Book Trailer How-To

 How To Make A Book Trailer by Nancy J. Cohen

Would you like to be able to create your own book trailer in Windows Movie Maker to save money and to maintain control over your project? If so, be prepared to spend time on a learning curve. The first effort is the hardest, but then you’ll know what to do for subsequent books. Just follow these steps for Windows 7 and you’re on your way. Generally, with images and music, I spend about $70 on a video.

WATCH SEVERAL BOOK VIDEOS

Find trailers for books in the same genre as your work.

Write down the text on each slide and note the image accompanying it or if the text is alone.

Listen to the music. How does it make you feel? Does it create a certain mood?

Does the story flow smoothly and hold your interest? How long is the trailer?

What do the credits say at the end?

WRITE YOUR TEXT
Now write your own text in verses to fit on each slide. Try to stay brief, keeping in mind that long lines may tax your reader’s ability to keep up. The text should give the reader an idea of what your story is about, the tone of your work, and a hint about your main character(s).

Let your critique partners offer their suggestions for improvements. Often another critical eye can help you hone down your plot to a few sentences, not an easy task.

Remember the adage: Short and Simple. Keep your video under 2 minutes if possible.

SEARCH FOR IMAGES

I use: http://www.123rf.com Medium is 564 x 848 px and are 2 credits each. I bought16 medium photos = 32 credits = $30; See my trailers for Shear Murder and Warrior Prince

http://www.bigstockphoto.com/ Small is 602 x 900 px at $2.99 each. 6 credits cost $13 and buys 6 small images; 25 credits costs $49 and buys 25 small images) Book Covers for futuristic trilogy

http://www.istockphoto.com/ Small is 567 × 847 px at 72 dpi and is 5 credits each. 12 credits cost $19.50; 26 credits costs $41.50 but you’re only getting 5 small images.

http://www.dreamstime.com/
http://www. Fotolia.com
http://www.flickr.com
http://www.sxc.hu/
http://www.corbisimages.com/
http://www.freestockimages.net/
http://www.jupiterimages.com/
http://www.epictura.com/
http://www.canstockphoto.com/
http://www.fotosearch.com/
http://www.gettyimages.com/creativeimages
http://www.reflexstock.com/
http://browse.deviantart.com/resources/stockart/
http://www.photolibrary.com/

Establish an account so that you have a Lightbox. In the Search feature, put keywords for the type of picture you want (i.e. romantic couple, beautiful redhead, man with gun). Scroll down until one catches your fancy. Click to add it to your Lightbox. If you like the model, you can click where it says Other Images Using This Model or Similar Images.

Keep collecting images until you have enough to match your lines of text. Then purchase credits, select the photos you want to keep, buy and download them to your computer. Whichever site you use, check the licensing requirements first. Some may require an extended license to use an image on a book cover, coffee mug, etc.

SEARCH FOR VIDEO (Optional)

Live action can add spice to a video but it also takes up time.

http://www.stockfootageforfree.com/
http://www.freestockfootage.com/
http://www.canstockphoto.com/
http://www.fotosearch.com/
http://www.gettyimages.com/Footage
http://www.photolibrary.com/footage.html
http://www.archive.org/details/stock_footage
http://www.artbeats.com/
http://vimeo.com/groups/freehd
http://www.footagefirm.com/free-footage
http://worldclips.tv/
http://www.alunablue.com/
http://www.gotfootage.com/
http://www.alwayshd.com/
http://www.royaltyfreehd.com/
http://vimeo.com/groups/freehd

SEARCH FOR MUSIC

Besides writing the text, this is the hardest part. Decide upon the tone of your video and put keywords into the search feature on these sites. Is your story dark and scary? Light and funny? Upbeat? Intense? Music is important to soliciting an emotional response in your viewer.

Check the length of the music clip against the length of your trailer. You can repeat the music if necessary to extend its length on your video.

I use http://www.stockmusic.net/ $39.95 per track; Pay once, use forever

http://www.istockphoto.com/audio.php 12 credits = $18.50; 26 credits = $39.50 Easy Samples http://www.mediamusicnow.com (pay in English pounds)
http://www.opuzz.com
http://www.soundclick.com/ Don’t see royalty free music
http://incompetech.com/ Inexpensive but hard to sample
https://secure.gettyimages.com/Music
http://www.photolibrary.com/music.html
http://www.audiomicro.com/
http://www.stockmusic.com/
http://www.freesoundtrackmusic.com/
http://freeplaymusic.com/: Way too costly! $100 and up, $500 for perpetual usage.
http://www.flyinghands.com/
http://www.ibaudio.com/
http://www.sounddogs.com


NOW WHAT?

Open a New Project in Windows Movie Maker (File; New Project) and click Add Videos and Photos. Add one at a time and the program will produce slides. If you want a blank slide to add text only, click the Credits button.

