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For the last month or so, I have been contemplating whether I should invest in a 'Book Trailer'. Unfortunately, I have not received much feedback from readers or authors.
I came across some book trailers on youtube, which caught my interest. Some were very simply, while others almost looked like a movie trailer. However, I did notice that both had 'Views' in the hundreds.
Are you familiar with Book Trailers? If so, what do you think? Worth it or not? And, what catches your eye to view a Book Trailer?

I have a book trailer that I made on my own at no cost which turned out okay. Check it out at if you want. I don't have views in the hundreds or thousands though so maybe it's not that good.

Thanks Bryan, that is certainly food for thought. Chrystal, I will certainly check it out.

Thanks guys for the input. With so many ways to promote one's book, it does make it difficult to find a media worth investing not only time, but money as well.

Hello Lydia,

I don't have the foggiest idea if they work in terms of sales or not, but if you have a Windows Movie Maker, it's not hard to make a short one... Just make sure the music and images you use are not copyrighted.

As to YouTube views, they only count users with an account and who are logged in, so, they may not reflect real views.

As a reader I love it when an ÀÏ»¢»úÎÈÓ®·½·¨ author profile has a book trailer for one of their books even if it extremely simple. I will sometimes share the trailer on my ÀÏ»¢»úÎÈÓ®·½·¨ profile or on Facebook if I really liked it.

I have done several book trailers that are on youtube and vimeo. I do them myself with iMovie. I couldn't afford to pay someone else to make them. I enjoy working on them. I add the trailers as links below my signature on emails, so people can get a quick look at what I do. I also have links to the book trailers on my website. Do book trailers actually sell books? I have no idea. To me, the book trailer is just one more way to reach an audience, however small or large. One of my trailers has had over 2000 views. Surely those views generated at least a few sales.

Adriano wrote: "Hello Lydia,

I don't have the foggiest idea if they work in terms of sales or not, but if you have a Windows Movie Maker, it's not hard to make a short one... Just make sure the music and images y..."

Thanks for the tip! I will definately look into it.
Lydia

Kim wrote: "As a reader I love it when an ÀÏ»¢»úÎÈÓ®·½·¨ author profile has a book trailer for one of their books even if it extremely simple. I will sometimes share the trailer on my ÀÏ»¢»úÎÈÓ®·½·¨ profile or on Facebo..."

I am so grateful you as a reader commented, thank you. Sometimes, it's hard for an author to know what catches a reader's attention. There are so many options nowadays with technology as it is. Thank you again. It is certainly food for thought.
Lydia

Carl wrote: "I have done several book trailers that are on youtube and vimeo. I do them myself with iMovie. I couldn't afford to pay someone else to make them. I enjoy working on them. I add the trailers as..."

I can relate Carl. I can't afford to have someone make a book trailer for me that looks like an exciting movie trailer. But, maybe a simple one will do. And you are right, as long as it generates a couple of sales, the time was well spent. Thanks.
Lydia

Even a simple book trailer is worth doing. Some images, some music. I see very elaborate book trailers with authors speaking about their work, but often I think that defeats the visual aspect of the medium. I think it is more important just to alert readers that your book exists and that it looks like an attractive purchase. Unless an author is very good at speaking and uses a professional microphone, I don't think commentary works that well on book trailers. I did one with only images and music. Not even any captions, except for giving the title of my book and my website.

I had fun doing mine! And if it helps then it was well worth it.

I've always seen trailers for books more as a extra content type thing for an already built in fanbase. To show you do put work into writing/promoting and not just write promote and leave. If that makes any sense. As for sales, idk if it works or not.

I agree. Trailers are for a fan base, but also, I think, to catch the eye of someone looking for something new or different.

I've made four or five, and had a lot of fun doing them - also spent less than $50 each including pictures & music. Have no idea if they help with sales and I didn't do one for my last book. I almost look at them as a different way to help develop my own picture of what I'm writing about, by adding visuals and sound to the story.

Carl wrote: "Even a simple book trailer is worth doing. Some images, some music. I see very elaborate book trailers with authors speaking about their work, but often I think that defeats the visual aspect of ..."

That sounds easy enough Carl.

Chrystal wrote: "I had fun doing mine! And if it helps then it was well worth it."

And when trying to get your book out there among all the others, every little bit does help.

K.A. wrote: "I've made four or five, and had a lot of fun doing them - also spent less than $50 each including pictures & music. Have no idea if they help with sales and I didn't do one for my last book. I almo..."

Thanks, I didn't think about it that way. If it helps me out to get a clearer picture, then it has already paid for itself. What a way to make yourself a better writer.

I think book trailers are a good way of making you think about the book you've written and how it can be presented to others.

