This is a really great trailer for the book A Monster Calls written by Patrick Ness and illustrated by Jim Kay. Tells a story, without giving too much away. Makes you want to know more about the book. Original art. Good sound quality — even edging the music with the sound of a needle on a record. The only thing I would do differently is get rid of the blurb at the end. Blurbs are over-used and I wish the publishing industry as a whole would stop relying on them. Stop pushing manufactured praise, and do a better job of encouraging engagement. In place of the blurb, I would have showcased a twitter hashtag, or the url to the facebook page of the author.
But that’s a minor quibble. Less about this great video and more about my issue with blurbs. Overall, fantastic trailer.
Ben Marcus, author of The Flame Alphabet, provides some great writing advice for writers: “One thing I think that writers can try to do is understand how they read. When you pick up a book and half way through the first page you’re not interested, what is it that’s failing to grab your attention? What is it that’s missing? What is it exactly that bores you? And then in turn when you write, are you doing any of those things yourself?”
My colleagues at Random House are always inspiring me but this is above and beyond — thank you so much for telling your stories and delivering this incredibly important message. I’m grateful for your willingness to share and deeply inspired by your heartfelt words. Thank you — Jeffrey Yamaguchi
“I know you can’t be expected to read a whole book review in a newspaper anymore. No… You need book reviews that are fast, casual, video… So this is the first in a series of weekly VIDEO book reviews…”