Simon & Schuster Inc. and Internet video company TurnHere Inc. recently released the first of a series of online videos showcasing Simon & Schuster authors and sneak previews of new books.
The videos are located at Simon & Schuster’s YouTube channel, BookVideos.TV. The channel will be cross-linked to many sites and also available at SimonSays.com.
“By incorporating online video in our marketing efforts at BookVideos.TV and elsewhere, we are able to provide our readers with unprecedented access to their favorite authors, foster lasting emotional connections and create dedicated fans,” said Sue Fleming, vice president, online and consumer marketing for Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group. “Working with TurnHere broadens our reach across the Web, taps into new audiences and provides an experience for readers that is just plain fun.”
The new channel also will feature a user community powered by MyBlogLog.com, which brings together like-minded readers to converse about their favorite books and authors; a Video of the Week, the ability to post comments and add feedback, and e-mail a friend, as well as viral marketing and RSS feed capabilities.
Currently, about 20 videos have been created for the channel, with plans to create videos for at least 40 authors.
Editor’s note: Check out the August issue of Book Business to read about BookVideos.TV and other examples of how publishing companies are using webcasts to market their titles and authors.