Don't know if they help with sales or not, but I see them as a boost in promotional efforts. I've spent hundreds of dollars to have someone make them for me, of which they are okay, but not GREAT. For my latest book, I made my own--all photos are my own and with the small cost of the license to use the music, I'm quite happy with the result. I think the trailer captures the mood of the book much better than the written blurb.

Book trailers are good for marketing. For example, I have a couple of book signings coming up toward the end of the year. Each venue wanted a trailer, as most of them don't have time to read my book. When doing the marketing for the book signings, the venue and I use the trailer to attract readers to come out and participate. Have you ever heard the statement, If you want to make money, you have to spend money? This can't be more true. However, it depends on how high you want to take your success. If you're not trying to reach the masses, then of course there's no need to use the tools to get there. Book trailers most definitely has its advantages. If you are making a trailer only to tweet or put on FB, make sure you have a plan on how you're going to get people to actually take the time to watch it.

I hope this helps a bit answer your question!

Take care!

Chrystal wrote: "I have a book trailer that I made on my own at no cost which turned out okay. Check it out at if you want.
Chrystal, I think your trailer is pretty darn good! I just viewed it. I left you a message and I'm jumping on Amazon right now to check out the free sample. I think you did a great job.

Chrystal wrote: "I have a book trailer that I made on my own at no cost which turned out okay. Check it out at if you want. I don't have views in the hundreds or thousands though so mayb..."

Chrystal, I'm sold. I just downloaded it on Kindle.

L.F. wrote: "Don't know if they help with sales or not, but I see them as a boost in promotional efforts. I've spent hundreds of dollars to have someone make them for me, of which they are okay, but not GREAT...."

Yeah, my publisher wanted around $2,000! That's pretty ridiculous to me. I'm going to ask around. I know of several computer savvy college students that can use some change.

Shelley wrote: "Book trailers are good for marketing. For example, I have a couple of book signings coming up toward the end of the year. Each venue wanted a trailer, as most of them don't have time to read my boo..."

That's a brilliant idea!! I didn't think of using it at the book signing. Thanks!

Hi Lydia,
Yes! A few of the authors I know are NY Times Bestsellers. One of the things they told me was to have my trailer ready. Thank goodness I did. One of my book signings will be at Barnes and Noble. Because of the store location I chose, their guidelines were more stringent. The first thing I was asked was do I have a trailer. I did! I sent it to him while I was on the phone. He was impressed. I ended up getting the spot that some other authors wanted because I was prepared and the work was professional.

Have a good day!

L.F. wrote: "Don't know if they help with sales or not, but I see them as a boost in promotional efforts. I've spent hundreds of dollars to have someone make them for me, of which they are okay, but not GREAT...."

L.F., how did you get the license? Who did you have to contact? I don't know anything about how to go about doing that, but would love to.

Kaisa wrote: "L.F. wrote: "Don't know if they help with sales or not, but I see them as a boost in promotional efforts. I've spent hundreds of dollars to have someone make them for me, of which they are okay, b..."

There are places online where you can purchase the license to use royalty-free music. Just search for royalty-free music. The company I got mine from is

P.S. This is the trailer I made.

Chrystal wrote: "I have a book trailer that I made on my own at no cost which turned out okay. Check it out at if you want. I don't have views in the hundreds or thousands though so mayb..."

Great job!

I had someone buy my book because of a book trailer I made. Unfortunately, I had to pull the trailer because I found out I couldn't use the music. I haven't seen many trailers I like, but I enjoy making them, so I make them for my books. I also offer the service on my website. I don't get many requests though. Probably because book trailers haven't really been proven as something that gets sales. Even then, I still plan on making some for each of my books because I like making them and it's something else to have to showcase my books.

Thanks guys, and thanks Kaisa for the links.

Chrystal wrote: "I have a book trailer that I made on my own at no cost which turned out okay. Check it out at if you want. I don't have views in the hundreds or thousands though so mayb..."

Chrystal wrote: "I have a book trailer that I made on my own at no cost which turned out okay. Check it out at if you want. I don't have views in the hundreds or thousands though so mayb..."


Hi, Chrystal, I think you trailer's great. My opionion, it's marketing...getting readers to your YouTube site...

Lydia wrote: "Kim wrote: "As a reader I love it when an ÀÏ»¢»úÎÈÓ®·½·¨ author profile has a book trailer for one of their books even if it extremely simple. I will sometimes share the trailer on my ÀÏ»¢»úÎÈÓ®·½·¨ profile ..."


Hi, Lydia... You are the reason us authors live to write...thank you...

I am quite pleased with the trailer for my science fiction novel Orbital Kin, published last year. See it here-

I helped to make it with an animation designer. As I had filmmaking background, I storyboarded and wrote a basic visual structure for it.

