Today, I wanted to share some book trailer video making tips for authors. Namely, self-published authors who handle their book marketing and promotion themselves. And, in this highly visual era, what's a better way to promote your book than by creating a Book Trailer Video?
Book Trailer Videos are a great way to show potential readers what your book is about and to get them excited about reading it. You can also repurpose the content and use it across all of your social media platforms. Many authors, myself included, have seen success with this doing book marketing on TikTok!
I am about to share some helpful tips on how to make a book trailer video that will help promote your book and increase sales whilst nurturing a growing, loyal readership!
- What Is a Book Trailer Video, and Why Should Authors Create One?
- How to Make a Book Trailer Video That Captures the Essence of Your Book
- Tips For Creating an Exciting and Engaging Book Trailer Video
- Book Trailer Video FAQs
- How to Make a Book Trailer on Imovie
- How to Make a Book Trailer on Adobe Premier
- How to Make a Book Trailer with Google Slides
- How to Make a Book Trailer with Powerpoint
- How to Make a Book Trailer with Animoto
What Is a Book Trailer Video, and Why Should Authors Create One?
Book trailer videos are a great way to create excitement and interest in your book before it's released. They are short videos (typically 1-2 minutes long) that tease the viewer with snippets of the book, and they can be a really effective way to connect with potential readers.
Since people are visual creatures, a well-done book trailer can help capture their attention and give them a taste of what the book is about. It can also help generate pre-release buzz and get people excited about reading your book.
You should consider creating a book trailer if you want to:
- Increase pre-release buzz for your book
- Show potential readers what your book is about
- Generate excitement for your book
- Connect with potential readers
- Get pre-sales for your book
How to Make a Book Trailer Video That Captures the Essence of Your Book
When creating a Book Trailer Video, it's important to keep in mind that you only have a few seconds to capture the viewer's attention and interest. So how do you make a video that does this?
Here are some tips:
- Start with a catchy headline or sentence that will entice the viewer to watch the rest of the video.
- Make sure your video is well-edited and visually appealing.
- Include snippets of the book that will give the viewer a taste of what it's about.
- Make sure your Book Trailer Video is around one to two minutes long – any longer, and people may lose interest.
- Include your book's release date and where people can buy it.
- Include your author website or author profile.
A Catchy Title
The title of your book trailer is important because it's the first thing people will see. You want to make sure that it's catchy and will entice people to watch the rest of the video.
A good way to do this is to use a line from your book, or a summary of what the book is about. This way, people will know what they're getting themselves into and will be more likely to watch the whole thing. Just make sure that your title is attention-grabbing and leaves people wanting more.
Well-Edited and Visually Appealing Video
A well-edited, visually appealing book trailer can be a powerful marketing tool. Canva is a great way to create professional-looking graphics, and Fiverr is a great resource for finding freelance editors and videographers.
If you don't have the budget to hire a professional, go with the first recommendation, Canva. This is one of the many free platforms that can help you create a high-quality book trailer.
They do have a premium membership if you decide you want access to their pro stock videos, images, graphics, and templates. However, the free membership should be more than enough for most authors.
Include Snippets of the Book
Snippets of your books can be a great way to add context and background for your video trailer. By including short excerpts, you can help viewers understand the plot of your book and get a feel for the writing style.
When choosing snippets to include, try to select visually interesting passages that feature key plot points. Avoid using excessively long passages, as this can bore viewers or make them lose interest in the trailer.
If possible, have someone else read the snippets aloud so that viewers can hear the book's voice as well as see the visuals. With careful selection and execution, snippets from your book can be a powerful tool for creating an engaging video trailer.
Video Length
The final edit should be around one to two minutes long. Any longer, and people may lose interest.
If you can't fit everything into a two-minute trailer, you probably need to cut back on some of the content. Remember, you want to tease viewers into wanting to know more, so don't give away all of the plot in the trailer.
Save some of those juicy details for when people buy the book!
Include Release Date and Where to Purchase
Of course, you should include your book's release date, and where people can purchase it. It seems obvious, but you would be surprised how many people forget to do this!
Include Author Website or Profile
Make sure you have a website for your book, as this would be the best landing page as opposed to directly to the third-party retail sites.
You should read this post to learn all about capturing your potential readership and customer email addresses and why it is important.
If you have an author page, it is a great opportunity to direct viewers to your website and give them more information about you as an author. You can also use this space to list any upcoming events or book signings that you may have; so be sure to leave these details in the video description, whether hosting on YouTube or elsewhere.
Tips For Creating an Exciting and Engaging Book Trailer Video
Please do not think that in order to make your trailer engaging and exciting, you need a bunch of special effects or graphics. In fact, sometimes simple and straightforward is best!
There are a few ways you can go about this;
- Hiring a professional team and some small-time actors.
