Book Trailers (tm) & Author Web Sites discussion

Sierra wrote: "Hello, I'm still new to Goodreads as I just joined in July so I'm also still figuring out things but just came across this group tonight.

My name is Sierra Rose and I'm the author of Celtic Evil..."Hi Sierra, nice to see you on Goodreads. I've dumped a link to my book video teaser for Short Shocks Volume I.
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
(scroll down to Videos on the right)
This will let you know what is possible using Windows software - homegrown (1 minute). There are an array of book videos on Goodreads alone, to be inspired from. Good luck with the wee movie. Best regards. Andy

Laurel and Andy,

Thank you both for the welcomes. That cover is certainly better than what it had originally so I'm pleased with it. I just did a revision for my short action story so it also had a better cover.

Andy, thanks. Yes, I just discovered that my computer had Windows Movie maker so it's a work in progress.

Duh, sorry I forgot the link(edited previous post). What a doughnut!

Bill: Welcome again to the group :]

Sierra: Welcome to our group. I am a huge fan of all things Celtic, and look forward to putting your book on my “to-read” list.

Elizabeth wrote: "I've dumped a link to my book video teaser for Short Shocks Volume I.
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/290...
(scroll down to Videos on the right)
This will let you know what is possible u..."
Hi Elizabeth, nice to text you. Most of the pics I got from Fotolia. The music I was going to do myself, but didn't have the time to do it justice. I got that piece from Neosounds. Put the lot together and, hey presto.
If you need any help, I'll do what I can.

Welcome to our group Elizabeth,

What a wonderful story you have to tell. I am sure your book will be a huge success.

Oh, and the link to your second post does not seem to work :[

Can you try to re-post it please :]

Welcome, Edain, and congratulations on your new book. You sound a busy writer,
Laurel
http://laurel6346.tripod.com

Hello, I'm fairly new to GoodReads and brand new to this group. There seems to be a wealth of great marketing tips here. I am woefully green when it comes to tech stuff and that needs to change quickly.

My debut novel THE WIVES OF HENRY OADES is coming out in February, first in the UK (HarperCollins) and then, two weeks later, in the US (Random House).

I have a website: http://johannamoran.com
I welcome critique/suggestions for improvement.

Thanks in advance, guys...

Welcome, Johanna. Just ask and pearls of wisdom will come rolling your way... :)

Thanks,Paul. Like M.J., I'll take all the pearls of wisdom I can get...
For starters, I can't seem to upload my cover art here. I've done it elsewhere - Facebook - so I know the basics. But all I can bring up here is an "X"

OK, if you're uploading an image from elsewhere on the web put this html in your post (ignore the asterisks, they're so you can see the actual code. Obviously use the real location and name of your image.)

<*img src="http://www.somehwere-on-the-web.com/i..." width="40" height="100" alt="description"/>

(Width must be 0-400, Height must be 0-1000, alt is a description of the image. All three are optional, but recommended.)

Thanks for taking the time, Paul. I still can't make it happen. Why can't I upload a photo from my pictures as I can for facebook? No comprendo.

OK, J, what exactly is the error message you get?

Paul, I guess I don't know the basics after all, or I'm short a step or two. Ok, when I uploaded a photo from "my pictures," as I did for facebook, it came out blank, with a red "X." I deleted that and started over. I don't think I got far enough to get an error message. I'm a doofus. Or just plain old. I'll try again. J

Thanks for asking, Jo (I'm a "Jo" to some, too)
http://johannamoran.com
I'd love to hear your thoughts. ~ Johanna

Great article, Jo. Very informative. The marketing people at Random House have specific ideas about when to add an excerpt online. (I'm still 6 months out.) I've bookmarked your site. Look forward to reading more there. Thanks. ~ Jo

Yes, it's a jpeg. I'm going to try again from the start. Thanks, Elizabeth.

Hello Everyone!

First of all, I've got to tell you that you guys Rock! I'm new to goodreads and am just getting into all of your threads, but I've already found some great tips and advice. I'm pretty sure this website is the best author resource I've ever found on the web. Bravo, guys.

As for me, I'm a life long writer who recently launched a serial fiction project called Skyboarders, which I co-author. I'm working to establish it before I devote more of my time to also releasing my solo serial, Charlie's War. Because we chose the serial fiction format, releasing ebook episodes every couple weeks, the website presentation for the story and our mother site are of critical importance. As you can imagine, I'm reading every tip and scrap of advice I can find to further refine the sites.

Our "Author" site is for myself and my co-author, who is also my sister. We've been writing together for over 15 years, so pretty much all of our stories are collaborative to one degree or another. We also use the site to provide free writing articles and coaching for young writers to help them refine their craft. You can check it out at http://www.biggsbooks.net, any feedback would be appreciated. We also have the story website, with episode content, at http://www.skyboarders.com.

