Words Are Power
Book trailers usually stink, in my opinion (if you don’t know what a “book trailer” is, it’s like a promotional movie trailer or preview… except it’s for a book).
This one I just posted below on my
literary agent blog is fantastic.
One of my coaching clients sent it to me because she knows I have a sense of humor. Then I got to thinking… you might have a sense of humor too.
So, here it is…
…a fun reminder that books and the publishing
industry aren’t dead.
Yes, people are still reading…
…in spite of all the “noise” in our society
…in spite of all the new technology.
You know, all those whiz-bang electronic devices
taking over the world.
Yes, it’s still a good time to be an author.
So, here’s an ode to the good old-fashioned book
(you remember those, don’t you)?
I hope you enjoy it!
There aren’t many things in life that I love
more than words.
Let’s see…
Well, first there is my wife (don’t worry, honey,
I really do love you more than words).
And then there’s love poetry (oh, shoot…
that doesn’t count, there are words involved).
Wait, I also enjoy helping authors get literary agents
(darn it, that involves words too).
Okay, fine.
I also like silence.
But I can’t stand your silence.
So make sure you say hello below and/or
post a question for me,
Mark Malatesta
Your “Undercover” Agent
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MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
I loved every second of it! I live very simply, only owning what I use every week. No car, TV, stereo, CDs, DVDs, video games, iPhone, etc., Other than my iMac and a lamp, I don’t having anything to plug in. I cook from scratch, making my own bread and butter every week. I’ve never owned a microwave. Frankly, after they invented air-conditioning and indoor plumbing, I was content. I’ve always been an old soul. The only thing I put in my ears are Q-Tips. (Not much of a platform, huh?)
Ha ha. At least you have a Mac and inspiration to write. What more does one need? Mark
Hi Mark,
That was a good one 🙂
Who makes the trailer? Does the author have the authority to make changes in the trailer? Who does?
Rahul
You can make a book trailer yourself or hire someone to do it. In this case, I believe the publisher probably paid someone to have it done. Mark
As much as I like having my kindle for travel, and I live an hour’s drive from the nearest bookstore, I still enjoy the aethetic of a book. Books have texture. There’s nothing like the smell of new pages as I flip through a book at the bookshop. And if I am reading nonfiction, I like being able to flip to the pictures any time rather than scrolling through the e book to find the location.
Ultimately, the e book thing will be like the predicted death of radio when TV gained popularity; there will be room for both. .
That is my biggest complaint. You can’t dog-ear the pages in a Kindle for easy reference. Or quickly flip back and forth between two sections. Or photocopy a section. Or scribble notes. Or… damn. Why did I buy this thing again? Just kidding. I love them both. The digital edition, and the real thing. 🙂
“At the tone, please write your comment and Mark’s web site will post it as soon as possible…”
I loved the trailer! Especially the fact that it used technology to promote the un-technology of a book.
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I loved the trailer! Especially the fact that it used technology to promote the un-technology of a book.
“Press 3 to review your comment, 4 to edit it, or 5 to post it.”
[4]
I loved the trailer! Especially the irony of using some pretty fancy technology to promote the un-technology of a book.
“Press 3 to review your comment, 4 to edit it, or 5 to post it.”
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“Thank you for posting a comment. Good bye!”
Good bye!
Hi Derick, glad you liked it… and I didn’t even think about the irony of using technology to make fun of technology. Have a great rest of the day and I’ll talk with you soon. 😉
I was wondering what your prices are for all of the things that you offer. I would love to work with you one on one to help with different parts of the publishing process.
Hi Casheena, I suggest that you start here with a one-hour call: https://literary-agents.com/book-marketing/book-marketing-coach. It’s a special offer that I let any author do just once… a low-risk way for you to get valuable, concrete advice… no matter what stage of the game you’re at… but also see if we’d be a good fit to do more things together. But 98% of the call is about giving you real information and strategies that you can use… with or without me. Let me know what you think. Looking forward to learning more about you and your work. Mark
Love it Mark!!
As a writer I fought tooth and nail against owning an e-reader, and was quite proud of it. But, my son got me a Kindle for Christmas, and well, I certainly couldn’t give it back. I have to say, I’m torn between “the book” and my Kindle. I still love to “turn the page”, but I do love that instant gratification from my Kindle, especially if it’s for research for my writing.
I agree, it’s an amazing time to be an author, I think we fit quite nicely in both worlds, don’t you?
I shared the video, too cute!! Loving your posts. Have a great holiday weekend!
I took forever to get one but now you can’t tear it away from me. I even read my clients’ work on there. So convenient to have everything in one little place. Thanks for taking a moment to say hello… hope you continue to enjoy the posts. And have a great weekend! Mark
Refresingly direct, engaging, and charming. Best of success.
Hi Mark, I loved the trailer.
Was hoping you would. 🙂 Have a great weekend! Mark
“It’s A Book”
I Love It. – love it so much I’d like to send it out as a promo for my own… one day… after editing, re-editing, editing, re-writing, re-editing… oh yeah writing a query letter, editing that, re-editing that, etc. You get the picture… labor pains.
But I still love it!
Awesome, isn’t it? I know how busy you must be. All we can keep saying is… one step at a time. Have a good weekend! Mark
Wonderful commentary on today’s world. There is nothing better than curling up with a book and turning the pages.
Hi George,
Which is your favorite book? Actually I’m looking for good fiction that keeps me glued to it.
Rahul