If you’re wondering how to create a book video, the good news is: there’s no single “right” way. Sure, cinematic book trailers are the go-to for many authors, but the world of book video is way bigger and way more exciting than you think. From quick-hit TikToks to full-blown mini-movies, knowing how to create a book video can supercharge your marketing strategy. Here are ten killer ideas to get you started.
BOOK TRAILER
TELL ALL by Chuck Palahniuk
Publisher: Doubleday
First up is the classic book trailer. These are a bit old-school, think stock image slideshows, basic animations, and a sprinkle of press quotes. They’re usually low-budget, but if you know how to create a book video with a little creativity and polish (like this one), they can still make a strong impact.
CINEMATIC BOOK TRAILER
INTO THE CURRENT by Jared Young
Publisher: Goose Lane Editions
Some trailers that pretty much live on Youtube belong in movie theaters and are often mistaken for movie trailers. For example, Chris R. Moberg’s trailer for Jared Young’s debut novel is so friggin’ creative, it won the Jury Award for Excellence in Title Design at SXSW in 2017!
BLURB TRAILER
THE BOY WHO KILLED CATERPILLARS by Joshua Kornreich
Publisher: Marick Press
Blurb trailers are like the punk rock version of book videos, fast, loud, and all about the hype. If you want to make a book video that actually feels raw and real (not like a cheesy ad), check out how this one nails it.
SIZZLE REEL
THE TALISMAN – Stephen King and Peter Straub
Publisher: Random House
In this example, director Matthieu Ratthe creates a demo scene for THE TALISMAN by Stephen King and the late Peter Straub using its first chapter. Provided they are produced professionally, sizzle reels are often mistaken for movie scenes and demonstrate the visual potential of a story.
For more detailed insights on when to start promoting your book, check out our guide on when to start marketing your book.
AUTHOR TRAILER
IN SEARCH OF LOST CAUSES – Hamid Dabashi
Author trailers aren’t just polished interviews, they’re your chance to get raw, loud, and personal. Whether you’re dropping truth bombs in nonfiction or spinning wild fiction worlds, a killer book video puts your voice front and center. Rip down the fourth wall and drag readers straight into your chaos.
CHARACTER TRAILER
BROKEN by Fred M. Kray
Most of the time, it’s all about setting the tone of a book. Character trailers introduce readers to key players, allowing for added layers of atmosphere and anticipation. These book videos are great for character-driven stories!
TRAILERGRAM
THE POWER by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill
You can probably guess that a Trailergram is an extremely short book trailer, usually only a few seconds long. These videos are structured to capture the short attention spans of Instagrammers scrolling through their feeds.
SHORT FILM
THIS JEALOUS EARTH by Scott Dominic Carpenter
Publisher: MG Press
Books inspire feature-length movies all the time. However, there’s no reason they can’t be adapted into short films. Short films are a particularly good idea for short story collections. They give viewers an inkling of what kind of story they can expect from your book.
MOCKUMENTARY
HAPPY MUTANT BABY PILLS by Jerry Stahl
Publisher: William Morrow
Reality show meets book marketing in this unique book trailer style. It’s comedic and gives viewers a laugh. Plus it’s an opportunity for the author to charm potential readers. If viewers like an author, they will likely check out their books.
If you enjoyed this piece, check out The 9 Most Important YouTube Analytics For Book Trailers
Feeling ambitious, do a DIY deep dive with: How to Make a Cinematic Book Trailer: A Step by Step Guide for Authors
To learn more ways to create stunning book trailers, check out this video from the folks at Reedsy.
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!
