[brian-hylbert Posts: 3 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

hi, i'm considering investing in creating a short trailer for my debut, self-published picture book.  my question is: would this be
something that potential publishers, agents, and the like even care about?  how effective a tool for highlighting the actual work
itself have others found a short trailer to be?
i'm in touch with a talented videographer, but asking myself if it's a worthwhile investment.

cheers,

Tobias

[dinalapomy101 Posts: 1,875 Status: Offline Happy writing to all!]

The main audience for a book trailer should be potential customers, like a short commercial. If the book is already published (self or otherwise), agents and editors won't be interested in that content.

[JulieM Posts: 995 Status: Offline]

In case you are interested, a staffer at my publisher (in Australia) made a short and simple trailer for my book published this week. It is on their web site and in social media to promote the new release. https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/8009/

[Melody Posts: 498 Status: Offline]

I got mine done for about $50. I can put you in touch with Opal if you like. She is here in the US.

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 7,068 Status: Offline Language is so cool!]

The main audience for a book trailer should be potential customers, like a short commercial. If the book is already published (self or otherwise), agents and editors won't be interested in that content.

This. Once you publish, it's published. Unless you sell over 5000 copies, no one in the industry will look at it. Why buy a product that failed and expect if to succeed for you? Remember, this is a business.

[brian-hylbert Posts: 3 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

This. Once you publish, it's published. Unless you sell over 5000 copies, no one in the industry will look at it. Why buy a product that failed and expect if to succeed for you? Remember, this is a business.

i get your point.  i'm approaching this debut as a sort of "proof of concept" for the series that it kicks off.  maybe an intriguing trailer could
pique someone's interest in the concept and aesthetic regardless of whatever paltry # of product i move in my little world... maybe not.
i may be naive in thinking this can be anything more than a "failed product" as you put it without having some real publicity traction already.
i appreciate your candor, 
(slumps off)

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 7,068 Status: Offline Language is so cool!]

Success has many definitions. The definition a publisher would use doesn't have to be yours. Many traditionally published books don't sell 5000 copies either, so try to get that trailer where your customers are. And see how many books you can sell.

[Melody Posts: 498 Status: Offline]

Brian, as others have mentioned, trailers are to plug the book. I do not use my trailers to attract anyone but potential readers. I use them on social media when I am releasing a new book. I think that's what a lot of authors use them for.  There are lots of ways to advertise. You just have to find the method that works for you.