keep quiet about it anymore, though. I am frustrated. I know its all part of the journey for an author, the waiting, but it doesn’t stop me from chewing on my nails, pacing the house and snapping at those closest to me. Yes. I am in manuscript limbo. It

feels like four months ago, that I submitted to this publisher, not four weeks.

I grafted over what I thought was a good query letter, and got some excellent feedback and help from a wonderful author (I can’t believe my luck there, and will definitely pay it forward when I am in the position to do so). She also critiqued my synopsis, and pointed out the major error of my ways. I can’t express enough gratitude for the help I received, not just from her, but from friends who gave suggestions, support and encouragement. It was a long journey, but I got there.

Waiting…

I am not a patient person, but I didn’t realize it would be this hard while waiting to hear. Everyone keeps trying to keep my spirits up (thank you lovelies) by telling me it’s a good sign that I’ve not heard anything yet—if it was a rejection, I’d have heard by now.

On their submission guidelines, it says I might wait up to 16weeks. It’s only been four. I could be rejected yet. Or they might ask for a full (one day soon, I hope).

Moving on...

I’ve moved onto my next project while I wait. In fact, I have two—a full length novel and a novella. There are also a few on the back burner that I love. With so much work to dig into, you’d think I’d be too pre-occupied to worry about the query process. It doesn’t help though. All it does is hinder my current work. I guess I just have to say, I hope it gets easier the next time I’m in manuscript limbo and try to get on with life, and writing.

I bet at least a few of you reading this blog are writers with a few books under their belt. Do you have any tips to help preoccupy my mind from the all consuming manuscript limbo?