How to Do a Book Trailer by Rebbekah Ford
Author of Beyond the Eyes
Buy Beyond the Eyes
I never thought I could do a book trailer because frankly I am less than proficient at computers. However, I figured out how to do one and it’s free! So if I can do it, so can you.
Seriously.
I’m not very good or knowledgeable when it comes to technology. Hell, I don’t even own a cell phone or know how to use one.
So yeah, if I can make a book trailer, I know you can too.
Oh, and as a side note, there are several ways you can make a book trailer. You can make it as an actual movie with actors portraying your characters, you can use animations, or you can use still photos set to music with the storyline written on the photo, which is what I did.
My computer has the Windows Movie Maker software, and I’ve read that most computers do. If yours doesn’t, I think you can download the program for free. There are other programs you can use as well, but I’m mentioning Windows Movie Maker because that’s what I have.
Now obviously, I didn’t know the first thing about Windows Movie Maker, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t learn on my own, right? There are YouTube videos on how to use the program. So after I had put everything together, I watched those videos, then went into the program and played around with it until I knew what I was doing.
Once you decide to make a book trailer, here are the things you’ll need to do first . . .
1.) Go to YouTube and watch some book trailers so you’ll have an idea on how it works and what other people have done. Take notes on your likes and dislikes. It’ll help you generate ideas for your own video. Pay attention to your feelings and what type of music and pictures arouses the type of emotion(s) you’re seeking to convey to your audience. Write it down because that’s what you want. You want people who watch your book trailer to feel a connection with your character(s) and the story. Write ideas down for your own trailer.
2.) Next step is selecting the pictures. There are free photo stock images out there that won’t violate copyright laws. You can google “royalty free photo.” Choose images that will fit the theme and setting of your book. Save them in “my picture’s” folder.
3.) Now you get to choose your music. There’s music available you can download for free without violating copyright laws.
How cool is that?
Like everything else, the selection of the type of music you’re going to use is very important because it connects the audience with the tone of your book. Hopefully it’ll stir enough emotions in your viewers to get them to take interest in your book.
4.) Next is summarizing your plot. Honestly, I think that’s the hardest part to do. Just remember when you write the text for your book trailer, not to get too wordy. As long as you can put across the premise of your book and what role the characters play, you’ll be fine. And of course, the text needs to match the pictures you put it on, but that’s a given, right? It’s not rocket science.
5.) And finally, you need to learn how Windows Movie Maker works and meshing it all together.
And then . . .
Ta da!
You’re all done.
Yay!
Now you have a book trailer you did all by yourself that you can be proud of and is a great marketing tool for your book.
Check out my book trailer for Beyond the Eyes:
I think it turned out well considering it was my first one. Of course, I’ll be doing another video for my second book (Dark Spirits) in my YA paranormal series.
So have some fun creating your own trailer. It’s a lot of work but so worth it in the end.
Buy Beyond the Eyes
Rebekkah’s Bio
Julie
I love the trailer, Rebekkah! Especially the organ music – this is so appropriate for Halloween, too! Thanks for blogging with me today. I know a lot of authors want to make a book trailer but don’t know how to get started, your article is timely and helpful.
Julie
Rebekkah Ford
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it.
And thanks for having me on your wonderful blog.
Rebekkah