I'm fairly new to the world of e-publishing, and the nuances of promoting an e-pub novel - but I'm trying to learn fast. This weekend Hearts Crossing received its first reviews from a couple of review sites (Good reviews, too! Yay!), and I also found out I was fortunate enough to win a 'best of the month' trailer award at http://yougottareadvideos.blogspot.com/. That one in particular got me to thinking. I'm delighted by the trailer win - but naturally, the most important thing, to me, about Hearts Crossing is what's between its covers, not just the way it's promoted. After all, solid writing is what's going to win reader's hearts and loyalty - nothing else. And that's exactly what I want to do: touch souls and bring them closer to God by the power of (what I pray will be!) a great, romantic story.
Still, there's no denying the impact of solid, effective promoting. Sometimes, yes, a trailer or review will determine whether or not I'll take a chance on a new book, or see a movie. My most current favorite, and the movie I simply "MUST" see once it comes out, based solely on the trailer and promotional 'buzz,' is "Letters to Juliet"
The romance writer in me cannot wait to see this movie. Meantime, the realist in me wonders: Will it live up to what seems to be an incredible, heart-touching love story? I sure do hope so!! It hooked me in. I'll be gonig to see that movie the weekend it releases....based solely on the power of its trailer. Now that's impact.
How about you? What do you think??? What are your thoughts/opinions? I'm eager to know!
Blessings!
Marianne
Hi Marianne. First of all, congratulations on all this fabulous news! I have two book trailers and to my knowledge, they did nothing to enhance sales. You bring up a very interesting topic, and one I've wondered about quite a bit. Are they worth it? There seems to be a distinct division with no in betweens. People love or hate them. Could it be a matter of time? Right now, I have two upcoming suspense books and am debating what to do about the trailers. I recently read where a short and catchy blurb and gorgeous cover sells more and is better promo. And is it just me, or does there seem to be less being made? I remember a year and a half ago, the WRP group had authors constantly bragging about "Come see my trailer!" This is no longer the case, is it? So, as most things in life, it's a matter of opinion and personal choice. Me? Hmm. I'm not convinced. Good luck with sales!
ReplyDeletep.s. I'm just as interested to read what others think! It will help my decision...or indecision...
EXACTLY, Sharon! Thanks for stopping by, too! I've got a late 2010 Christmas release coming out with TWRP and I'm wondering the same thing. One school of thought is that exposure is exposure - and winning the contest does keep HC on the front page of their website for the month. Naturally I'm delighted by the win - but I want people to love and remember what's BETWEEN the covers. Hope we get some commenters!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Marianne!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, congrats on your win!
As a avid reader (and aspiring writer) I have heard the 'intense fellowshipping' between authors of various genres in regards to book trailers...
I'm totally convinced they are a good thing. I have two reasons why.
1. I am a reader first.
With over 3,000 e-books in my library (not to mention the paperbacks on my seven bookshelves) - I consider myself a serious reader. Yet, I just don't go off half-cocked, reading anything by anybody. Money is tight now. And trying to write myself, my time is precious.
Book trailers help me decide if this is a book I want to edify my soul with, or not waste my money on. Through trial and error, it has been my experience that if the trailer is of quality (time + effort) and the content doesn't leave you feeling slimy, chances are good this book is a winner. (to my, this proves my theory of - If they are this meticulous with their book trailer, then they are more likely an author serious about their craft.)
2. I went to a book convention, where authors who had books out (and had trailers for them), set their Notebooks out on their tables (along beside their books) and let it play a continuous video loop. Curious to see how much that helped sales, I watched as readers, who would have normally cruised past, stop, watch a video or two, and end up purchasing a book.
In the end, I asked three authors who did this particular marketing if it was worth it -- all three said they had sold out of their books for the first time ever. They also said they would do it again in a heart beat.
Needless to say, book trailers will be a part of my marketing strategy. It doesn't take that much to learn (trust me on that), the video maker is a free program with Windows and if you're still leery to try, get a teenager from the youth group to help you out with the computer stuff.
My opinion may not be worth a hill of beans to anyone reading this. However, before making up your mind and dismissing this - I challenge you to see for yourself. Next time you are at a book convention, watch. You'd be surprised.
George,thanks so much for dropping by!! What oustanding comments and observations --- you definitely deliver food for thought!! I don't think any wise author would forego marketing efforts like a trailer - but getting a sense of its impact on readers is one of those great, mysterious intangibles. Thanks for your post. :-)
ReplyDelete