How to Make a Book Series - Choosing Media Components

Watch any classic movie and you will see character development, profound yet simple backdrop imagery, drops of blanketed humor and the timeless struggle between good vs. evil. These are the stories that have gone down in history, written with true craft and respect. However the classics are buried deep within the racks of our memory, so much so that the word "movie" itself has come to mean the current blockbuster hit. Why is this? We are in an age where a crafty script and a few talented actors are not enough. Nowadays we need the whole package: extreme cinematography, expert special effects, famous names, a shock factor and of course, merchandise and clothing brands. (wink!)

Simple is too simple for today's audiences. Books on the New York Times Bestseller list are also known to capitalize on these packaged elements to capture our attention. Realizing this, how can you effectively reach today's audience with your book? One way to do this is to include media components or "companion products" with your project.

Whether you are thinking of creating a promotional piece or an add-on component to your book, media products have quickly become a standard in the book industry. DVD's, CD-Rom's, websites, blogs, newsletters and audiobooks are all ways publishers are effectively engaging their audiences. Media components are especially effective for how-to books, resource books, history books, novels and curriculum. Just look in the back pages of the book you last read and chances are that you will find a website address pointing your curiosity to online resources where you can learn more about the subject matter.

Content Developer and Owner of Creative Blue Media, Matt Hunt, gives us an effective way to identify what to look for in creating media products. Mr. Hunt says, "Many clients of mine come to me for creative direction and guidance for promotional and complimentary media pieces. My advice for aspiring authors and publishers is to go out into the market place and research what other people are doing. Take what you like and leave the rest and make it your own...this is where some truly creative and effective marketing can shine."

One creative way Mr. Hunt suggests promoting your book with media is by the use of Flash/Thumb drives. With the prices of thumb drives steadily decreasing, he suggests putting a few sample chapters of your book on the drive in addition to an interview with the author or perhaps utilizing a video diary to help readers connect with the author. This idea takes care of two things: (1) It drives people to emotionally engage themselves with your product and (2) It is a cost effective means of promotion. Why is "emotionally engaging" your audience important? It may surprise you to hear this, but economics usually has nothing to do with money…it has everything to do with emotion (a good thing to keep in mind on your road to stardom!).

The key to creating media components is to capitalize on your available resources to effectively reach and engage your audience. When thinking about what you would like to include with your project don't forget the use of your web space on the internet. This is a very cost effective way to share your ideas, content, newsletters, videos and other resources with your readers.

Lastly, be reminded that you don't need extreme cinematography or special effects to appeal to the emotions of your readers. All you need is a well written script, a little PR and the dedication to give your project the legs it needs to run on its own. Even Martin Scorsese comments on this by saying, "The reality is, if I don't do PR, I'm hurting the picture. And as many things as I did, that's as many things as I turned down."

So you may or may not have a blockbuster hit, but one thing is for sure, with the right combination of effective media components and creativity, your book could well be on its way to being a timeless and much sought after classic for ages to come.

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To explore further information about media components, feel free to contact Mr. Matt Hunt at www.CreativeBlueMedia.biz or by email at creativebluemedia@gmail.com.