There is now one of those new-fangled book trailers out and about for The Heroes.
You can see it here using You Tubular technology.
Or why not watch it on amazon.co.uk where, I can’t help noticing, you can pre-order the book while the video is buffering…
I’ve always found the whole book trailer concept a bit weird, if I’m honest (for once) – it seems like an attempt to render sexy, effortless and immediate a style of media (the long form novel) which is by definition only sometimes sexy, rarely immediate, and in which the expenditure of effort on the part of the consumer is integral to the charm. It feels like taking the fight to other sexier, more immediate, and less effortful styles of media (like video games, tv, and film) on their own ground, really, where you’re highly unlikely to come off best. Still, if it sells a few extra copies, I (of course) immediately take it all back and declare trailers the finest thing to happen in the book trade since the Guttenberg Bible. Zing.
17 comments so far
Yeah, book trailers as a concept is a bit awkward. Still, the end result in this case is super neato.
Seconded, that was so much better than I anticipated it being. So come on, when is that going on TV? If James Patterson can keep being plugged on FX then we have to get you on a channel somewhere too!
I can pre-order this even though I am in America right? Cause I really wan’t the UK version.
That’s a flagon-full of bad assedness, Joe! Also: I agree with Jeremy. The UK version looks neater. Is there a way Statesiders can get that one?
Axe thrown courtesey of Fatima Whitbread!
Seriously though, Where’s gravelly voice guy? You can’t have a trailer without gravelly voice guy!
“In a land beyond knowing………”
I just got my ARC courtesy of The Bay of E. Will obviously be preordering as well (though with Waterstones not Amazon). I know what I’ll be reading today, though 😀
Just follow the axe! No follow the book! TROMBONES!
When you hear trombones and a chorus you know something big is happening.
@Jeremy and JM Martin, you can just order the book from Amazon UK. The shipping is higher of course, but that’s how I am getting my UK copy. It is a snap.
If you are in America I would urge you to support your local publisher. But if, say, you wanted to import a UK edition AS WELL, I would recommend the Bookdepository.com. Delivery is free to anywhere in the world…
I am purchasing both editions.
Scolding…really?
Sorry I recommended the less desirable bookseller.
I am somewhat hesitant to write this. Fearing a scold.
Fans are going to want the cover that has been shown in gorgeous detail on this blog. There was a blog about the axe and the artwork. The cool map in the UK version was mentioned, all to add momentum and excitement for this book and to allow admiration of it. So, then to be told to buy a less cool book after a different version is crowed over is a little bit strange. The U.S. cover was not featured heavily in the blog.
So, it seems like sort of a bait and switch. “Look at my awesome book but buy the other one if you live in the U.S.” I know that you have little say about the choices the U.S. cover, but it would be better if you did. Is there any possibility on the future to offer continuity? The First Law had the same covers, didn’t it?
I understand why we need to buy from local publishers, but when a separate edition is marketed/featured/praised on the blog, people who read said blog will likely want that edition.
It can be argued that ultimately the cover does not matter…but it can certainly be made to.
Sedulo,
The maps are in both versions, it’s only the covers that differ. As far as talking about them goes, it’s the UK cover that I’ve been closely involved with, so I have something to say about that one. The US publisher think they’ll do better with a different approach, which is their prerogative. I’d advise people to buy their local edition and therefore support their local publisher that they in turn will continue to support me (and other authors) within their territory. But if people outside the UK really wanted to import the UK edition, I don’t guess there’d be any way to stop them, would there?
This is completely off topic, but for those of you who are interested, George RR Martin mentioned Joe in an interview he gave for The Bear Swarm. When asked what new writers he admires, he says “Joe Abercrombie is first rate” (somewhere around the 33 minute mark). He also goes into some detail on the care he takes naming his characters.
Find the interview here —
http://www.bearswarm.com/episode-136-george-r-r-martin-and-a-song-of-ice-and-fire
Playing that advert thing on television in the US would get you more sales. Is that what it is for?
Also, no, you can’t stop people from purchasing the UK edition but you can discourage it. That surprised me. I doubt thousands of people will buy the import, thus making an enormous backlog in the US. But I could be wrong.
All in all- my comment doesn’t matter much, because people will typically buy the local editions.
Here is to hoping this book’s sales are the best yet, in any edition!
Wow, they even got the Wilhelm scream in there. Try putting THAT in one of your books. “Logan gave a Wilhelm of a scream”.
I have a few copies of The Heroes ordered but I REALY want one of the enhanced Ebooks so where can I get one in the US? or will i have to wait on-till Feb. 7 for the kindle version?
I hate waiting. Ill buy just the audio book if I can get it earlier than Feb 7. then get the enhanced Ebook later
I just want the bloody book. You have redeemed my frustration in trying to find a series that doesn’t leave me bored by the end of the first book. I have read all of your novels and quite frankly they are the best I have ever read. Thoroughly engaging, cannot put down until finished, laugh-out-loud, cry, gasp…the whole gambit of emotions. Please keep up the good work and I will expect a new read at least every two years, maximum–sooner if possible. You’re the best. Thanks. :)From North Carolina, USA
Joe have you ever heard of
http://www.graphicaudio.net/
I found this site doing a random search of an author I like
what are the chances of getting some of your work done in this type of audio book? or better yet get this type of audio book put into your enhanced ebook