Tuesday, March 01, 2011

My Unfair Godmother ARC giveaway/ weigh in on the song


I'm having a book trailer done for My Unfair Godmother, and I have to say it's going to be awesome. I'm having special effects. Things sparkle. I can hardly wait to show it to you. But first I need to choose background music. I'm torn between two different songs, both by the very talented Tim McMorris. One has lyrics, one doesn't. I like the song with lyrics better, (It's a love song about taking an adventure) but I worry that if people are listening to the words they won't be reading those few sentences on the trailer. (Obviously I didn't worry about this before. All of my other trailers have lyrics.)

And the instramental is also a great song.

So here's the ARC giveaway deal. Listen to the links for both songs and tell me which you like better. Random.org will choose one of the commenters to give the ARC to.

Oh, and by the way, that female voice that pops in every few seconds and says, "Audio Jungle," that's just Audiojungle's way of keeping you from stealing the song. That won't be on the trailer.

http://audiojungle.net/item/successful-business-venture/154097

Or

http://audiojungle.net/item/youve-got-my-heart/157876

78 comments:

Marsha said...

Wow, that's really hard...I like the instrumental a lot, but I think that the lyrical song is really catchy. But if I have to choose, I'm going to say to go with "You've Got My Heart". It's a fun song. I an see it getting stuck in my head, which would make me think about your book.

Aubrey said...

I think it's a hard choice too! I really like the instrumental...it got a little long and repetative, but for a shorter trailer it would be really good.

I also like the sound and lyrics of the second song. Hmmm.

Um, I'm going to go with instrumental though, because I always find it distracting to try and read what a trailer is saying and listen to song words at the same time.

Either way, it will be great!

Amie Borst said...

i like the first one, but honestly, i've heard it SOooOooOoOo many times on book trailors before. i'd stick with the second one :)

Kristy said...

I like the one with lyrics.

Elise said...

I'd go with the second one with lyrics--the first sounds too much like a ripoff of coldplay's song "Clocks."

Lolawid said...

You're right. They are both good! But, I do like the one with the lyrics better.

Chantele Sedgwick said...

I like the lyrical one. I don't think it will interfere with reading what the trailer is saying. Or, maybe I can just do two things at once. :)

Donna K. Weaver said...

I like the instrumental version but I really like the one with lyrics. I would recommend it as long as the music isn't too loud. Then the words would be distracting.

itsmedebbie said...

I like the one without the lyrics. For one, it is less distracting. Secondly, I think instrumental opens it up to a broader audience base. Lastly, As a person that is halfway through reading the book, I felt that just listening the the lyrics was a "spoiler" for me...I don't want to know what is going to happen before I finish reading the book, so don't even tease me with any possibilities!!

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

Definitely the one with the lyrics. Sticks in the head better, and that's what you need, after all.

lauren said...

Hmm, that's a toughie.

I really like the instrumental version.

I get distracted with music (especially if it's a good song) :)

So... my choice is instrumental. :)

Kathryn Cooper said...

Great songs. They both work for your books because they're fun and upbeat. I prefer the lyrics.

I'm also a follower.

Anonymous said...

I still like the one with singing in it.

Tabitha said...

As catchy as the one with lyrics is, I'd have to say go with the instrumental; I loved it as soon as it started playing.

Kaylee Baldwin said...

I liked the one with the words. It seemed like it would appeal to a younger audience more than the insrumental one.

Plus, I think that the one with the words is more memorable. I forgot the tune of the instrumental song about two seconds after I stopped listening, but I still have the tune of the other one in my head.

Joe Average Writer said...

Both good--lyrics work better.

Katie W said...

Both are great songs, but I like the one with the lyrics better.

Merry said...

I like them both!!! So here are my thoughts: They are both awesome. The one with lyrics is definitely more catchy because it isn't so repetitive. But I think that you're right that the lyrics might be a little distracting to the people watching the trailer. Then I kept listening when the one with lyrics ended, and there is an instrumental version of that one!! You should use that one! It's not as repetitive and it also won't be distracting! Best of both worlds!

Also, I'm a follower; can I get an extra entry? :D

Tam Tam said...

Oh wow. Ok, I heard the first one and thought I liked it. Then I heard the second one. Yeah, I LOVED that one.

And if I missed reading what was written in the video, I'd watch it again. Especially if I get to listen to the music again. It might be *slightly* annoying (for lack of a better word this *early* morning) to listen to that instrumental music again while watching the trailer. Just sayin'.

But I liked both, but I'd very much like to listen to the one with words. Even though I love instrumental music, but that particular one I'd have to say no to after hearing the 2nd choice.

Janelle said...

I vote for "You've got my heart" as the other one is a little repetitive, though I do like it as well. And if people get distracted by the lyrics, they'll just have to watch your trailer multiple times. :)

Kath said...

Hmmm, both have a totally different feel to them. I listened to the non-lyric one first and thought that sounded great. Then I listened to the one with lyrics and really liked it as well. So...my vote is for: the instrumental version.

