Book trailers have really taken off in popularity the past two years, this last year in particular. The thing you need to keep in mind is that the same copyright infringement issues we, as authors, have about people/organizations using our work without permission are the same rights we have to respect in our pursuit to make the perfect book trailer.
I’m going to make a list here with suggestions for sites where you can purchase images or find free images. I’ll do the same for music and toss in a few links to instructional sites/blogs to help you get going.
As far as how to put it all together? I use the Windows Movie Maker that came on my computer. It’s simple, fast, and effective. The goal is not to spend a lot of money on your book trailer, so finding and utilizing free resources is key.
Here we go.
Royalty Free Stock Photos:
In my opinion, most of these pictures are pretty well circulated on all the photo sites. The only real difference is price in most cases. I personally deal with iStock and have never had a problem with their product or service. If you want, feel free to Google “royalty free” clipart/photos/film/etc.
Royalty Free Music Downloads:
If you’re looking for something specific, then a general Google of “royalty free” music, or “free audio clips”, or “royalty free sound clips” should fix you up. Just keep in mind “royalty free” is key to keeping you safe from copyright infringement.
Promotional/Distribution Channels
Software:
Tutorials:
I think that about does it for me. There are more than enough resources listed above for anyone wanting to give making their own book trailers a try.
If you’d like to watch a few examples, you can check out some of LSB’s offerings here or Samhain’s here.
If you’re still looking at this and scratching your head, then there are a few authors who make book trailers for a fair price. You can try Nina Pierce or Chocolate Covered Promotions.
If you’re game to give this a go, have fun!
Hailey writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy.
