The action interview is an audio download, not of the author discussing his book, but of the author and actors and sound effects. Its aim is to immerse listeners in selected scenes from the plot, right alongside the characters. These action interviews will be available via podcast or through download.
On the Medallion site, they have two of these downloads available so far this month: Emerald Embrace by Shannon Drake and Diary of a Confessions Queen by Kathy Carmichael.
It think the new ideas publishers and authors come up with are so interesting. I love hearing of new efforts to promote books. Do you think hearing scenes from a book “acted out” would entice you to buy the book? Is adding this new “dimension” to book promotion something you might consider trying to do with your own book?
Started listening to the Kathy Carmichael "action interview" - it's currently a minute and a half into the cheesiest introduction ever. Remember those Rowan and Martin skits with the radio presenter? They seem visionary by comparison.
ReplyDeleteIt actually picks up once they talk to the author, about two and a half minutes in. They're doing her no favours with that extended preamble.
Helen, the way you described it made it sound a lot better than it was.
We have TV ads for the Army here that drop you into an on-going situation face to face with a soldier who describes what's going on and then asks you what you'd do next. You go to the website to find out what the "correct" response would be. They're really effective ads.
Something similar where you get dropped into an on-going scene, the dialogue of the characters in the background with the author whispering to the interviewer to set up the scene, leaving you with a cliff-hanger. That's how you do an "action interview".
I am always open to new ideas - you never know what's going to work.
ReplyDeleteAn audio clip of scenes from the book may be more effective than a trailer. It has the possibility of immersing you in the plot. I think it may be best if it were done for scenes from the middle of the book - get me curious to find out who and how and why these characters all ended up in this scene.
Good idea!
It could be a good idea - so much depends upon the execution of it. I love Haruki Murakami - his books are genius. A few weeks back I got his Kafka on The Shore which I had already read but I got the audio version. It was brilliant - there were two main actors reading and a few others. The voices were great and I understood parts of the novel that had alluded me before. Yesterday I picked up another audio book of his - BRACCCCKKK - no good. I hate the reader (only one so no relief in sight). I adore audio books because I love reading, I am in the car a lot - I'm trying not to listen to the news so much as it is dangerous to my health and I love books. But listening and watching is different than reading and to pretend it is the same is wrong. I'm in heaven when I find a good book well read - That Old Ace in the Hole by Annie Proulx is fantastic. Many are not good. This could be the same and writers are not always the best at keeping the production team reasonable - it is a different skill set. So writers BEWARE!
ReplyDeleteSomething about this idea really intrigues me. It would seem to have a way of effectively bringing a story to life, engaging us in a different way. And I guess it brings books a little bit into the Reality Tv phenomenon, making the stories seem very real this way.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like, so far, the best action interview may be professional actors doing a scene from the book (one that's interesting, and doesn't need a lot of set up), then maybe a short interview with or words by the author.
ReplyDeletePerhaps today, we can get this figured out so we come up with something better than what is now being done!
I think it's a pretty cool idea - acting out a scene from a book. If it was well done and powerful I'd surely be enticed to buy the book.
ReplyDeleteMarvin D Wilson
What a great idea! I've posted this on Twitter and passed it along to two authors who are also role players and actors. This is a great new perspective and could even be videotaped at live readings to add more punch both in person and online! Thanks much!
ReplyDeleteSounds like something that might tempt you to buy the book. They would give you just enough to grab your attention and then you'd have to go buy the book to find the answer or end the mystery.
ReplyDeleteHmm. I usually try to embrace new ideas, but I'm not sure about this one. I think I'd like my books to either stay in book format or go whole-hog to TV or film format. Not sure about actors doing a scene. I think, as a reader, I'd prefer listening to the author read a (short) passage and then maybe hear an audio interview--sort of like NPR does.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
I love the idea of audio as opposed to video because it leaves a lot to the reader's imagination. As a writer of horror, I'm much more interested in scaring my audience with hinting at what's behind the proverbial door rather than detailing the beastie's fangs and talons. I think the reader's personal imagined fear is so much more powerful than a generic visual defined for all readers/viewers across the board.
ReplyDeleteAudio would also be cheaper to do than video, which would be great for authors who don't have a huge backing from their publisher. Maybe a reading by the author, if the author has the skills to make the words come alive. If you didn't have a big budget, you could look for local college oral interp students who would work for less money.
ReplyDeleteThe idea appeals to me, perhaps because I love stage and film from the viewpoint of a performer as well as an audience member. I haven't followed your link yet, but I hope the first two minutes aren't as bad as Anton indicated.
ReplyDeleteI went, I listened for what I thought was quite a while, I clicked away. Didn't work for me, but the book does sound fun. I think I'd prefer the author to read a bit, but I have to confess I rarely find time to listen to podcasts or audio clips online. I'd rather see the first few pages.
ReplyDeleteHmmm... I'm not sure I would. I like to "hear" it myself in my own head. I have a hard time listening to books on CD because I think it often comes off cheesy.
ReplyDeleteSo yeah. I'm not sure...
I like audio books for when I'm in the car, but have quit listening to some because the reader was not good or didn't fit the character.
ReplyDeleteNot sure! Will have to check one out.
ReplyDeleteMedallion is my publisher and I'm very uneasy about this. Like so many of you have stated, the key is good readers or actors otherwise the entire thing sounds silly and may lead to the book not being taken seriously. On the other hand, I have to hand to Medallion for daring to try something innovative. They're a medium-sized independent fighting for a spot among the big NY boys.
ReplyDeleteSusan, if they audio your book for promotion, let us know. I'll go listen, for sure.
ReplyDeleteMy first thought -
ReplyDeleteDear Lord, yet another version of my book I need to produce...
I'm still so happy the Vook hasn't taken off yet...
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ReplyDeleteI'm not an auditory learner, so I don't think it would entice me - but I'm sure tons of people will enjoy it :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea. If there was a book I was on the fence about buying, a promo like that would get my attention. It sounds like an enhanced version of Kindle's sample download. It probably wouldn't work for all books and all authors, though, like every promo out there already.
ReplyDeleteI so hear you, Diane. Something else to learn and do!
ReplyDeleteNot unless it was professionally produced. As a playwright, and someone who spent over 20 years on Broadway and in film and television, if it wasn't done well, it would turn me off the book, much the way most book trailers do.
ReplyDeleteI would be LESS likely to buy the book, unless it was done by top quality pros.
Interesting post. My latest blog entry is a humorous account of various things I've tried to promote both my blog and my book, Lost in the Hive. Thanks for sharing the ideas.
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