=)
Kathy
Bookworm Nation
www.bookwormnation.blogspot.com

bookwormnation@hotmail.com

Margaret said...

Both are catchy but:
the lyrics as cute as they are may not fit your story line depending - I would go with the instrumental if it were my trailer.
Best Wishes.
I've anxious to read this sequel.
Margaret Turley

Kyra said...

I had a really hard time deciding but I think you should go with 'You've Got My Heart'. But either way I think it will be great :)

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Janette - I really like You've Got My Heart. If it goes along with the theme of your book, I'd definitely choose that one. Good luck deciding!

Erin Edwards said...

I like You've got my Heart Better.

If you still stay worried about the lyrics, you might see if there is a karaoke version that includes an instrumental of the melody instead of the singing.

Anonymous said...

Oh! I want to be in the drawing too! And I did leave my opinion on Facebook for you....but am I disqualified because I made you think about the lyrics taking away from the slides? Probably, huh? Sigh.....

Amanda Sizemore said...

I like the one with lyrics. The instrumental is beautiful but the one with lyrics is completely amazing just as all of your books are.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kate! said...

Definitely the instrumental. I love the lyrics song, but I am a person who definitely listens to lyrics if they are on a video. The instrumental has a fun feel to it, but it will also help those viewers focus :)

Super excited for this, I must say.

Deborah said...

I think I'm swimming against the current here. I think you ought to go with the instrumental song. The lyrics song is catchy and peppy and makes me want to dance. The instrumental song is ethereal and moving, yet still uplifting. So I guess it just depends on what you're going for.

Melanie Jacobson said...

Oooh . . . I really want the ARC. Pick me, random.org! I will give you my next born child (although we're not having any more.)

Yeah, super hard choice. It's hard to say for sure without seeing it with the trailer, but I don't think the one with lyrics would distract.

Still, having said that, I think I'm going with the instrumental.

Mary Campbell said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mary E Campbell said...

I like both songs but I'm leaning toward the one with the lyrics. Can't wait to read My Unfair Godmother.

grognon said...

I've got to say I love You've got MY heart The best. But there both awesome songs. I'm sure they will both be great in the trailer. I hope this test is not for US only resident. Good day

Lexie@BookBug said...

They are both adorable songs but I think I like the instrumental one the best.
Thanks for the giveaway! Can't wait for your new book!
lexie.bookbug(AT)gmail(DOT)com

brendajean said...

I like the song with the lyrics best:) It doesn't detract from a trailer in any way if the song fits. Can't WAIT for your book!!!!!

bchild5 at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

The one with lyrics is better, honestly I feel the one without lyrics is a bit boring. The one with lyrics sounds so much more upbeat too (:

Anonymous said...

They're both nice, but I personally like the one with lyrics better.

Wendy

Thomas said...

I like the one with the lyrics. Can't wait to read it!!!

Lulu (The Bookworm is Here!) said...

Both are great! Awesome picks :)

I will say the lyrics! It's super catchy! (But if you decide for the instrumental--go with it! Both work!)

Thanks for the opportunity for your book! I would die if I won (after I read the book of course!)

-Lulu The Bookworm
www.lulu-bookaddict.blogspot.com
Email: lulu911@hotmail.ca

Rachel said...

I really like the song with lyrics. It won't distract and I think it gives a more upbeat vibe. (I'm all for upbeat :) I think I'll go listen to it again, just because I liked it so much.

Rachel
inkweaver@bellsouth.net

Monique said...

That's a tough one. I like the one with lyrics better too but that's because I'm just listening. If I was watching something too I'd be paying attention to the song. It's way good. Can you mess with the volume of the singers? I know you can do that on a Mac, I've done it before. That would help with the compromise. Otherwise go with no words it's just too distracting. I wanna listen to the song!

Marsha Ward said...

If you like the tune for the one with lyrics better, evidently you can use it without the words. That file is included in your purchase.

LauraB said...

My daughter and I listened and we like the one without the lyrics better - you can do more with it - it makes us think of magic. We really like the You've Got My Heart song but think the words would get in the way. Even if you didn't use the words, we still like the other one better.

We can't wait to see the trailer!!!!

Rachel said...

I agree that the instrumental sounds like Coldplay's Clocks, but I still think it is a great song. I personally prefer the song with lyrics, "You've Got My Heart."

Anonymous said...

I like the instrumental much better than the lyrical. The voice is too loud and I was completely wrapped up in the words to the point that I forgot it was for a trailer. :) Cute song, but the instrumental was so beautiful it will compliment a trailer perfectly.

Marielle Carlisle said...

The one with lyrics is Nah-ice.

Shari said...

I like the song with lyrics. If you don't want the words, you can always use the instrumental version. Isn't it amazing how many of us will comment as long as there's something free in it.

Brea Davies said...

THE LYRICS!!! it was really cute! the instrumental was pretty but it was the same thing the whole way through. lyrics bring more feeling!

ansindt said...

