How to create a Book Video (Trailer) - DIY!

[Patricia Awapara]

What? A BOOK VIDEO (TRAILER)?!!  That was my reaction a few weeks ago.

I didn't know anything about this subject. However, I soon found out that it is one of the most popular and fast growing trends to promote a book.  I had to do some research. After clicking and watching a few hundred videos, some long and others short, I thought it might be a good idea to hire a professional. It took me only five seconds to decide against it. It was way over my budget. Consequently, I had no other option but to do it myself. I spent a few more days reading blogs and watching DIY videos. Luckily, there is lots of information out there. I love the internet!!!

I was surprised to find out that with a few pictures, a sound clip and some patience I could create a trailer of my book and save some serious money. Although this project is simple, it requires time. In my experience, it took me longer to choose the right pictures to represent my book than to create the trailer. I went to iStockPhoto to get what I needed. They have royalty free photography, audio, video and more. But there are plenty of websites providing the same service.

By the way, I prepared the video using MS Power Point. There are many programs out there, but I like this one the most. It has many features of animation, effects and design. I must admit that I went through a few moments of frustration before getting the hang of it. One very important issue about Power Point is that versions prior to 2010 will not let you convert your slides to a media file (.wmv)  nor include text on top of video clips. You must use version 2010. I found out the hard way. Thankfully, I was able to finish my project with my boyfriend's computer. He had the latest version. Phew!!!

These are the steps I took to complete my Trailer. I hope it helps.

1. WRITE YOUR BLURB or sentences to incorporate on your slides. Choose exciting words to narrate your book. Remember, you only have a minute to make an impression. As a general suggestion, the video should last less than two minutes.

2. FIND THE PICTURES that best represent your story. I use iStockPhoto to find what I needed. They cost between $5 to $30 for medium size, which is big enough for this purpose.  Below, you will find a sample blurb to give you an idea on how to prepare your presentation. Remember that all your pictures must be royalty free to be able to use them.

A woman, wounded by failed relationships (a photo of a woman.) Gets involved in a foolish game of seduction (a chess piece. The Queen representing the female character and red for seduction), with a handsome, confident, enchanting stranger (a photo of a man.) His unpredictable behavior and the anticipation to see him again becomes addicting (a watch to emphasizes the word "Anticipation.") She embarks on a quest to discover his true intention (clouds, landscape. This was a bit tricky, trying to represent quest/journey.) But finds herself lost in the greatest emotional ride of her life (a roller coaster. This clip symbolizes the emotional journey ahead.)

3. INSERT PICTURES to Power Point. Here is when the fun part begins. On the top menu click Insert, then Picture. You might need to adjust the picture to fit the slide. Repeat the step for each one, on a new slide. I set my background to black. You could change yours to match your theme under the Design tab.

4. ADD TEXT to your slides. Click on the slide to activate. Under Insert choose Text box. Click and drag the mouse on top of your slide. Type your sentence(s) inside the text box. Repeat the step for each of your slides.

5. ADD ANIMATION to your text. Under the Animation tab, click Animation Pane; a column will open up to your right.  This will allow you to control the timeline. Click on the sentence you want to animate, then click  Add Animation; choose an Entrance effect. You could also include an Exit effect. Repeat the same step for each sentence. Tip 1: under the Animation Pane, right-click to show window (picture to the right.) Click on Show Advanced Timeline. This is a great feature. It allows you to control your timeline for each of the effects. Tip 2: Except for the first sentence under the Animation Pane, choose Start With Previous to make smooth transition from one effect to the other (Also shown on the picture above.) Tip 3: Play around with all the effects, designs, animations, colors, background, etc. Tip 4: Remember to save your work to avoid having to do it from the beginning. Tip 5: Check your spelling. I made the mistake of uploading my video without proofreading it, only to delete it the next day because of it. :(

6. PREVIEW! This step will allow you to preview your video and make all necessary changes before uploading it to all your media outlets.

7. INSERT VIDEO file. You need to do this step only if you want to include a video clip. For this step I found a great YouTube presentation published by Motionworship.

8. ADD YOUR BOOK COVER and other relevant information at the bottom of your slides. You could announce that your book is available for purchase or mentioned were to find you.

9. INSERT AUDIO file. I found great clips at incompetech , also royalty free. For this step I came across a great YouTube presentation published by About.com.

10. UPLOAD your trailer. There are many places you could promote your video, like social networks, YouTube, Facebook, your blog or website and even send it via email.

CONGRATULATIONS YOU ARE DONE!

Below, I included a few more links to different websites.  Thanks for stopping by!

Links to pictures  iStockPhoto , Shutterstock , Dreamstime  Links to music incompetech , Soundsnap  Links to promote video YouTube , Flickr

[COS Productions]

This is great! Thank you for sharing! One thing you might want to mention is the term "book trailer" is a US Registered trademark, so be careful how you use it. If you are selling a product under that term your video can be removed from sites like YouTube.

[Patricia Awapara]

Hello There! Thanks for stopping by. About the "book trailer" I wish I understand what you are saying. Does it mean I cannot use the word book trailer? If so, why is everyone using it, even this site? I am so confused. I guess I will have to google this now. Thanks for the comment though.

[COS Productions]

This site is owned by the owners of the trademark, that's why it is okay to have it here. Many people have permission to use the term. They licensed it or sought permission via email, etc.

[Patricia Awapara]

Hi! After I sent you the message and did research on it, I realized the COS Productions owns it.. heehee. :D

In any case, I am still confused on the right or permission. I thought, to be on the safe side, I replaced "book trailer" for trailer or video, etc. I don't want to get in trouble. I know it is not an excuse, but I am new to this and didn't know about it. 

By the way, just so I know. You say I can get permission? Where should I send the email? May I have more info on this?

Thanks again!

Pati

[COS Productions]

We're really cool about it. We don't hassle people, just ask them to change the term or get permission. It's just easier to be nice about things and make friends than be pushy and make people uncomfortable.

Yes, you can use the term free if you are signed up for this site (which you are) and if you give a link back to COS somewhere (www.cosproductions.com) saying "Book Trailer" licensed with permission from www.cosproductions.com

[Geoff Hampton]

You should check out Black Moon Book Trailer. They can make you a good quality book trailer for under a hundred dollars. They take care of all the permission needed.