Used to be you bought a book and that was about it. Today that’s only part of the fun. There’s a whole electronic revolution going on. Books are not immune. The most obvious is in the rise of ebooks. I received a few emails the other day letting me know that Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy, my July release, is available not only in print but in ebook form through fictionwise. That is a fabulous alternative for those who prefer ebooks. And, really, the more chances you have to buy my book, the happier I am.
There are less obvious non-print ways to hear about, and talk about, books. For example, I was the inaugural author podcast here at Access Romance. Did you guys check it out? If so, please ignore my babbling… The point in doing it was to offer another avenue for you to connect with me and with my new release.
Then there’s my new favorite book “thing” - the book trailer. I had watched book trailers for other folks. Enjoyed them. Thought some were better than others. Found most to be pretty clever. Frankly, I didn’t know what to expect with the book trailer for my book. But, turns out I love it. You can watch mine here on my website . The tone is perfect for the book - sexy with a touch of humor and touch of mystery. The images work. All in all, a good experiment and one I plan on repeating (sorry Mica and Walt but your work is not done…).
Me liking the book trailer and trying out these ideas is one thing. You guys tuning in is another. What are your thoughts? Do you listen to things like podcasts and watch book trailers? Do you care about any of these non-print forms or does your interest start and end with the book (and maybe the author’s website)? In other words, are we authors entertaining ourselves or does this stuff have any impact?
Chime in with your thoughts and you’ll be entered to win your choice of one of my 2006 releases - WHEN GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO BAD BOYS or VIVA LAS BAD BOYS! I’ll randomly select someone from those commenting and post the winner here on Monday. Good luck!
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I listened to your podcast. It was good. I love watching trailers! I even made one for another author for a contest. They are really hard to do and it’s great that author’s take the time to do it.
by Amy S.
on July 20th, 2007 at 6:34 am
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I like pod casts and book trailers but I tend not to know about them until I hear about it on an author’s blog or web site. I’m not sure of the best way to get media like that to potential new readers. I think having both print and e-book available is very important. I know people who swear by one or the other for various reasons, and I would think the more your books are available, the better! =)
by Erica R
on July 20th, 2007 at 8:40 am
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I only read books that I can hold and don’t do podcasts, trailers, etc. I have limited time to spend on the computer so am picky about the Author’s sites I visit. I do have several blogs on my daily visit list and like the ones - such as AccessRomance - that feature several authors. Newsletter are great, too, except for those that are unorganized and tooooooo long.
by Karen B
on July 20th, 2007 at 10:25 am
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I listened to your podcast a couple of weeks ago and found it very enjoyable and witty. I think the trailer for “Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy” is one of the best I’ve seen and I have watched plenty. I even bought a book by an author I had never read before based on his trailer and loved it! 
I don’t read e-books, but have cousins and friends that do, which makes having books in both formats very important.
by Susan
on July 20th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
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For me, it is all about the book. Have not tried listening to a podcast but enjoy reading or hearing author interviews, etc. As for movie trailers, they can be fun and interesting but don’t influence me on how I feel about a book or whether to purchase the book.
by Little Lamb Lost
on July 20th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
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i can only read the book, but i do like the trailers sometimes.
by kim h
on July 20th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
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I love the fact that some main stream books are now available in e-book format. Podcast and book trailers are okay as long as it can load on my computer (very old computer, lol)>
by Lisa W
on July 20th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
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Unfortunately, I am still on dialup which makes it almost impossible to do trailers and podcasts. I also don’t have one of those reader thingies (I am very technically challenged lol) and I share my computer so I just can’t sit here and read ebooks although I know I’m missing out on a lot of good books. I guess I still love the print book and they’re all keepers for me.
by catslady
on July 20th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
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I’m old fashioned I like to read books in print, I’m not really a fan of e-books. I want it in my hands!:-)
As for podcasts and book trailers, I don’t think it can hurt to try and reach more readers that way, but for me a good excerpt is all it takes for me to get into a book! And a good cover.:-)
I love author web sites, so I can find out what’s next!
by Carol A.
on July 20th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
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I have only read one trailer so far - it takes me awhile to get onboard with new things.
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
by Pat L
on July 20th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
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I like to read print books. I have seen a few book trailers, but none that would convince me to read them if I hadn’t already decided to do so.
by Joyce
on July 20th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
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I mainly use author websites and various blogs to obtain information on books, but lately, I also have watched some book trailers and enjoyed them. I have read a few e-books, but still prefer to have a book in my hands…am slow to accept new methods I guess.
by Shari C
on July 20th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
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I love book trailers. I think it is a plus when there done well. As far as books at the actual books, if a book is good I always look at the authors website. I have never read an ebook (yes I live under a rock). They have just not interest me. I like the thing of opening a book, the joy you get when you finish the last page. I like to put it on my shelf, so that I can think about the characters.
by Patty L
on July 20th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
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I too have dial up and very little free time. I tend to check out a few blogs most mornings. That’s it! I prefer to use any extra time I have for reading. I also like to hold a book in my hands. Although, I applaud your efforts to reach more people, I’m technically challenged and not very eager to change my ways.
by Laurie
on July 21st, 2007 at 7:17 am
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I enjoy book trailers but can’t comment on podcasts since I don’t have any experience with them. Hopefully, I will be getting a pda for my birthday so I can enjoy ebooks more. My laptop time is limited.
by Cherie J
on July 21st, 2007 at 1:07 pm
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I don’t do podcasts or trailers. I visit author websites and check out the books themselves in the bookstore.
by Linda F
on July 21st, 2007 at 7:03 pm
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Hi Helen,
I loved your book Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy! I have dial-up also but I do it all, book trailers, e-books, newsletters, websites, author blogs, author interviews, bookstores, library, etc. I love to read! I haven’t tried podcast though. I prefer print books to e-books though since I don’t have a handheld reader for e-books. Also, I keep all my favorite authors books, (Helen Kay Dimon’s), and love to read the covers, all the extras and tidbits they put in the book about the author, the authors dedication page, etc. I read it all!
by Michele L.
on July 21st, 2007 at 11:33 pm
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I’ve seen a few trailers and they haven’t done anything to make me want to buy the book. I get more out of the blurp on the back of the book, the excerpt at the authors site and the reviews. Now I pass up on the trailers for me they are a waste of my time.
by Tammy G.
on July 22nd, 2007 at 6:41 am
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I prefer paper to e-books. I already spend to much time staring at a screen. I like the format of blogs because I get to interact with others on my schedule. Chats feel somewhat stilted and the conversational flow is unnatural and awkard and I’m more inhibited. I haven’t tried podcast, I’m just not interested. I tried audio books but I’m not keen on them. I like some trailers, but find it too time consuming.
HelenKay if you ever find yourself too busy that something has just got to go, I hope your blog is the last thing on the list. I love that you blog and interact with us. This is definitely working to your favor. You have an impact on us! Never think otherwise.
by Sue A.
on July 24th, 2007 at 6:02 am
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did u pick a winner?
by kim h
on July 26th, 2007 at 8:01 pm
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Susan & Michele - Thank you!
Thank you Sue! I plan to keep my personal blog going. Right now I’m having some internet trouble, but once that is fixed I should be back up and running on a regular basis.
Kim, I did pick a winner. I had put it at the end of the blog entry. I’m thinking it’s hard to fnd when I stick it there. So, I’m moving it to here instead. The winner is…Erica R. Congrats!!!
by HelenKay
on July 27th, 2007 at 11:07 am
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wtg erica R
by kim h
on July 27th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
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I love your books and oh to live in Hawaii.
by Bee Pierce
on July 30th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
