Blog Posts with IE Publishing

An Author with a Voice

3/19/2024

Your readers know you best by the words you’ve written and the stories you’ve created, but do they know your voice? For most people reading a book is simply just engaging in a story from the first to the last page, then putting the book to the side. However, there are some readers that are impacted beyond the pages and remember what they’ve experienced years later.

You only need your phone and internet connection to record and publish your first episode. Read on for pro tips and encouragement! Your audience is waiting.

The before and after . . .

What if you could reach an audience before the book and after its ending?

About 30% of the world’s population are auditory communicators. They thrive in learning and discovering information through discussions, debates, and stories told verbally. A majority of this category indulge in audio books and podcasts, and of course this isn’t exclusive.

The growth of podcasts since COVID-19 has been consistently exponential. As an author you would be tapping into an expansive realm including politics, sports, and other hot topics, but you wouldn’t be the first.

Author John Green of the novel The Fault in Our Stars has a podcast where he talks about being a writer, the inspiration behind his story telling, and his crazy experiences after the novels’ success.

Having a podcast to describe your writing process and share with people the journey you took before and during would open up a lot of perspective and allow people beyond your readers to discover you and your talents.
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The after would include the motivation for your books character building and plot development. Readers always want to know ‘what was this character’s inspiration?’ or ‘what led the author to have this happen?’ or ‘why did the author end the story here?’. Those common lingering questions and genuine curiosity could all be answered by you personally.

Think outside the book!

As mentioned before, answering readers questions would be a key success to your podcast. If you wrote a book in the eyes of the opposite gender, where did you draw your inspiration from? If a serious and impactful character in the book was killed off, why did you make that choice? Why did you choose to write in multiple POV’s? The list has potential to capture the attention of your readers, and other people that come across your podcast.

Everyone wants to know more than what you presented on the pages, so think outside the book!

Another great suggestion is an author interview on your own podcast. You can have another person asking you these questions, or other questions of your choosing. There’s also the ability to have a discussion with your publisher in an interview, and what made them finalize the choice to choose you.
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Creating a community with other author’s that have podcasts can expand your reach. You can stay in the niche of your genre or be open to other possibilities. The other authors don’t need to have a podcast- just feature them on yours.

Keep ’em coming back for more

As much as you promote yourself and your book on social media, make it a point to promote the podcast as well.

Someone stumbling across your book may not be inclined to read it, but they may be interested in your podcast. Just simply listening to how passionate you are about your work may be the turning point for them.
You only need your phone and internet connection to record and publish your first episode, so why not start now?

Spotify provides all the necessary tools and even great tips and suggestions: https://podcasters.spotify.com/resources/learn/how-to/start-a-podcast

Remember – your story doesn’t end on the last page.

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An Author with a Vision

5/28/2024

Book trailers are a great way for authors to promote their work, especially in today’s digital age where people are more likely to consume information visually. You can find them on author websites, social media channels, or even platforms like YouTube.

What are book trailers?

Book trailers are essentially commercials for books, designed to pique your audiences’ interest and get them excited to read your story. They’re short videos, usually around 30 seconds to 2 minutes long, that use a combination of visuals and audio to give you a taste of what to expect during the read.
Have you ever watched a movie trailer that persuaded you to buy a ticket to see the film? Or even purchase the movie itself? Imagine that same concept, but for your book.
Here’s what a book trailer typically does:
• Introduces the genre and tone of the book: Whether it’s a thrilling mystery, a sweeping romance, or a hilarious comedy, the trailer will give you a sense of what you’re in for.
• Highlights key plot points and characters: You’ll get glimpses of the main characters and some of the challenges they’ll face. But don’t worry, they won’t spoil the entire story!
• Hooks you with a compelling message: The trailer will leave you wanting more, eager to dive into the full book and see how the story unfolds.

How are they used?

An engaging trailer can leave a lasting impression on viewers, and the more effort you put into it, the more compelled your audience will be to read the book. Effective trailers can be shared across social media platforms, reaching potential readers who might not have otherwise come across the book.
Ultimately, the goal of a book trailer is to generate interest and lead to sales. Book trailers can boost sales by capturing the essence of the book, making the genre and tone clear, and enticing viewers to take action. Studies have shown that people are more likely to purchase a product after seeing a video about it. Trailers can be a powerful tool for authors to convert that interest into sales.

How are they made?

Book trailers can be made in a few different ways, depending on budget and desired complexity. Here’s a breakdown of the general process:

1. Concept and Script: This is where you brainstorm and solidify the key message you want your trailer to convey. Write a script that outlines the visuals, narration (if any), and music to achieve that goal.
   
2. Gathering Assets: This involves collecting the visual and audio elements you’ll use in the trailer. These can include:
   o Filmed Scenes (Live-Action): For a more professional look, you can film short scenes with actors portraying characters or depicting key events.
   o Stock Footage: Websites offer royalty-free video clips that you can use to represent certain settings, moods, or actions.
   o Images: This could be book cover art, character portraits, or evocative images related to the story’s themes.
   o Text Overlays: Text on screen can be used to introduce key lines, chapter titles, or other elements.
   o Music and Sound Effects: Music sets the mood and tone, while sound effects can add realism and impact.
   
3. Editing: The magic happens here! You’ll use video editing software to assemble your clips, images, text, and audio into a cohesive and engaging sequence. There are many editing programs available, some with user-friendly interfaces suitable for beginners.
   
4. Polishing and Distribution: Once you’re happy with your trailer, add any final touches like titles, credits, or calls to action. Then, export the video in a format suitable for online sharing on platforms like YouTube, social media, or your author website.
   
   Alternative Approaches
   • Animation: If you’re comfortable with animation software or can hire an animator, you can create a more visually unique trailer using animation.
   • Online Trailer Makers: There are online services that offer pre-made templates and tools specifically designed for creating book trailers. These can be a good option for beginners or those on a tight budget.