Advice from my Sci-Fi / Horror friends needed.

[P.J. Greystoke]

Hey Guys,

I've written and recorded a dark sci-fi audio series. Would this video (below) inspire you to download the free series?

Thank you very much in advance.

Black Water Journals- Free AudioBook Series.

 

[Brian G Turner]

Not really - but I'm not sure book trailers work unless they do something exceptional.

If it's the audio book you're trying trying to promote, I'd instead suggest you put up the first chapter for free on YouTube, with "free audiobook - chapter 1" or similar in the title for attention. Don't worry too much about the visuals - maybe a slow and simple slideshow of generic space images - but otherwise keep the focus on the audio itself.

EDIT: Also, make sure there's a Call To Action - a link where people can access the free series.

 

[Bagpuss]

Not as it stands. But if the blurb in the description below the video was better, and there was a link to a sample of the first chapter (doesn't have to be on Youtube), then I might be tempted to click the link and review a sample chapter. If I then thought the sample was any good then I'd be prepared to go for the full book.

As it currently stands, the video and description are too disconnected and vague to generate any interest for me.

Also, I'd question you making it available for "free". Although it sounds great, in general people don't tend to value (or perceive value in) things that they get for free. I'd make it available for a nominal amount (say £2.99 per book, or your local equivalent if you're not in the UK). People are more likely to respond positively to the series if they've paid something for it. Just a thought.

 

[Bagpuss]

The other question that occurred to me since I wrote my initial response is this: when you say you've "written" the story, is it (or could it be) available as a book (either as an e-book or otherwise) or is this story/series a wholly audio thing?

 

[Trollheart]

Full and frank disclosure: I've read the first chapter.
However coming at this without that experience (even with it) I'd have to say the answer is no. While it's a good idea, the general thing has been done before (I just read a part of a novel which follows loosely the same plot, and there was Babylon 5's Crusade series) so it would need to be something exceptional to actually make me want to move the mouse all the way over to that link and then laboriously click. Humans are innately lazy animals, as you know, and I'm among the laziest. The type-writer thing is, to me, also quite cliched. Maybe if the text had dripped down in blood or gore font or something, but again, it's all window-dressing and I don't think the promo gives enough information to make you think other than "Oh. The Earth has been devastated by a deadly plague. Again. What time is Match of the Day on?"

Sorry.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

I salute you for going for this and for keeping it short and sweet. It feels a little generic at this point and I think could take some bolder indications of what it’s all about

 

[Astro Pen]

I don't dislike the style but it is a 'statement' not a 'hook'

Okay, I'll stay away because why not?
You need a reason to go down there, a radio message from an unconverted child begging for rescue or something. ( I haven't read it so I don't know what is in your tool bag but I would imagine that for some reason we end up disregarding the strict warning and landing? )

Also there's a layout issue in that the WWW link appears right under the youtube timeline bar. This was probably not evident until it was uploaded.
As Brian suggests you need an active link in there,

 

[P.J. Greystoke]

The other question that occurred to me since I wrote my initial response is this: when you say you've "written" the story, is it (or could it be) available as a book (either as an e-book or otherwise) or is this story/series a wholly audio thing?

It is also available as an ebook.

 

[P.J. Greystoke]

Full and frank disclosure: I've read the first chapter.
However coming at this without that experience (even with it) I'd have to say the answer is no. While it's a good idea, the general thing has been done before (I just read a part of a novel which follows loosely the same plot, and there was Babylon 5's Crusade series) so it would need to be something exceptional to actually make me want to move the mouse all the way over to that link and then laboriously click. Humans are innately lazy animals, as you know, and I'm among the laziest. The type-writer thing is, to me, also quite cliched. Maybe if the text had dripped down in blood or gore font or something, but again, it's all window-dressing and I don't think the promo gives enough information to make you think other than "Oh. The Earth has been devastated by a deadly plague. Again. What time is Match of the Day on?"

Sorry.

That's cool, thanks for the advice. There's a lot gone into the actual series so need to make sure the promotion is on point. Thanks again.

 

[P.J. Greystoke]

Not really - but I'm not sure book trailers work unless they do something exceptional.

If it's the audio book you're trying trying to promote, I'd instead suggest you put up the first chapter for free on YouTube, with "free audiobook - chapter 1" or similar in the title for attention. Don't worry too much about the visuals - maybe a slow and simple slideshow of generic space images - but otherwise keep the focus on the audio itself.

EDIT: Also, make sure there's a Call To Action - a link where people can access the free series.

Great idea, thank you.