Book Trailer Services
UK
A book is hard to show. A film can put a face and a voice on screen, but a book arrives as a cover and a paragraph. A short, well-made video can close some of that gap by giving a reader a taste of the mood, the setting and the question the book asks. That is the job of a book trailer. This page explains the styles we make, what we need from you, and where trailers do and do not help.
A book trailer is a short promotional video that introduces a book, using images or footage, text and music to give viewers a feel for it and a reason to find out more. At British Publishers we plan, script and produce trailers for UK authors. We do not promise views, reach or sales. We make a trailer that represents your book honestly and is ready to share.
Last updated 27 October 2026.
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Styles of book trailer
The right style depends on the book.
Animated trailers
Moving text, illustration and graphic design, with no filmed footage. Animation suits books that are conceptual, informational or aimed at younger readers, and it can work well when you have no footage to use.
Cinematic trailers
Atmospheric footage or stills, with careful pacing, sound and text. This style suits thrillers, historical fiction, memoir and other books where mood carries the pitch. All footage is original or licensed.
Children's book trailers
Bright, simple and short, often built from the book's own illustrations with the permission of whoever holds the rights. Children are not the only audience, since parents, teachers and librarians are usually the ones deciding.
Non-fiction and book reveal videos
For non-fiction, a trailer states the question the book answers, and shows who it is for. A reveal video, which shows the cover and the publication date, can be a short teaser ahead of a launch.
What we need from you, and what we make
| You supply | We produce |
|---|---|
| Your cover and the manuscript or a synopsis | A short script and a storyboard for your comments |
| A few extracts you would like considered | Visual treatment: footage, stills, illustration or animation |
| Any images or footage you own, with their rights clear | Edit, text, sound and music, with the music licensed or original |
| Your comments on each draft | A final video in the formats you need |
Can we make a trailer from just a cover and a manuscript? Yes, that is a normal starting point. We read the text, choose what to feature and write the script, then show you drafts.
How we make a book trailer
Read and discuss
We read the book or synopsis and talk about the mood and audience.
Script and storyboard
A few lines of text and a plan of the images, for your comments.
Production
We make or gather the visuals, and add sound and music that we are licensed to use.
Review
You watch a draft and tell us what to change.
Delivery
You receive the finished file for use where you choose.
Music, footage and rights
A trailer is only as safe to share as its parts. Music, images and footage each carry rights, and unlicensed material can lead to a video being taken down. We use original or licensed music and footage, and we tell you what the licence covers. If you supply material, we ask you to confirm you hold the rights. We cannot give legal advice, and if you are unsure about rights, take advice.
Where can you use a book trailer?
On your own website, in newsletters, in social posts, on a book page, at events or in a launch presentation. Each place has its own limits on length and format, so tell us where you plan to use it and we can prepare versions to suit. We do not name video or social platforms on this page.
Are book trailers effective?
Sometimes, and it depends. A trailer gives a book a visual introduction that text alone cannot, and it can be reused across a launch. It does not secure attention. Many trailers are watched by few people, and a trailer will not rescue a book that has not reached its readers by other means. We think it is fair to say so. If you are weighing it against other promotion, we are happy to talk it through.
Do self-published authors need a book trailer?
No. It is one option among several, and it suits some books better than others. Authors with little else to show visually, such as a debut with only a cover, sometimes find a trailer useful as a first piece of video. Authors with limited budgets may prefer to start with a simple reveal video.
Cost and timing
Both depend on the style, the length, whether new footage or animation is involved, and how quickly materials and feedback arrive. We quote in writing and say what is included. We do not publish a headline price or a "from" figure on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still need help? Contact us
+44 20398 08310
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What is a book trailer?
A book trailer is a short video that introduces a book, in the way a film trailer introduces a film. It usually combines images or footage, text, music and a closing line telling viewers where to find the book.
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What should a book trailer include?
The title and author, a hook that makes a viewer curious, a sense of the book's tone, music that suits it, and a clear ending that says where to find the book. It should not retell the whole plot.
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How long should a book trailer be?
There is no fixed length. A common range is roughly thirty seconds to ninety seconds, and the place where it will be shown can change that. Shorter videos are easier to watch to the end.
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Can you create a book trailer from my book cover and manuscript?
Yes. Those are the usual starting materials, alongside a synopsis and a few extracts. We write the script, choose images, music and pacing, and show you drafts for comment.
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Are book trailers effective for book promotion?
It depends on the book, the audience and where the trailer is shown. A trailer can give a book a visual introduction that text cannot. We cannot promise views, reach or sales, and we do not.
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How long does it take to produce a book trailer?
It depends on the style, the length and how quickly materials and feedback arrive. A simple animated trailer takes less time than a filmed one. We agree a timescale with the quote.
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How much does a book trailer cost in the UK?
There is no single price. Cost depends on style, length and whether new footage, animation or music licensing is involved. We quote in writing and state what is included.
Talk to us
Send us your cover and a short description of the book, and we will say what kind of trailer we would suggest.