Once you have your pictures, Click Add Caption for each slide and add your text in the text box. You can manipulate this box wherever you want it. You can also change the color of the text. If it’s a light background, choose a dark text. If you have a black or dark background, make the text white.

You’ll now see Video Tools and Text Tools. These have little boxes where you can see the Duration. I try to have the duration of my text shorter than the video. So a video slide might run for 5 seconds, and the text for 4.75. Some slides you’ll want longer, if you have more text or if you have an image like the book cover that you want to linger on screen. Under Text Tools, choose Effects. This gives you options for how you want your text to scroll or appear on the slide.

Under Video Tools, click on Animation. Position your cursor in front of each slide and click on animation. These choices will allow you to add transitions. Keep in mind that the transitions cut some of the time out of the slide before and after. Each time you want to view your slide, put the cursor in front of it and click the Play button.

When you have arranged your pix and matching text to your satisfaction, click on Home and Add Music. Browse for your music file. The program adds it to your slide show. You can adjust the track as needed. Also, hit Fade In at the beginning and Fade Out at the end.

Add credits at the end by clicking Credits. This will be a text only slide. Here’s where you put the sites where you found your images and music. You’ll also want a slide to show your book cover. Either add text there or on a separate slide with your book info.

Remember to save your project often. Hit File, then Save Project. Don’t hit the button on the right that says Save Movie or it’ll be finalized.

When you are totally done, click Save Movie and choose To Your Computer. It’s then ready to upload to YouTube and elsewhere. For YouTube, save it in HD mode. You can save it in several different sizes, too. For example, if you want to upload a video to LinkedIn, you need it in a very small size.

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Watch my Videos:
Warrior Prince: http://youtu.be/aVm2FIumw0o
Shear Murder: http://youtu.be/ePpShWy3Wbw


*Note: This post originally appeared on Nancy's Notes from Florida


FOLLOW ME ONLINE:
Website: http://nancyjcohen.com
Blog: http://nancyjcohen.wordpress.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nancyjcohen
Facebook: http://bit.ly/c3YchC

Hearts in Darkness, by Laura Kaye - Release, Reviews & Giveaway

I'm so excited to announce the release of HEARTS IN DARKNESS, my debut contemporary romance. Just as exciting, HEARTS has already garnered two great reviews:

• 4/5 stars from Ashlie at Bookish Novelties
• 5/5 hearts from Marissa at Sizzling Hot Book Reviews

So, in celebration of all this good news, I'm offering a giveaway of a totally cute Hearts-inspired heart-wing charm on a silver bracelet! 

To enter, simply email your purchase receipt to laurakayepromotions@gmail.com.  When I receive 50 receipts, I will draw one lucky winner to win one of a handful of HEARTS IN DARKNESS - inspired charm bracelets!  I'll do this for the first 250 receipts I receive (in increments of 50, 100, 100 receipts; 1 entry per person), giving away a total of three bracelets!

HEARTS BLURB:

Makenna James thinks her day can’t get any worse, until she finds herself stuck in a pitch-black elevator with a complete stranger. Distracted by a phone call and juggling too much stuff, the pin-striped accountant caught only a glimpse of a dragon tattoo on his hand before the lights went out.

Caden Grayson is amused when a redhead literally falls at his feet. His amusement turns to panic when the power fails. Despite his piercings, tats, and vicious scar, he’s terrified of the dark and confined spaces. Now, he’s trapped in his own worst nightmare.

To fight fear, they must both reach out and open up. With no preconceived notions based on looks to hold them back, they discover just how much they have in common. In the warming darkness, attraction grows and sparks fly, but will they feel the same when the lights come back on?

 HEARTS BOOK TRAILER:

So, don't forget!  Buy, then enter to win!

So proud to be a Rose! And let me offer a special big thank you shout-out to my editor, Eilidh Mackenzie!

Laura Kaye

Find Laura on the interwebz:

• Website: http://www.LauraKayeAuthor.com
• Blog: http://laurakayeauthor.blogspot.com
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/laurakayeauthor
• Twitter: @laurakayeauthor
• TWRP Website: http://thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=800
• Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3703867

The Seventh Taboo - a sweet SF romance with a rave review!

It's been a few months now since the publication of "The Seventh Taboo" by the Wild Rose Press, and the sales are going strong. This makes me re-think everything I know about promotion.

You see, I made a conscious effort not to promote this title. I wanted to see whether the strength of the writing and of the story would be enough to carry it.

The book carries the stamp of approval from the New York Times Bestselling Author Nalini Singh, so I'll do away with false modesty and say it outright: the book is good. It looks like the readers agree.

I can't help wondering, though, how well the book would have sold had I actually put some time and effort into promoting it. New-York-Times-Bestselling-well, perhaps? :-)))

["A brilliant story! I want more!

Nalini Singh,

New York Times Bestselling Author

of Hostage to Pleasure]

New Inteview Up!

Hey Friends,

My friend and fellow author, Allie Boniface has interviewed me for her "Writer's Wednesday" feature and posted it on her blog!

