Kim’s Spyglass—Three Hearts
Posted By Kim McDougall on March 14, 2010
Kim McDougall, Author and Founder of Blazing Trailers
by Kim McDougall
1st Turning Point Reviewer
Copyright © 2010 Kim McDougall
Kim’s Rating
2.5 Parrots
| Three Hearts By Sue Perkins Desert Breeze Publishing ISBN: 978-1-936000-44-9 Buy Link: Release Date: 1st October 2009 Word Count: 51,600 words |
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Kim’s Comments:
In an effort to be more consistent in my reviewing of trailers, I have begun a numerical rating system base on my last article entitled “Trailer Greats and Gaffes”. By giving each of these ‘Do’ and ‘Don’t’ points a value, I come up with my Parrot rating. This also helps me to put my thoughts in order for the review.
The trailer “Three Hearts” by Sue Perkins, loses the most points in the style category. This is a static trailer. There is no movement in the images. The text covers the characters on some screens. The images don’t always fill the screen.
I also felt that the music was not suitable. I’m familiar with this tune from Kevin MacLeod and as soon as I heard it, I thought this was a mystery/suspense book. Only after reading the blurb, did I realize there is a romantic element to the book. The music and image selection doesn’t target this audience well.
I like the silhouette effect, but this added to the feeling of mystery. I would replace the image of the man and woman against the map (with the line “Win or Lose”). This image seemed like a business meeting, and stuck out like a sore thumb. Perhaps replacing it with one of a couple, heads close as if they are about to kiss, might help to suggest the romantic element.
Other minor points: The music doesn’t fade at the end, but just stops. The beat of the music is not used to good effect. The aqua-blue text is difficult to read.
On the positive side: The transitions were consistent and not overpowering. What I call “author real-estate,” meaning the space for credits, was used to good effect (though the http could be dropped from web addresses, giving more room for a larger font). And finally, is was short. I think even with its flaws, viewers would stick around to watch the end.
I always say that it’s better to have no trailer than a bad trailer. A viewer’s opinion of your trailer will leach over into his opinion of your book. Despite the Parrot rating, this trailer won’t leave a bad opinion. It’s just not memorable.
Back Cover Blurb
Travis Denton’s arrival in New Zealand throws Darcy Farrell’s life into turmoil. She’s never met the man, so why does he dislike her so much?
Travis states he is the father of her eight year old niece Brooke. He initially tries to prove Darcy is an unsuitable guardian. His failure makes him more determined to get custody of the child and Darcy is worried Travis might grab the child disappear overseas with her. She makes a difficult decision. She must do what’s best for Brooke. Her choice brings her into close contact with Travis, which creates a problem when she becomes attracted to him!
Unfortunately Travis doesn’t trust Darcy and he means to gain custody of Brooke and remove her to America no matter what it takes.
To submit your book video to Kim for review, send the following information to crowsnest@1stturningpoint.com with VIDEO REVIEW in the Subject line and the following information in the body of the email:
Title
Author
Publisher
ISBN
Buy Link
Release Date
Word Count (40k minimum)
Cover Blurb
YouTube URL of video
Book cover jpg
Interesting trailer. It’s a clean job. Doesn’t over-reach, and isn’t cluttered. And it presents the plot clearly. I sent an email to somebody in the para-romance group earlier today, making the point that book trailers are, to a large degree, shaped by the extremely low budgets. Nothing wrong with that. But it certainly puts weight on the creative process. I mean, here’s a clean, clear communication that’s maybe not as exciting as it might be if one had more money and time to find just the right visuals.
Last week I put up a query on several social channels frequented by readers…the general feedback was that they don’t find book trailers as important as I thought they might. At least that’s what they say. They want a snappy book cover and a brief but clear selling synopsis, pitching them the book. I don’t totally agree. I think there is an important place for book trailers; if the book has the attractive cover and the author provides a good pitch, the trailer works in concert, creating a complete selling package.
ICAM, John. I’m in the process of re-editing my videos. I have a limited budget and try to do what I can with the money and experience I have.
Goes to show what I know about videos–I really like Sue’s video. It’s clear, short, explains the book, and doesn’t take an hour to load. The international custody battle is an intriguing story concept. Beautiful cover too. I hope the book sells a million.
I love the cover on this book! That alone would make me pick it up and want to read more. In regards to the book video, the music reminded me of Harry Potter. I listened before reading anything about it and was waiting for a possible fantasy element–I blame the Harry Potter machine for training my brain to expect fantasy with this type of music now.
The description of the book was clear, but I did have a little trouble reading the blue-green print on the yellow background.
…I’m still hearing that melody in my head, so it had a lasting impression. I found myself wanting to learn more about the heroine and hero, but maybe that’s good because I’d be looking for more.
Thanks for sending in your video, Sue, and good luck with this book and your next! And thank you, Kim, for reviewing this book video and sharing your thoughts with us.
Ann Charles
I wouldn’t say this was a bad trailer, but why on earth did she chose aqua text?