Coming Attractions for Books. At a Computer Near You.

"The need to tell stories" inspired author, director and entrepreneur Liz Dubelman to create something called Vidlits . What are VidLits? Think "movie trailer for books." They're creative, short animations of stories and book excerpts that you play on the web. Publishers have started using VidLits to showcase their authors. In the past year, Liz and her partner, award-winning sound designer Paca Thomas, have created entertaining online shows for Warner, Penguin, Harper Collins, Little, Brown & Company, Rodale and other major imprints. Liz tells us more about her unique kind of storytelling - and why she thinks they're important for books.

VT: How did you come up with VidLits?

Liz: I love books and would often go to readings in bookstores - and find four people in the audience. That seemed sad. The authors I listened to could really convey the essence of their books. If more people heard them they might just read their works. So I thought, what would be the best way to get this message out on the Internet? Why not have the author read an excerpt along with an entertaining high-tech show that added a point or counterpoint?

VT: What's the goal of VidLits?

Liz: VidLits aims to revive reading. If someone walks into a bookstore, chances are they will walk out with a book. We're looking to find the other, aspirational audience -- the people who don't know there are stories in books that can change their lives, stories that speak to them. We're using new media to sell old media.

VT: How has the publishing industry embraced your ideas?

Liz: Publishers are starting to figure out the aspirational marketplace. Up until very recently they didn't see themselves as part of the entertainment industry -- that books vie with movies, TV and music for the same dollars and same hours. VidLits are a form of entertainment that can transition someone from the computer screen to a book.

VT: Why does this matter?

Liz: We need to capture the aspirational audience not just for the economic survival of the publishing business -- but because books are important. They give you insight in a way other kinds of entertainment can't.

VT: What's next for VidLits?

Liz: We've done teen books, mysteries, thrillers, our own imprints and a collection for children called KidVidLits. We're soon going to launch a series of short stories called VidLittles -- stories created especially for the VidLit format.