What is written beneath this heavy handsome book cover will count, so sayeth this cover.
Anne Rice.
So you've finished your book, your next task involves writing a book description that will grab your audience's attention from the get-go. A description that will hook your readers, and will include vital information about what your book is about.
Copywriting
This is where your copywriting skills come into play. Copywriting is writing content that motivates the reader to take some kind of action like buy, donate or make an appointment. If your self-published you have the option to pay someone else to write it for you. If you're with a publishing house, they'll have someone on hand to write it for you.
The upside of self-publishing is that you have total control over what goes into your description and how it looks. If you're stuck on what to write, compare similar titles to your own, and see what other authors have written. You'll gain a greater understanding of layout and style from writers already making money from their books.
Why Book Descriptions Are So Important
Your book description is the persuasive piece of writing that is written purely for the purpose of selling your book to the reader.
A book description can sink or swim a book.
A short, to-the-point description is required, to help your reader's understand what lies beneath the pages of your book. In the few short moments you have the readers attention you need to create curiosity, and build interest in order to get a sale.
Simple Tips to Write a Book Description That Sells
A book description should be the taster, and not the whole meal. You're showcasing your knowledge in a subject you've worked hours on, to help the audience figure out a problem.
Writing a Nonfiction Book Description
Let's take a look at some points that will help reel your readers in.
Make It Captivating
A maximum of no more than 250 words, although 150 words is better. Written in a format of short paragraphs for easy digestion. With bold lettering for the main points and bullet points for practical insight and wisdom.
Grab Your Audience With a Hook
Create a statement with your first line, using a question, a quote or a bold statement.
What problem does your book solve? Use your first line to hit a high note, and have your reader wanting more.
Optimise Your Keywords
Search engines use keywords to find useful information (and that includes books and other products) to bring to the browser. You can use them in your book description.
Be Imaginative
Draw your audience in emotional language and build a picture in their mind.
Write Plainly
Speak plainly to your reader, use simple language, not long-winded words that will scare them away. People will quickly switch off and leave the page if they don't understand.
Write In The Third Person
Focus on the reader, not yourself. All they want is readable content that will solve a problem.
Finish With A Call-To-Action To Compel Your Audience To Purchase
You can say things like:
Grab your copy now!
Download your copy today!
Writing a Fiction Book Description
Fiction book descriptions need to set the scene for a story, and thus require a different style, tone and format to that of a nonfiction book.
Grab Your Reader's Attention With a Gripping First Line
Remember you don't want to give your audience too much information about the plot of your book, so use this line to grab their attention at the outset.
After that:
- Present the hero of the story.
- Layout the story.
- Tell your audience about the conflict going on in your book
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