Let's talk about marketing books.

Just ouch. Just...ouch. For those who do not frequent the book isle of their local wal-mart super store this is 3000 year old author James Patterson and he wants you to buy his books. Like, a lot. Enough that his publisher thought it good form to always advertise whatever new novel he has coming out. Not only is the film quality oddly antiquated but the delivery of his puns are somewhat stiff as though he was reading off a card. Or, you know, being held at gunpoint. 

The publishing industry does not thrive off of televised media. Books sell, these days, due to online campaign strategies and word-of-mouth marketing and it usually takes weeks and weeks for the right buzz to begin sounding through the forums, groups, blogs, and youtube channels that act as mockingbird for the publishing industry. Trying to market a book through a commercial on TNT is usually not going to be a good investment. But maybe I'm just turned off by the radioactive levels of cheese that these spots are giving off. 

But don't think that all online strategies are clad in gold either. Allow me to educate you on "The House of Night" series, or rather the book trailers that promoted them. 

Girl. What? Is this for a young adult series or a 900 call line? Just weird. And super crunchy videography. (The authors are really nice people though and they've worked hard on the series, I just wish the publisher had treated their work with less ham handed approaches, no shade, only truth.) I would peg this for a softcore porn were I not aware of the the books beforehand.

This one illustrates everything perfectly. The visuals match the book's artwork. The sound design is eerie and atmospheric and the premise is clearly stated without any stupid puns or cryptic, and poorly chosen, typography. I just ordered this book. 

Well shot, interesting design, and a tongue in cheek way of getting the point across. While I've seen this subject matter over and over again, this trailer gives me a sense of character and voice leaving me intrigued to see if the book with match. 

Hope you guys will find these interesting. 

-J.T.