The Long Weekend is my debut novel. When it was published I was disgustingly naive (I’ve blogged about this before). I had never spoken to another children’s author much less met one. I was utterly internet illiterate and didn’t have a clue about so many aspects of the publishing industry. I didn’t even know that book bloggers existed.
Over the last couple of years I’ve learnt so much. I wish I’d known all of it before my book had been published, but at least I’m better prepared for when the next one is published. My list of book bloggers and reviewers is ready. I have sourced where to get book marks made, and now that I’ve found an amazing director, I know where to go when I want the book trailer for the new book done.
Book trailers are supposed come out before the book. They’re supposed to promote your book, create awareness of it, and stick in people’s memories so that they remember to buy it.
Well, rather than wait for the next book to be published, I’ve just had a book trailer done for The Long Weekend. Why? Because I always wanted one for The Long Weekend, and although it has come out a considerable time after the book, it can still tick all the other boxes, which it has been doing.
My agent was very pleased when she learned of this. She said that publishers like it when the author takes a pro-active role in marketing their books. She is submitting my manuscript to various publishers and said she will definitely be including the link to the book trailer too.
My book trailer is directed by Mal Woolford – an exceptionally talented film director. You can watch some of his work on Vimeo. They are not suitable for children, so I won’t post the link here, but go and watch them if you get the chance. RedBlack is a personal favourite. I was confident that he could capture the mood and the feel of my book – and he did! He did his research, read my book a few times, sourced the music, discussed his ideas with me, and this is it -
Take a peek at the book trailer – it’s less than two minutes long. I’d love to hear what you think.
11 comments:
Very impressive trailer, Savita. Your book has just joined my 'to read' list.
Now that is good.
It's great, a wonderful trailer. The only question I have is the cost. Not every author can afford to fund trailers, bookmarks etc - although there is a lot that you can do for free. Shouldn't publishers fund trailers? I wouldn't have much change left out of my advance if I paid for all the amrketing myself.
Knives, spiders...ugh, scary! It's very good indeed - but yes, the cost?
Just want to say thanks for all your great comments about the trailer.
Not only has Savita written a brilliant thriller filled with great visual material, she is also wonderfully collaborative and open to creative ideas.
In terms of cost, it's really a matter of matching the ambition with what can be achieved affordably. The right idea came up and we ran with it!
A very intriguing trailer but, I agree with Keren and others who have posted on here that we shouldn't be paying for marketing ourselves. We were never expected to pay when there were ads in printed magazines. I am sure Bloomsbury produces book trailers for its major books at its own cost. Good luck with your book, Savita. The trailer's made me want to read it.
Thanks for your comments and for watching the trailer.
I agree that In an ideal world our publishers would pay for all the publicity, marketing etc for all writers of kids/teen/YA fiction. We all know that's not the case for everyone.
If the cost of producing a book trailer, bookmakers etc, to promote your work is not prohibitive, then it's worth investing in them. That's what I've done.
I'm still interested to get an idea of cost though. What percentage of your advance is it reasonable to invest in marketing? I know people who have hired their own publicists, for example. I invest time in blogging etc, give away books, and have cards printed with my book covers on one side. My publishers produced bookmarks and are paying for a trailer.
Its great that you have shared your journey with us Savita and provoked some good responses. I think that you have done really well in promoting this book and I know that it will have a huge knock on effect when you publish your next book. All the very best with it all.
Thanks so much, Miriam. Fingers crossed for the next book...
I think the trailer is a brilliant show reel for your next book - which I can't wait to read. Love the editing and the quotes.
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