- Filming, directing, and editing it yourself with your own footage, maybe some actors (or convincing friends and cousins)
- Using explainer video software such as Animoto or VideoScribe (this works better for non-fiction or even children's books)
- Using online tools such as video editing software and stock photos/videos.
- Using iMovie, Adobe Premier, or Final Cut with additional purchased motion effects, text, and transitions.
- Buy a gig package on Fiverr and let the affordable professionals handle it.
Now, I will be honest; I have done a few of these off of this list. And, I can tell you first hand, while it might seem like a fun and creative task to sink your teeth into - it may end up being way more time-consuming than you had bargained for.
Especially if you are not familiar with the software, or don't have a team of people to help you out.
While you may certainly be a creative person, sometimes it is a case of you don't know what you don't know, and it may end up taking you hours or days to produce something that doesn't turn out the way you had it in your head.
That is why, for any book trailers I get made now, I enlisted the help of (an affordable) professional. Someone who knows how to take your ideas and make them into a reality - on time and on budget.
I outsource the job on Fiverr and go back to my other book marketing tasks, such as planning my book launch speech!
If you are interested in getting a book trailer made and would like some tips or advice, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Visual Elements
When it comes to visual elements, keep in mind the following:
- Use high-quality visuals whenever possible.
- Professional graphics and transitions are okay, just don't overdo it. I tend to use Envato Elements for my trailers as they have all the essentials, like logo animation packs, graphics, stock videos, royalty-free music, etc. And they tend to be more clean and professional looking.
- Be mindful of the music you choose. It should be in keeping with the tone and genre of your book, as well as the overall message you want to send with your trailer.
- Keep the text short and sweet. You don't want to cover the screen with chunks of text. They have an entire book full of that.
Book Trailer Video FAQs
How do I make a video trailer for a book?
There are a few different ways that you can go about making a video trailer for a book. You can hire someone to do it for you, or you can attempt to make one yourself.
If you decide to hire someone, there are a few different places that you can look. You can post a job on a freelancing website, or reach out to someone who specializes in this type of work.
Be sure to provide them with as much information as possible about the book, so that they can accurately capture its essence in the trailer.
What app can you use to make a book trailer?
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to book trailer apps and programs. However, depending on your device, you can use one of the following apps to make a book trailer:
iPhone or iPad: iMovie, LumaFusion
Android phone or tablet: Movie Studio, PowerDirector
Windows PC: Windows Live Movie Maker, Adobe Premiere, Corel Video Studio
Mac computer: iMovie or Final Cut Pro X
What makes a good book trailer video?
Good book trailers are attention-grabbing and make the viewer curious about the book. They should be short and to the point and include visuals that capture the book's essence.
Are book trailers worth it?
Yes. A well-done book trailer can be an effective marketing tool, especially for debut authors or self-published authors.
How to Make a Book Trailer on Imovie
Making a book trailer on Imovie is quick and easy. You can add text, images, and even video footage to create a professional-looking trailer that will get people interested in your book. And best of all, you don't need any special skills or software to do it - all you need is Imovie and a little creativity.
To get started, open Imovie and create a new project. Then, add the desired text, images, and video footage to the project. You can experiment with different fonts, colors, and layouts to create a unique look for your trailer. Once you're happy with the overall look of your trailer, export it as a video file and upload it to your favorite video-sharing site.
I recommend this basic iMovie tutorial to help you get started.
How to Make a Book Trailer on Adobe Premier
If you're looking for a more powerful and versatile video editing software than Imovie, Adobe Premier may be the right choice for you. With Adobe Premier, you can create trailers that are both stylish and professional-looking. And best of all, it's easy to learn and use.
You should already have some video editing experience if you want to use Adobe Premier. But if you're new to video editing, I suggest checking out this beginner's tutorial on Adobe Premiere.
Once you're comfortable with the software, start by creating a new project and importing your video clips. You can then begin editing them together to create your trailer.
You can decide whether to use stock videos and images or your own footage as well as add some professional-looking text and titles and transitions.
How to Make a Book Trailer with Google Slides
Book trailers do not always need to be this elaborate and time-consuming project, and they certainly do not need to be an award-winning short film. You can make a very basic and simple book trailer with Google Slides in just a few minutes!
To make a book trailer with Google Slides, start by creating a new presentation or download a template. Then, add a title slide and create a new slide for each of the following:
- The book's cover
- A brief synopsis of the book
- Your favorite quote from the book
- An image that represents the book or its theme
- Your name and website or social media handle
When you're finished, export your presentation as a video and share it on your social media channels or website.
How to Make a Book Trailer with Powerpoint
Similar to Google Slides, you can also make a book trailer with Powerpoint. The process is very much the same in that it can be quick and clean and professional looking whilst utilizing themes and templates.
How to Make a Book Trailer with Animoto
Animoto is a web-based video creation platform that enables users to create videos from photos, video clips, and music. Animoto offers a wide range of templates for users to choose from and start creating their videos.
