Did you know that the key to selling your book starts with a captivating book blurb? Whether you’re an established author or just starting out, mastering this essential skill is vital for achieving maximum impact and book sales.
I’m Jennifer, a book writing coach, and I’ll leave nothing out as I dive into how I write book blurbs, an art form that can draw readers in. In this video, we’ll reveal the secrets to mastering this skill and help you release to a bang, not a whimper.
Firstly, let’s understand the power of a good book description. It’s not just a summary of your story; it’s a sales pitch that can persuade potential readers to choose your book. And it must be persuasive even if authentic. It can be both.
A well-crafted description highlights the most enticing aspects of the book message, with a hint of drama. It will contain benefits and features, appealing to both emotional and logical sides.
Start by identifying your target audience. Who are the readers you want to attract? Understanding their desires and interests will enable you to tailor your description to resonate with them, getting on their wavelength.
Next, focus on the hook. That’s the opening sentence that grabs their attention and makes them want to know more. A strong hook can be a thought-provoking question, a gripping statement, or an intriguing scenario.
I like to use a question (keeping things simple). So, I make this stand out in type size and bold if I’m doing the back cover. Here’s an example of a hook I wrote yesterday for a client, about business strategies.
Ever had the thought “I don’t know much yet about business, but I’d like to”? Then get ready to navigate the trials of running a small business with this easy-to-read, practical book as your guide.
See how I had the question headline and then the next step: then get ready…
Don’t leave it too open-ended. You must partly answer the headline.
Once you’ve hooked your readers, provide a tantalising glimpse into the activities, focus points, and emotive anecdotes in the book. Show them why they should invest their time and how they might get an outcome, without over-promising the world.
Remember, brevity is key. Keep your description concise, using clear and concise language that evokes emotion and curiosity. Aim for around 150-250 words, enough to pique interest without giving away too much.
You don’t want it to be too brief though – or leave things unsaid that the title alludes to. Ensure you explain things that are a bit unusual – perhaps using a metaphor (like I explain in the video).
To make your book description even more impactful, include endorsements from reputable sources. These add credibility and encourage potential readers to trust your story.
Lastly, revise and refine your description. Don’t be afraid to rewrite and experiment with different versions of the blurb until you find the one that captivates your target audience the most. Enlist a friend and test it out. With your editor, polish it until it shines.
Here is another part of that business book blurb I wrote:
Whether considering the leap into business – or amid the mayhem as a business owner already – you just want actionable advice, not motivational mottos. ‘X X’ offers this straightforward advice in the various areas of business, making it a practical roadmap for those in the early stages of their journey.
So you see, I am telling them they’ll get what they want and also what they don’t usually want (just motivation).
By mastering the art of crafting dynamic book descriptions, you’ll be able to attract more readers to reading your book. So don’t overlook this critical step in your book marketing strategy. Re-write your boring, bland overview into a compelling book description today and watch book browsers resonate more with it and buy your book.