I am pleased to have Author R.F. Whong back on my blog for one last guest post.
In addition to her weekly newsletter and the platform (www.ruthforchrist.com), she’s active in several writers’ groups, including ACFW, Word Weavers, Facebook, and Goodreads. Through these connections, she plans newsletter/promotion swaps with others and has writersendorse her books, write forewords, and host her on guest blogs. The Minnesota Anoka County Library has chosen her as a 2025 Featured Author.
Now for her post!
Should Authors Create Book Trailer Videos?
In the dynamic world of book marketing, authors often seek creative ways to capture the attention of potential readers. One approach that has gained traction is the book trailer video. Much like a movie trailer, a book trailer is a short video that gives viewers a glimpse into the narrative, themes, and essence of a book. Yet the question lingers: should authors invest their time, energy, and perhaps money into creating book trailer videos?
Book trailers offer an engaging platform that piques interest in a way that blurb on a back cover cannot. In a world driven by visuals—where platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok dominate content consumption—video content is a powerful tool. For authors, developing a book trailer can be an enjoyable endeavor. Platforms like Canva offer user-friendly tools to design engaging and professional-looking trailers without prior training.
From my experience, using Canva to create book trailer videos is a fun process. The ability to customize elements to reflect the book’s tone and style empowers me to own its narrative. Here is an example from my creations for my recently released book, Echoes over Stormy Sea: https://youtu.be/m56iI7QDk4Q.
The obvious next question is: How does it impact sales?
While creating book trailers is entertaining, it’s crucial to address the reality of their impact on sales. From my experience and observations within the author community, book trailers may not boost sales. The fact remains that the most successful book marketing strategies blend traditional methods with innovative digital tactics. Book trailers can be a component of a broader marketing plan, but relying on them alone to drive sales may lead to disappointment.
It’s vital for authors to weigh the benefits against the costs. Hiring professionals to create book trailers is expensive, and given their minimal impact on sales, it might not be the best financial decision for indie authors. Hence, I advise against spending substantial amounts of money hiring others to create videos.
While book trailer videos are a creative way to market a book, they should be approached with practical expectations. The process of creating a trailer should be embraced as a fun, supplementary marketing tactic rather than a primary sales driver.
Here's about her book!
A perfect murder… until it isn’t.
A year ago, still haunted by the tragic events of September 11, Tina Sheng reluctantly served as a Christian summer camp counselor in Paradise.
Now working as an insurance fraud investigator in nearby Lancaster, Tina, along with her quirky friend Amelia Pak, finds a series of internet posts about a faceless doll that appears with each occurrence of death. The writer warns that a serial killer is at large.
After a beloved friend passes, a similar doll is discovered in his hospital room. Law enforcement finds no evidence of foul play.
Then a prominent local is found dead with a faceless doll at the body’s side, and the case becomes complicated when the spouse files an insurance claim, drawing Tina into the investigation.
To solve the mystery, Tina and her friends must navigate a web of deceit, greed, and power. As the drama unfolds, the truth may be even more twisted than anyone could have imagined.
Can justice be served?
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