I have seen so many authors do virtual booksignings as well as “physical” bookstore signings only to be followed up with book trailers, blogging, digging, delicioso-ing, podcast interviews and other networking sites.
My question is this: What works for YOU? Did the booktrailer spark interest? Was it having people post comments on your blog? Did booksignings boost your sales at all?
I guess I’m wondering, What is the next big thing? The reason why I ask is because I was checking my sales in the U.K. for one of my books and they were KILLER! And, I haven’t done anything special to promote the book there….
C’mon Authors….Do Tell!
I speak to the utilization of book trailers.
Book trailers are geared primarily toward two types of audiences.
Traditional readers and potential readers.
Traditional readers are going to be less impressed with book trailers unless they really love a visual medium, love the author, or use them as announcements for when a book comes out.
The click through rate on a trailer has improved and booksellers are now requesting them because they help with sales. To most traditional readers they see the trailers as advertisements.
Potenial readers are more likely to watch them and see them as entertainment as opposed to advertisements. These are people who aren’t necessarily going to pick up a book over going to a movie, but can still be enticed to read is the storyline is something they have an interest in. These are people who will read on during travel to pass the time, or when they are on vacation, or visiting relatives they don’t actually want to interact with. lol They are also the people we want to convert into traditional readers so they will buy more books on a regular basis.
The trailer needs to be good, but equally as important, it needs to be distributed well. Book clubs, booksellers, reader destinations or social groups that highlight reading are all good places to have your book video. If the site allows for live links in the video description, you need to get your website in there as well as a link to where to buy the book!
Great blog! I’m interested in what others have to say!
Honestly? I think I’ve watched one book trailer. They just don’t do it for me.
What gets me going is either being given a review copy from the great folks at Front Street Reviews and falling in love with it myself, or hearing the Internet buzz. I love seeing authors visit other sites for a visit. Not an interview, per se, unless it’s short and unique. And I love it when my other blogging buds jump up and down over a book they’ve read and loved.
And the synopsis, of course. Not the hook, but the actual plot. If I come across a book that sounds interesting regardless of any of the above, I’ll add it to my wish list.
Hope that helps and congrats on the great UK sales!
Thank you both for the great comments! That helps me tremendously to get other author and readers’ feedback.
Best,
Taryn
http://www.Taryn-Simpson.blogspot.com
I’ve observed a few book trailers, but they are still rather new to me. While I’m not sure how I feel about them yet, I do like finding new and creative ways for authors to market online.
JLB
What an interesting way to get people interested in reading! Book trailers are like movie trailers, but for books! You can find them all over the internet now, but here is a site that’s featuring them on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/booktrailers
This is a great way to promote reading to young, technically savvy adults and teens. This is a great opportunity for authors and the book publishing industry to reach out and show that books are fun!