Videos and Giveaways
Posted by annastan on February 29th, 2012. Filed under: Contests, My Very UnFairy Tale Life, Videos.First, I’m doing one last UnFairy Tale giveaway on Goodreads, so if you’re in the market for a signed copy of the book, here is your chance. (The reason it’s my last giveaway is that Goodreads only allows contests for books that have come out in the past six months.) (Wowza, has it really been almost six months since my book came out? How did that happen?) (Apparently, I really like parentheses today.)
And now on to videos. I need your help!
For a while now I’ve been wanting to do a YouTube video to help promote my book (in addition to the book trailer I did a while back). At first, I was thinking it would be very simple: an image of the book cover with my voice over it. But then Heather rightly pointed out that it would feel pretty static. Then I was thinking it could be me talking about the inspiration for the book, reading the original first page, and then sharing the final first chapter. But the problem with that is the total lack of humor and personality.
So now I’m brainstorming and I’d love to hear your ideas. My goal is to have the video be not only for people who’ve read the book, but for those who might have not heard of it. I’m not trying to make a viral video, just one that’s interesting/funny/wacky enough to reflect the spirit of the book.
Let the ideas flow!
February 29th, 2012 at 8:39 am
I love parentheses! No, really, they drive my creative writing class crazy, but parentheses are an intrinsic part of my style.
I am going to send Anita Laydon Miller your way because she is great at ideas for videos. I think you definitely need a Jenny to appear. And most-def a gnome.
I love the way you handle your career!
February 29th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
I think video often comes across cheesy in trailers but it totally depends on the trailer. I’d look for stock images that you can use and then some fun music. Either come up with a script to go with the images or find a young girl to narrate or do both. Short and sweet.
Good luck!
February 29th, 2012 at 8:29 pm
I think you should read the first page with a frog on your head! Seriously!
I need to get on Goodreads one of these days.!
March 1st, 2012 at 6:33 am
I like when authors post videos reading the first few pages, but let us see you, not just the book cover. You can hold up your book and show the cover. But I agree that a static image is kind of boring. Readers will connect to you more if they get to see you. JMO
March 1st, 2012 at 8:39 am
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! I’ll keep brainstorming.
Kelly P, I was totally thinking along those lines–I seriously considered putting a unicorn on my head.
March 1st, 2012 at 11:33 am
How about icluding video clips from some of your readers (slash) fans (slash) target audience reading aloud their favorite lines from the book?
Those ( )’s are just for you!