What Works and What Doesn’t- My Experience So Far Pt. 3
Part 3- Trailers and free short stories
I can’t link a good trailer directly to book sales and most of the research says there is little if any correlation. But I still think it’s a good idea. I doubt many people buy a particular book solely from seeing a trailer, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do one if you have the time and talent. Again, your goal should be exposing people to your book in as many avenues as possible. I have posted my trailer on several sites with over 200 views, so someone is watching it.
Watch my most super cool trailer ever right here (really, if you don’t love it, I’ll eat my hat…or fire helmet):
In this blog, I have included discussions of trailers and free short stories because the goal is the same–exposing your book to a wider range of people. All of these ideas take time. As a way to promote my world of Epertase, I decided I’d give away free content on occasion. Rhemalda agreed to include my first free short story in their inaugural online newsletter and there have been thousands of downloads of said newsletter. If half of those people actually read my story, I have successfully displayed my writing to a ton of people who might never have seen my imaginary world at all.
Even if these people love the free stories, that doesn’t mean they will rush out and buy my book because they probably won’t. But, again, my goal is getting on their radar. When they see Epertase or my name again, maybe they will decide to give me a shot. Or the next time after that… who knows.
“Well, you have a publisher behind you,” you might say. True.
I put my story on Smashwords, Feedbooks, Goodreads, etc., and have had over 500 downloads of it to date. You, too, can do that with a little work. You can read my short story by downloading Rhemalda’s Opus or searching one of the previously mentioned sites for “Love, Death, and Loneliness.” Here’s the link to Feedbooks:
http://www.feedbooks.com/userbook/19779/love-death-and-loneliness.
I have a second short story for Rhemalda’s June Opus and I plan to give it away on all of the outlets as well. My goal is three free stories from my Epertase world by the time my novel releases on Aug. 1st.
Sure, you run the risk of alienating potential buyers if your freebies aren’t well done, but you have to trust your writing. The fact that I have exposed myself to a few thousand people was worth that risk. It also helps that my trailer and short story have been well received to date. (I was fortunate to have a supremely talented cover artist named Steve Murphy, to help with the trailer and give me a killer cover for my short story, if you don’t have that luxury, you have to be creative, but you’re a writer–you can do it.
So what do you all think? Am I wasting my time? I’d like to hear your reactions.
I hope exposing my own semi-successes and failures can help you with your book marketing.
Thanks for listening.
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I guess the real story is that a writer can never truly know whether any particular promo attempt has actually resulted in a sale or not. What really counts is getting your name out there. That can never be a bad thing. I’m sure that any writer’s popularity is like a rolling snowball – if it keeps rolling, it ought to grow. Anything that can keep that snowball rolling – like freebie short stories, book trailers, signings, interviews etc – will help add snow to the pile. As it grows, so more people will come to hear of it and hopefully give it a nudge!
Here’s to your snowball, Doug – may it continue to roll and to grow! And thanks once more for sharing such personal information – I have found it extremely helpful.
In reality, first books and unknown authors have it the toughest of all. It’s hard to get your name out there. I think one of the best things I ever did was follow a lot of blogs and comment on them. My name got to be familiar to people, then when they hear about my work their ears perk up. I think getting your name out there and not the “book out there” is better. People buy names. It’s a lot easier to get your name out there seven times to one person than your book. That way they don’t feel like you’re trying to sell them something. This is what I was talking about in my interview about “giving back.” I like to help others with their work, and that effective gets my name in their head on a very personal level. If I honestly care about them, which I do, it shows, and they’ll remember.
Anyway, this is just me rambling, sorry.
I think getting your short stories out there is a fantastic idea! It certainly gets your name out and not just your book. Keep at all this, Doug! It will pay off later, but as I’m sure you know, good writing is what will really sell your book.
Well said. Getting yourself into as many avenues is the way to go… if people see you everywhere, they can just ignore you and go onto something new since you’re already there. You have so much going for you, keep up the good work.
I completely agree with you on trailers, they don’t necessarily sell your book but, if made right, it is a great way to remember the book and author for making something unique and eye-catching.
Shorts, both free and cheap, have been proven time and time again as a draw to entice new readers to your work. It was even brought up at ThrillerFest last year as a viable way to raise awareness.
Looking forward to seeing your success bloom!
You’re trailer is the second best one I’ve ever seen. I’m just sayin’ . . .
I’ve considered putting some shorts out there and even giving away one of my fulls. I’m just not sure though.
Second, Amber? You are too tough on me.
But, yes, your trailer is super cool.
Stan,thanks for following the blogs. I’m happy to know you, sir.
Yes, Michelle, I think the free shorts has been my best exposure, though I haven’t received much feedback from it compared to the amount of downloads. But it’s out there and that is what is important. I agree with the blog commenting 100%. I should have done a fourth day on that.
The problem with snowballs, Cas, is that they can melt. Here’s to none of our snowballs melting.
You are welcome. I’m just a regular dude looking to find the best for my authors and spread it on to others if they will have me. The publishing world is such a tough place right now, whether traditionally published or self-pubbed. There are so many great books out there that people just need to find out about.
By the way, one of my favorite trailers is Rick Chesler’s, Wired Kingdom. While I’m partial to it because he is one of our authors, and well, I created it, it’s just goodtimes in a video =)>.
Thanks for having me. Looking forward to more correspondence.
Stan,
I just went and watched the trailer for Rick Chesler’s, Wired Kingdom. Thank you for sharing it.
Emmaline – Rhemalda Publishing