My project right now, besides hunting up reviews and whatnot, is to make a book trailer for the series. I've never made one before, but I have done some amateur video editing projects, so hopefully it won't be too traumatic. I'm hoping to learn from the experience and example of other writers in this group.

I'm glad I found this place. :)

All the best,
Shannon

Hi everyone,

I am Trent Kinsey, author of 10:15, my debut into the world of published writing.

Though I love and write horror and have been writing for years, all my work prior to 10:15 has been as a combat correspondent in the US Marines.

From what I've seen of the previous posts, this is a great group to be a part of and I look forward to hearing from everyone and about everyone.

Thanks for having me here,
Trent Kinsey
www.trentkinsey.com

Hello Everyone!

I'm Melissa Foster, author of Megan's Way and Founder of The Women's Nest, a support and social site for women.

My book trailer can be seen here:

Megan's Way Trailer

I'd love to hear feedback!

What I'm working on now is my second novel, The Knowing. It is a mystery with a paranormal twist about a 7 year old girl who is abducted from a small town.

Melissa Foster
Megan's Way, One woman's journey, her daughter's will to survive, and a circle of friends shrouded in secrets...

Shannon wrote: "Hello Everyone!

First of all, I've got to tell you that you guys Rock! I'm new to goodreads and am just getting into all of your threads, but I've already found some great tips and advice. I'm pr..."
You and your sister are industrious, Shannon. I hope the serials do well.
Laurel
http://laurel6346.tripod.com

Melissa wrote: "Hello Everyone!

I'm Melissa Foster, author of Megan's Way and Founder of The Women's Nest, a support and social site for women.

My book trailer can be seen here:
Congratulations on having a book published and another on the way, Melissa.
Laurel
http://laurel6346.tripod.com

Megan's Way Trailer

I'd love to..."

My new trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA0Rrh...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA0RrhB0BSc

I'd love to know what you think. It is a single purpose, limited time video. You'll see why.

Holy Cow!

Look at all our new members! Waves hello to everyone.

Sorry it has taken me so long to greet you all, I have been offline most of the summer due to major construction to my house (Roof removed and new addition built).

It feels wonderful to be back online and to see all the new members :]

Thank you all for sharing your books, web sites, and book trailers™ with us. I look forward to exploring everyone's "pages."

Hi, fellow writers/readers. I'm a multi-published author who writes paranormal romantic suspense/comedy with psychic abilities and strange happenings. I absolutely love writing and do so full time as my job.

I'm in the process of working on trailers now. I'd love any great tips on how to do so low cost and easily as my first release (out of 19) will come December 10,09 called Small Packages-A Christmas Story, by Franny Armstrong, from Red Rose Publishing.

I have many favorite genres but I think Paranormal is the best for me and Christine Feehan is my favorite author.

Do you visit author's web sites? Absolutely, everyday I am visiting sites and soaking up excellent information about writing and marketing etc...

Do you watch book trailers? Yes, I do. Some are awesome, some...so so. I watched Christine Feehan's first one, and her latest yesterday. What a difference! It sure made me think about the progress one can make when one is informed.

I look forward to meeting you all.
Hugs
Franny Armstrong-www.paranovelgirls.com
Red Rose Publishing Scavenger Hunt Contest beginning Oct 1-31, see www.redrosepublishing.com contest page for details or check out my site under Main.

Hi Franny,

Welcome to our group. What a fun idea to have a Scavenger Hunt Contest :]

Hi Dee:

I recently found out the importance of shorter videos. After posting my 4 minute video, I got 280 hits; but when I posted my 2 minute video on YouTube, I got 1500 hits. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Idl7XJ...

I also discovered the effectiveness of updating your website regularly and am presently adding some interactive games.

Kaylin McFarren
FLAHERTY'S CROSSING
Champagen Books, February 2010

Good job, Kaylin! Very intriguing.

Thanks, Johanna!! Do appreciate an encouraging comment once in a while. :D

Kaylin

Welcome Kaylin,

What an amazing trailer, very professional! Who did the filming and editing?

WOW!

I actually worked with an artist friend of mine, Richard Ferguson. He lives in Gresham, Oregon and is incredibly talented.

Hello, everyone. Thank you for this group. I am an author, who just published her first book, a memoir entitled Musical Chairs.

My book does, in fact, have a website: http://www.musicalchairsbook.com
and a trailer, although I did this trailer on a very low budget (none) so I'd be thrilled to get any suggestions on the matter. Moreover, how does one go about creating a trailer for a memoir?

I suppose these are the sort of questions many new authors have.

I would be thrilled to hear any feedback about my book or site. Thank you all.

