Book Marketing has a long history of promoting titles with rather conventional (and conservative ?) methods. This long tradition is continually evolving with the advent of new media marketing opportunities online, including online video. Since its launch in November 2007, TurnHere's Bookvideos.tv has captured the attention of readers and introduced an innovative way for the publishing industry to market books online. Our video-centric Web site showcases video-profiles of popular authors discussing their newest titles. Readers have really connected with the video, enjoying the perspective that the author brings to the experience of reading.
Using web videos as part of their online marketing strategy, publishers can distinguish themselves from the competition and give book enthusiasts an in-depth view of their titles. Columbia University recently published an article about the benefits of online video for book publishers and more specifically Bookvideos.tv.
From the article:
“The films are shot by local filmmakers wherever the author happens to be, cutting costs and imbuing the films with a natural, homey vibe.
“There’s a certain magic when you get a local producer and local writer together,” explained Brad Inman, founder and CEO of TurnHere. “They create a story together that they think will be engaging for the reader.” He added, “It’s a new way—an easy, efficient way—to get authors out there.” To date, 20 different publishing companies have signed on with BookVideos, among them Simon & Schuster, for which BookVideos has made more than 100 author shorts.
Writers whose books have book club appeal, like Walls and Picoult, are perfect subjects for the videos, according to Sue Fleming, vice president of online and consumer marketing for Simon & Schuster’s adult publishing division, because their personal narratives “engender discussion.”
On May 8, 2008, we launched the latest version of Bookvideos.tv. The new site has a ton of features and all the social tools you can think of! We love feedback and are always looking for comments to improve the site so please let us know what you think about it.
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