The Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch - Book Trailer

I make no comments or opinions about the book since I have not read it. What I write is about the trailer only.

While I look for book trailers that were posted within the last few months, I came across this one from a few years ago and was intrigued.

It's a brilliant little animated art film done by filmmaker Milena Aijala.

It's very watchable even if I don't find out what the book is about.  The score gives an appropriately suspenseful vibe.

This book trailer for The Republic of Thieves is so good on its own, it makes me think the book must be pretty good, too.

I even looked it up on Amazon. Looks like Mr. Lynch has got a substantial following of readers.

The Ego Sentry: Guardian In The Shadows by De Jarous Bell - Book Trailer

I make no comments or opinions about the book since I have not read it. What I write is about the trailer only.

Books are about reading. But with videos, not so much.

So, if you're going to make me read a long scroll of text, you'd better be sure it's a clean, easy-to-read typeface, and not in all bold caps.  That will just enrage me and compel me to write a snarky review about your book trailer.

Kudos for keeping it at 40 seconds, and I see there's a follow up video, which I won't watch.

The image of your book cover at the end is quite stunning. There. I ended on an up note.

Cruel Awakening by Zena Xenae - Book Trailer

I make no comments or opinions about this book since I have not read it. What I write is about the trailer only.

In under 25 seconds this trailer tells us ... um ... not much.

I was able to quickly read a few words when the book opened in the video, so was able to see that it's about abuse.

It's a good-looking trailer, but lacks in creating any real interest.

THE WIDOW by Fiona Barton - Book Trailer

I make no comments or opinions about this book since I have not read it. What I write is about the trailer only.

Here is a sure-fire formula for an effective book trailer:

Start with a three-sentence premise. Also known as "the elevator pitch."

Then, use any great quotes from good reviews in a clean typeface. If you're lucky, the words of the reviewer can describe what your book is about so much better than piecing together a bunch of images or video clips you've purchased from a site like Shutterstock.

Use one background image that sets the tone for your trailer and matches your carefully selected musical score.

Be sure to show your book cover at the end.

Make your video under one minute long.

And there you have it, the book trailer to The Widow by Fiona Barton.

Whispers by Aram Keledjian - Book Trailer

I make no comments or opinions about this book since I have not read it. What I write is about the trailer only.

Although, this book trailer truly makes me want to read it ...

Clocking in at just 40 seconds, the teaser for Whispers by Aram Keledjian does the trick.

Animated script in ink is painted across the pages to create sepia tones and intrigue. The just-the-right-level of dramatic music underscores the text, inviting us to know more, to feel a sense of urgency.

This is a master class in how a book trailer should be done.

The Siren Book Trailer

I make no comments or opinions about this book since I have not read it. What I write is about the trailer only.

The book trailer for The Siren by Kiera Cass is just about perfect.

In under two minutes we know who the main character is and the conflict in the story. The score is a great fit, and the captions tell us just enough.

A book trailer need not contain live action, but when it does, the production needs to be high end, as it is here.

Nicely done.  

The Protector Book Trailer

I make no comments or opinions about the book since I have not read it. What I write is about the trailer only.

At first viewing, the book trailer for The Protector by Jodi Ellen Malpas is exciting and dynamic. Thematically, it is unified in its color palette, imagery, score and the world it creates. The font is great and the captions are to the point.  It seems well edited and is fun to watch.

But on second viewing I realized how generic this book trailer is, almost as if it was chosen from a batch of pre-made videos, and this one worked best for the The Protector. It would fit well with any of a hundred books.

We needed to see something very specific about the hero and heroine, an emotional connection; just one scene with the couple in the same frame would have done it. (Other than a sex scene.)The clip with hands gave me a glimpse of what I was missing.

Clocking in at almost 4 minutes, it is way too long.

As it is, this trailer is all smoke and mirrors.