I like the instrumental one better. I'm glad it is you that has to chose and not me tho=)

Natalie Decker said...

You've got My Heart!!!!! No matter what song you choose, I just can't wait for the book to come out! Yay!

Nicole M. White said...

Janette-
I like the the audio only one best:
-your books have a special sparkle to them this song sparkles
-My Unfair Godmother has touches of magic, so does this song
-there is romance in your stories but they are not the driving force your MC has other things going on in her life than just falling in love "you've got my heart" makes the book sound like it is a love story.

Loved your presentation at ANWA- thanks for taking the time to do that.
-Nicole White

Unknown said...

I love the lyrics :D my vote goes to "You've Got My Heart"

Jessie Clark said...

Definately "You've Got My Heart." It's catchy and happy. Business Venture is happy too, but it makes me want to go buy a car, not read a book :)

Ness101 said...

I really like the instrumental one best! It caught my interest right away and seems a bit more "grand" than the other. :)

Susan G. Haws said...

While I liked them both I would go with the lyrics. I think it would appeal to a young demographic and it was just happy and made you want to stay. I loved the first one too it had a magical feel but it became repetitive half way through.

Julia Griffin said...

Janette,
I liked the one with lyrics, "You've Got My Heart. It is a very catchy song and I can't get it out of my head.

Julia Griffin

Admiral Lily said...

Definitely the lyrics. Don't worry about the competition with the printed words on the screen. I've never had a problem with other trailers I've seen. Can't wait for the new book!!!!

Alexie Estes said...

I would have to go with the instrumental one. :) Even though the you've got my heart is good too.

Maddz said...

Oooh, tough choices! I actually reallllyyyy like both those songs! Usually, for trailers, I like songs like the first one, but there was one trailer I saw that had this song with lyrics, and that song was stuckkkk in my head ALL DAY. So that's good too!
In the end...the second one!

Question: I have an old ARC of My Fair Godmother! I was gonna do a giveaway on my blog, because I bought the paperback copy of it, but I felt like I should ask for some reason. Since My Unfair Godmother is coming out soon, now is probably a great time to do it, now that I think about it! :D

-Maddz
www.maddzslightlybookish.blogspot.com

Argonauta For a Day said...

Definitely the You've Got my Heart-the one with lyrics. It helps people that are visual to place the story and even if it the story doesn't follow exactly, it will remind them of the great love story in the book. Go with the lyrics. Best to you!

Argonauta For a Day said...

Definitely the lyrics. It is catchy, and people like to remember a song with a love story- even if it doesn't match the love story exactly. Best to you!

Leesa Ostrander said...

I vote for the lyrical one if there are not words only actions. I think it is catchy.

The instrumental is enchanting and may be good based on the videography.

Botterfly Girl said...

The instrumental maybe? It would add kinda an intense factor you know?

Cindy C Bennett said...

Hmmm...tough one. But I'd say the instrumental because it sort of has an "uplifting" feeling to it. Plus I think the other is so catchy people will be listening to it and singing along rather than pay attention to the vieo.

Breanna said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Breanna said...

They are both so great. The lyrics song is really catchy, but I think you should go with the instrumental. (It will still be great either way).

fena said...

THE INSTRUMENTAL ONE! not that the other isn't nice - i do like it, but it wouldn't really catch my attention, if it were on a trailer - it's too poppish. the instrumental one seems to fit better - the xylos and piano etc at the beginning seem to add more suspense, and reminds me of fairies and their wands, somehow. so YEP!

Shiralea said...

Instrumental...just like it better.
:)

Gabrielle said...

The one with the lyrics - it's quirkier and more attention grabbing.

Tamera Westhoff said...

I prefer "You've got my heart." Though I would prefer the instrumental version of it. I got really bored during the instrumental one!

Sandstorm2012 said...

I like "You've Got My Heart". It's catchy and upbeat, and I think it fits the story. The first song is too repetitive. I noticed, too, that they are available without lyrics, so maybe part of the trailer could have words and part could be without.

Taffy said...

I think the song with the lyrics fits with the rest of your trailers: catchy, cute, upbeat, etc.
The other song has a great beat! I like it too.
So basically, I can't help you decide because I like both.
I know you'll make the right choice :) heehee

Nina Cook said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nina Cook said...

Alright lets try this again . . . my first comment had a mis-spelled word in it - I hate that!

Ok I think that the song with lyrics is better. I don't believe that it would be too distracting and really it's too sweet to pass up!

Angie said...

Love both songs. (thanks for introducing me to this artist!) I'm actually reading My Fair Godmother right now. I like the instrumental one better for a trailer. It seems to fit and would entice me.

Liesl said...

Good heavens, I've already listened to "You've Got My Heart" twice. It's such a cute and fun song. Tim McMorris, I choose you!

lori said...

I like the one with lyrics better, the first one reminds me of a car commercial (I like it though). And I read and listen to music together all the time (blogs have music all the time)