We’ve morphed into an iPod-listening, media-watching, web-surfing society. According to the A.C. Nielsen Co., the average American watches more than four hours of TV each day. As of March 2008, over 78.3 million videos had been uploaded to YouTube.

In the mist of this multimedia rise it’s becoming more and more popular for authors to use videos to advertise and market their books.

Do you need a video?

Yes!

Whether it’s a 5-minute author interview, a book trailer, or photos set to music, a multimedia presentation generates excitement and conveys a feeling no other form of advertising can.

A book trailer is a video that uses movie trailer concepts. This could be elaborate as hiring a film crew and actors, or as simple as setting photos to music.

A promotional video usually incorporates some sort of interview with the author to advertise or “sell” the book.

With the advancement in technology, and free distribution options like YouTube and MySpace, it’s becoming easier and more affordable to produce a multimedia presentation for your book.

While you can produce a video trailer or promotional video yourself, I highly recommend hiring a professional to do the job for you. As always, you get what you pay for. A professional will create a polished audio/video experience that will set you a cut above the rest.

While numerous companies could produce your video, check with your publisher first. They know your book and you, and their multimedia presentation will maintain that same high quality found in your book.

Jacob Walker is a multimedia designer at WinePress. He manages all stages of production, from shooting to editing. Although still a “young pup” by most standards, Jacob says he enjoys taking an author’s message to a new level through sight and sound.