Music for a book trailer should hint at the story’s mood without explaining the plot for the viewer. Start with the book’s genre and emotional tone, then choose a track whose pace supports the edit and leaves room for narration or on-screen text.

Translate the book’s mood into sound

Write down a few words that describe the reading experience: “warm, reflective, mysterious” or “fast, tense, adventurous.” These give you a focused starting point when searching.

Avoid choosing a track only because it resembles a film trailer. A quiet literary novel may benefit from restrained music, while a fantasy adventure may suit a more expansive cue. The sound should fit the book’s identity and intended audience.

Match music to the edit

A trailer may begin with a quiet image, build through a few details and end with the book title. Look for a track that can support this shape. A sudden change or musical rise can help mark a reveal, but you do not need a dramatic climax if the video itself is subtle.

If you use narration, make sure the track leaves space for speech. If the trailer relies on text cards, keep the music engaging without making the pace feel rushed.

Avoid overexplaining the story

Music can imply tension, wonder or intimacy. It should not create a mood that conflicts with the book, or make the trailer feel like a different genre. Show the cut to someone who has not read the book and ask what atmosphere they get from the audio and images.

Check how you plan to use the trailer

A publisher may want to post the trailer on several channels, include it in a campaign or deliver it to a retailer or event. Before selecting music, identify the planned uses and confirm the licence covers them. Terms can vary by track, plan and project type, so check the current licence and save the record.

RouteNote Licensing’s catalogue can be searched using filters such as mood, genre and length. Its licence guide explains how to locate licence information.