Check it out.

Thanks,
PamT

T-Shirt Promotion?

Hi Friends!

I just posted a new entry on my personal blog about T-shirt promotion as well as Upcoming Events and a place where Readers & Writers connect!

Check it out!

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!"

The Life & Times of A Writer

Hello Again Friends!

If you read my post, A Day in the Life of This Writer, you got a glimpse of my daily schedule. I guess you could say this post is an extension of that one.

Every author is encouraged, no-expected, to promote themselves and their work. “People buy authors!” is the chorus of many industry experts.

Some may wonder how to go about promoting oneself. Interviews, guest blogging, and chats are just a few of the means by which I do this. But, once scheduled, how do you let people know what’s happening?

Although I post information in different ways, this question has haunted me. Even if I announce to different Yahoo groups, MySpace, Shoutlife and other venues, it is virtually impossible to let everyone know!

Well, I may have come up with a little better, somewhat more efficient means to let people know what’s happening and where I’ll be.

Today, I want to share with you my new Schedule of Events.

Posted at my personal blog, is a list of interviews, guest blogs, and other events happening in my writing career at sites that may interest you….not just because I’m there LOL! but because these are interesting places to visit.

Well friends, that’s about all for now!

Until later…take care, God Bless and remember….YOU Are somebody’s hero.
A Hero for Jessica available Now from The Wild Rose Press!

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!"

A Day in the Life of This Writer

Hello Again!

Everyone tells us writers that readers want to know more than your books; they want to know about your life. So here’s an example of my weekday:

4 am – Get up, make coffee, check email then work on edits, new story or promotion.

7:30 am – Take shower, get dressed and leave house by 8.

8:00 am – 6:00 pm work 8 of those 10 hours at my day job as an Insurance Sales Producer, the other hour is traveling time and of course one hour for lunch (about my only real time to relax!)

6 – 8 or 9 pm Write, edit, promote – take an occasional night off to watch a movie with hubby or read.

Weekends – basically follow above procedures except during 8am – 6pm in lieu of going off to work, I spend the majority of those hours writing, editing or promoting.

I do, however, take time off to spend with hubby and/or granddaughter and when the occasion arises, extended family.

Oh, of course, I take time to attend church services on a semi-regular basis. Prayer time? Unceasingly with occasional spurts during my day for longer conversations with the Lord (hello-I get an hour for lunch). J

Is this crazy or what!?

If you read my last post you’ll see that I’ve been writing for more than 25 years and for that entire time, this has been my routine (even when writing in 5-subject notebooks). The exception was when I worked different shifts at a local hospital…during those years (when on evening shift), I wrote from about 7:30 am until 1pm then got ready in order to be to work @ 2:30.

About the only time I really take a break is when we go off on vacation…and then I still manage to at least check email at least once-a-day.

I’ve often considered purchasing a laptop, however knowing myself so well, if I did, I’d NEVER rest and probably end up a divorced recluse LOL!

Why do we writers put ourselves through this?

As with most authors, that answer is multi-faceted. Though “with an edge,” I write inspirational, therefore I write to glorify God and to get His message of love, hope, faith, trust and forgiveness to a hurting world. But no matter for what other reasons an author may write, they all boil down to one main focus: You – Dear Readers!

So the next time you pick up a book from your favorite author….realize what goes into that story (besides our heart and soul).

Well that's my day in a nutshell.

For more information about my life and writing visit my website and/or blog and sign up for my mailing list!

Until later, take care, God BLESS! and remember...YOU are somebody's hero!

A Hero for Jessica available NOW from The Wild Rose Press!

Pamela S Thibodeaux

"Inspirational with an Edge!"

Ready for Valentine's Day?

What could be more Romantic than a bouquet of Roses?

Please join The White Roses of The Wild Rose Press on their Valentine's Day Scavenger’s Hunt.

Below is a list of the participating authors and their websites and blogs. Each of the sites has an identical flower in a different color. Once you've picked all the flowers, copy the names below and list the color of the rose you found on the corresponding author's site(s).Email your answer to: twrpwhiteroses@aol.com. Please include the email address we should use to contact you if you win.

The contest runs from February 1 to the 14th.The Grand prize will be: a mixed bouquet of our eBooks and short stories.First and Second prizes of selected titles will also be awarded.

Good luck!

Georgiana Daniels - http://georgianad.blogspot.com
Cindy Green - http://www.cindykgreen.com/
Kimberlee Mendoza - http://www.kmendoza.com/
Kim Waters- http://www.kimwatters.com/
Pamela S Thibodeaux - http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com
Cami Checketts- http://fitmomma.blogstream.com.
Nicola Beaumont - http://www.inicola.net/
Kara Lynn Russell- http://karalynnrussell.googlepages.com/
Betsy Ann St Amant- http://www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com/
Vicktoria Pitts-Caine - http://vcaine.homestead.com/

Posted by Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!"