Warmly,

Jen

Lovely website, Jen. Your book sounds very interesting. Mental illness is devastating when it strikes a family. Most of us have family members and friends who have suffered with this debilitating illness. I'm glad you are back on track and have a busy and industrious life. My best wishes to you. Laurel
http://laurel6346.tripod.com
www.authorsden.com/laurellamperd

I'm glad you came through your terrible accident with worthy goals and a new appreciation of life. They say what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, and I believe that's true. I wish you great success with your book~
We are each of us, in our own way, miracles~

Jen wrote: "Hello, everyone. Thank you for this group. I am an author, who just published her first book, a memoir entitled Musical Chairs.

My book does, in fact, have a website: http://www.m..."

Gary Val Tenuta at Night Owl Productions did my own book trailer, Jen,www.joanhallhovey.com and he's very reasonable. $99 for a short video. Some of the bigger companies charge hundreds. I'm sure he could do an excellent trailer for your memoir. Tell him I sent you. -:) Let me know how you make out.

Sounds amazing, Rodney! Thank God you survived to tell this incredible story.

Kaylin :D

Wonderful! I started writing FLAHERTY'S CROSSING as personal therapy after losing my beloved father to colon cancer. You might say I was angry at him, at God, at the world in general. However, after writing this story I had the opportunity to really look into my heart and consider the fact that so many other sons and daughters have had to deal with similar circumstances. Rather than a memoir, my novel evolved into a fictional journey which brought about the resolution I needed to find. I never expected this exercise in writing to go to press or win so many awards. But as a result, I have arranged for all my proceeds to go to the Providence Medical Foundation's colon cancer research department. I've now come to the conclusion good things can grow from some of the worst times in our lives.

Kaylin :D

Good luck to you as well, Rodney. Wish I had a "higher" source for you but I think you'll find by just exposing as many people as possible to your story's remarkable premise, unexpected doors will open. :D

Kaylin McFarren
FLAHERTY'S CROSSING
Champagne Books, February 2010

Kaylin is right, Rodney. Few of us know anyone high up on the ladder, unless it's the good Lord. Just continue to network with people as you've been doing, and let your incredible story be known, and you just never know what can can evolve in the future.

Good luck.
Joan
www.joanhallhovey.com

Vote for THE PLAN on textnovel.com

Yeah! The new website is officially completed. Please drop by if you get a chance! http://www.kaylinmcfarren.com/entry.php

Kaylin McFarren
FLAHERTY'S CROSSING

Lovely website, Kaylin. Is that a monarch butterfly sitting on the crystal ball. I believe the monarch's travel or are blown great distances between continents. Laurel
http://laurel6346.tripod.com
http://www.authorsden.com/laurellamperd

Hi Everyone!

My name is Amber Lehman and I am the author of a young adult novel called TORN. I do have a website for my book that can be viewed at http://www.closetcasepress.com. I am currently working on making a movie trailer for my book using Windows Movie Maker. It's proving to be quite a challenge! But I'll stick at it!

Best of wishes to everyone here,

Amber :)

Dear Dee, thanks for creating this group!

Hi everyone,
my name is Wendy Gillissen, author of Curse of the Tahiéra which was released in May this year.
Currently I'm working on a sequel, 'The Search for Tzanáta'.

I love to wander across the net searching for inspiration for my website. Playing the Celtic harp on my Youtube Channel even brought me in contact with a harp friend who turned out to be an illustrator; she made a gorgeous illustration for 'The Search of Tzanáta' and we might even collaborate on a children's book in the future! Isn't it wonderful how the internet opens up the world?

I created my own website from scratch and I would be happy to hear what you think of it! You can visit it here: Curse of the Tahiéra.

Happy writing!
Wendy Gillissen

Hi, Amber,

Check out my book trailer for THE PLAN on my site at www.joanhallhovey.com You might get some ideas of your own. Mine was created by Gary Tenuta at Night Owl Productions. If you a minute, I'd love to have a vote for THE PLAN
Good luck with TORN.
Joan

Hi Joan,

I watched your book trailer. It sounds like a very interesting book! I signed up for youtube and voted on your book. I gave it 5 stars. :)

Amber

Thanks so much, Amber. I'd love it if you voted on textnovel.com where it's an entry in the competition.
Glad you liked the trailer for THE PLAN. I'll be interested in seeing yours for TORN when it's ready.

Hi Joan,

I voted for you on textnovel.com too. Good luck in the competition!

Amber

I truly appreciate your taking the time, Amber. It was kind of you. Good luck with Torn!!

Congratulations on a lovely website, Wendy. I like your book's cover too. It's very pretty.
Laurel
http://laurel6346.tripod.com
http://authorsden.com/laurellamperd

Just wanted to tell everyone that my 3 suspense novels are now available as ebooks on http://www.smashwords.com/books/searc...
This is my first experience with smashwords, but I've been hearing good things from other author.

I've made a link from my website at www.joanhallhovey.com