Book trailers have been a thing for a while now. Consequently, some are good, some are meh, some are amazing. That said, trailers aren’t the only way authors can promote books with video. Right now 71% of all online activity involves watching video. Creatives in the publishing and film industries are inventing new ways to reach out to readers. Author videos are just one example. Here’s a look at some of the best author videos online. From bestselling established authors like James Patterson and Anthony Swofford to successful self-published authors, and even legendary rock icons!
HOTELS HOSPITALS AND JAILS by Anthony Swofford
Sometimes authors are also terrific actors. Jarhead scribe Anthony Swofford appeared in one of the first cinematic book trailers ever filmed!
JAMES PATTERSON – MasterClass Promo
A trailer for James Patterson’s 22-video writing class. The insanely popular MasterClass produces promo videos for each guest speaker. Seems like this one could be the new benchmark for author videos as far as image quality.
SPAM NATION by Brian Krebs
Former Washington Post reporter and cybercrime expert Brian Krebs appears in this interview-style trailer that uses branded graphics and creepy music. We think it sounds like an episode of True Detective.
HOW TO HANG A WITCH by Adriana Mather
This super-meta-author video uses clips from the full-length cinematic book trailer for How to Hang a Witch, merging the author interview with behind-the-scenes clips.
DAYS OF RAIN AND BLOOD by Rod Hewitt
An emotionally engaging interview footage mixed with cinematic B-roll and gorgeous, haunting music. Days of Rain and Blood is Hewitt’s forthcoming first novel.
FACE THE MUSIC by Paul Stanley
KISS legend Paul Stanley jams out on his acoustic as he tells readers about his new memoir and what inspired him to tell his story.
STRANGE AS IT SEEMS by Chip Jacobs
Because sometimes a minute just isn’t enough! This video for Chip Jacobs‘ bio of his uncle, the great Gordon Zahler is probably more of a short documentary.
YOU HAD ME AT WOOF by Julie Klam
Author Julie Klam appears with Oscar-winner Timothy Hutton in her hilarious mockumentary-style book video.
LIVING IN FLOW by Sky Nelson-Isaacs
Legit scientist and author Sky Nelson-Isaacs explains the science of trusting the universe in his book Living in Flow, which contains sage-like wisdom that applies to pretty much everyone who’s ever experienced fear or anxiety or even hesitation.
THE WAR OF THE ROSES, etc by Warren Adler
The late and highly prolific Warren Adler (War of the Roses, Random Hearts) made one of the first cinematic author videos ever and it remains an online benchmark for quality and generating reader interest.
Need a book trailer? Film 14 offers book trailers for authors and services such as audiobook recording, book cover design, and more! Check us out here, or shoot us an email! Want to make your own book trailer? Check out our free guide!
