Goodreads Reviewers' Group discussion

Just wrote a book and trying to promote . . . and thinking about create (investing in) a video trailer for it . . . as REVIEWERS, wondering if you view them . . . or if they encourage you to look at a book?

- Frick
Earthlings

I generally always read the reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, etc. I don't think I have ever watched a trailer for a book. I suppose It could place certain characters with the identity of the actor/actress, but I prefer to see them in my own thoughts.

I have added four video trailers to my website (which can also be viewed on YouTube) and have received positive feedback. Whether or not they increase my book sales it's difficult to find out.

www.rosemarymorris.co.uk

I think whatever method you employ to promote your book, it still comes down to visibility. If nobody knows it's there, it won't have any effect on sales no matter how good or persuasive it is, be that raving reviews, a brilliant cover or an intriguing video. The only videos I've looked at were for books I was already going to buy anyway.

I certainly would not pay to have it done! I did mine myself via windows moviemaker! Had great fun... Give it a go! :)

Vanessa wrote: "I certainly would not pay to have it done! I did mine myself via windows moviemaker! Had great fun... Give it a go! :)"

I agree, not that I've done one; if it doesn't cost you, you've got nothing to lose.

If you need help send me a DM - I would be happy to see what I could do :)

Thanks all . . . appreciate the feedback. The challenge as David said is "visibility". Off to go beg for some reviews!! :)

Earthlings

I've seen book trailers before, but I much prefer to see them after I've read the book. I like to use my imagination about what characters look like and what they're doing. That's part of the fun of reading. But that's me. Some customers may find trailers interesting that may encourage them to buy the book. It's sort of like prospective customers looking at the cover design to make a decision.

This is an interesting post, because I was just working on a trailer. I got the idea after reading a blog. It sounds crazy to most I'm sure, but I as a reader have never relied on reviews, online propaganda, or other people. Does that sound harsh? I have always belonged to book clubs, and literally have hundreds on my shelves. I never even read or looked into epubs until last month when I published my own writings. Sad, huh? All these blogs say that you should make the videos to promote, and after reading your reactions, I am wondering if it is worth the time. LOL thanks!

It really depends on the quality of the book trailer. Some are questionable at best. Others are great. But there's a definite market for them, and I've unquestionably sold books as a result of people liking them. I wouldn't spend too much money on them though. Just be creative.

I saw a book teaser trailer online for Blood of the Realm: Book I of The Nayoran Sagathat interested me in checking the book out and I contacted the author of the book and asked to read and review the book and he said yes. It's pretty good thus far. I also saw one for the book Elixirwhich interested me in checking that book out too.