I’m thrilled to announce that my Chaos Calling Book Trailer #1 is available on Youtube!

Update: The final trailer is also available here!

Why did you make a book trailer?

First, book trailers have been a necessary part of marketing new novels and series for the last decade. Video has been king ever since YouTube secured its place behind Google as the second biggest search engine on the planet.

Second, factor in the growing emphasis on video-based content in online search results and one thing was clear. Making a book trailer was going to be key piece in my marketing plan.

Fortunately, my work in marketing means I know a lot of people who are excellent videographers and producers.

Sim and I have worked together on video projects in the past. Working with them, I got someone who a) understood my vibe and b) produced something way cooler than I would have made alone.

Want proof? Here’s what happens when I’m left to my own devices.

The audio timing isn’t quite right. Oh well.

Production Process

Chaos Calling: Book 1 of The Xenthian Cycle entered production in November 2021. When I submitted the manuscript for copy edit, Wes and I were already working on the cover. I knew a book trailer was high on my list of marketing assets.

So, I approached Sim about their availability and booked the project. Freelancers often book up months ahead, which means it’s important to plan ahead of your deadlines.

After booking Sim’s time, I wrote a creative brief. Not familiar with the term? It’s a marketing document that explains the goals, intent, deliverables and budget of a project. I sent it to Sim with a loose script, some suggestions for photography, and some music I listened to when I was writing.

I LOVE the song they picked, which we agreed was perfect during the first round of feedback. Sim gave me several other options, but this one was a clear winner. Thematically, gives just the right amount of Terminator 2: Judgement Day. (To this day, it’s one of the best action movies I’ve ever seen.) Our track has more drums than synthesizers, however, making it more 2022 than Brad Fiedel’s score.

Adjusting the photos, pacing, storytelling and graphics took two rounds of feedback.

I’m so happy with the result!

Are you a TikTok person?

No problem.

You can watch the mobile version of the Chaos Calling book trailer on my Tiktok profile. Go check it out!