Publication - and even even more on Trailers

17 February 2012, Publication - and even even more on Trailers

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

After you have recorded your trailer and you are happy with the results, now is the time to really make it into a trailer.  Most digital recorders and many computers come with digital editing software.  You can edit your trailer with this software and make it really appear professional.  You can add titles, graphics, photos, cover shots, and music.  You can make the trailer as fancy and artistic as you can stand.

Covers are always a required show in your trailer.  Just cut in a shot of your cover and throw in your and your novel's websites.  If you or your novel don't have websites, you need to get them and make them.  If your book includes maps or graphics, you can also throw them into the trailer.  Be judicious, but provide some exciting material.  Put in the name of your novel in the title of the trailer and include your name too.  There is so much that is possible using digital video editing, it would be nearly impossible to go over every possible combination and capability.  Make it simple or make it complex, video editing can significantly improve your trailer.  Do forget, you need to own the rights to the items you put in your trailer--like the music, pictures, graphics, etc.

More on book trailers tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.