James wrote: "I am quite pleased with the trailer for my science fiction novel Orbital Kin, published last year. See it here-

I helped to make it with an animation designer. As I had ..."

Excellent trailer James! Well done

MARIE wrote: "Lydia wrote: "Kim wrote: "As a reader I love it when an ÀÏ»¢»úÎÈÓ®·½·¨ author profile has a book trailer for one of their books even if it extremely simple. I will sometimes share the trailer on my Good..."
Thanks guys for all the info., ideas, and encouragement. I am so glad this discussion helped out a lot of authors and sold a couple of books for some of them.
And James, that WAS A VERY COOL TRAILER!! Congratulations my friend.
eBook wrote: "James wrote: "I am quite pleased with the trailer for my science fiction novel Orbital Kin, published last year. See it here-

I helped to make it with an animation desig..."

MARIE wrote: "Lydia wrote: "Kim wrote: "As a reader I love it when an ÀÏ»¢»úÎÈÓ®·½·¨ author profile has a book trailer for one of their books even if it extremely simple. I will sometimes share the trailer on my Good..."

I have a brand new book trailer for my second book, The Convict and the Rose. I'd love for you all to take a look and give feedback!

eBook wrote: "James wrote: "I am quite pleased with the trailer for my science fiction novel Orbital Kin, published last year. See it here-

I helped to make it with an animation desig..."

James, I loved the animation. It rocked. But can I be honest? I didn't get a true sense of the actual book. But don't listen to me. I can be way off and others may get it easily! :-)

I'm in need of making two new trailers. If anyone out there can point me in the right direction, I'm all game. I made my own in the past via Animoto. I opened an account with them so that more features were made available. I would love it if someone can view my trailer then tell me honestly if I should try to create the new ones I need on my own or seek professional help.

Shelley wrote: "eBook wrote: "James wrote: "I am quite pleased with the trailer for my science fiction novel Orbital Kin, published last year. See it here-

I helped to make it with an a..."

James, I will admit that your trailer did exactly what you wanted it to do, because after seeing it, my curiosity was intrigued enough for me to want to check out the free sample of your book on Amazon!

Jan wrote: "I have a brand new book trailer for my second book, The Convict and the Rose. I'd love for you all to take a look and give feedback! "

Hi Jan, please don't be offended, but I found your trailer to be quite long. When I realized there was more than one book you were pitching, I actually just closed it out. I think all readers are like this. You have only seconds at times to capture their interest. It is a nice trailer though and I wish you success with your book!

Shelley wrote: "I'm in need of making two new trailers. If anyone out there can point me in the right direction, I'm all game. I made my own in the past via Animoto. I opened an account with them so that more feat..."

Shelley - I have some comments on your trailer. I watched it 3 times and I think it could be better. let me know how to get my comments to you.

Shelley wrote: "I'm in need of making two new trailers. If anyone out there can point me in the right direction, I'm all game. I made my own in the past via Animoto. I opened an account with them so that more feat..."

Shelly, I was able to watch your video all the way through, which means something, because I lose interest quickly. So I think it was the right length, and the wording was great, it caught and held my attention. I did get the feeling, from the text, that the book was more of a suspense, but the music painted a different picture for me. The two almost worked against each other, in my opinion. Music is the one thing that holds me back from making my own trailer. I can't seem to find anything that fits the feel of my books. Would you mind so much if I ask what site you got your music from?

Nick wrote: "Shelley wrote: "I'm in need of making two new trailers. If anyone out there can point me in the right direction, I'm all game. I made my own in the past via Animoto. I opened an account with them s..."

Hi Nick,
Please email me at shelleyfiction@outlook.com. I would love to hear your suggestions!

Margaret wrote: "Shelley wrote: "I'm in need of making two new trailers. If anyone out there can point me in the right direction, I'm all game. I made my own in the past via Animoto. I opened an account with them s..."

Hi Maragaret,
Got it!! And you're absolutely right. Having the time to go through public domain music is what's working against me. But I see your point and need to revise that. Thanks for your honest suggestion!

I was so inspired by everyone's book trailers that I went and made my own. I welcome suggestions or comments, as this is the first one I've ever made.

Margaret wrote: "I was so inspired by everyone's book trailers that I went and made my own. I welcome suggestions or comments, as this is the first one I've ever made.

"

Very nicely done. The music is effective; the headlines are good and so are the backgrounds. Like that you kept the effects to a minimum, but when you use them the work well.

Margaret wrote: "I was so inspired by everyone's book trailers that I went and made my own. I welcome suggestions or comments, as this is the first one I've ever made.

"

I liked it! I found it to be engaging. Well done.

Thank you for your feedback, Nick and L.F. I'm glad you liked it.

Great job! ~

D. wrote: "Great job! ~"

Thank you D. :)