How to Write a Killer Book Description
Every book needs a great book description or blurb. The copy that adorns the back cover of the book tells the reader what to expect inside and hooks their interest. Following the book title and front cover design, the book description on the back cover of the book is what readers look at next when deciding to buy or read a book.
It prompts them to crack the cover and skim the pages, or put it back on the shelf. For digital copies, to view sample pages or move on to another book. Read on to learn how to write a killer book description that is sure to draw potential readers into the content of your book and sell them on it.
It can be difficult to write an engaging book description for your book being so close to the work. It’s a battle between saying too much or too little. You want to say just enough to engage the reader to crack open the cover and take a look inside.
Follow these suggestions when writing a killer book description:
Hook the reader in the first sentence. Sum up the book quickly and powerfully, enticing the reader to continue reading. What is the story about?
Create an emotional connection. How will the reader feel after reading the book? Make them laugh or cry out loud.
Tell readers what the book is about. But don’t reveal the whole plot.
Detail what the reader will get out of the book (non-fiction). What problem or question does the book address? Why do they need to read it and what benefits will they will get out of it?
Make the main characters appear real. For fiction, detail the main characters’ problems, and what they need to conquer to resolve a dilemma. Lead with the protagonist.
End with a cliffhanger. Make the reader desperate to know what happens. They have to read the book to find out!
Wrap it up. For fiction, relate to similar works, yet point out how yours is unique. For non-fiction, convince readers why this book is for them. Include strong reviews.
Do not:
Give away the story or any spoilers
Provide a summary of the first chapter
Use overused phrases such as “In a world…”
Proclaim how amazing your book is
Compare yourself to other writers or other books
Include more than 200 words of text
A solid book description or blurb should be 200 words or less. Too many words and a reader will skim right over your description and onto the next option. You have mere seconds to gain their attention. As a guide, break it up into 3 or 4 paragraphs of text and 2 headlines. Bullet points draw attention as well as a few keywords bolded. Construct the description by answering the who-what-where-when-why-how questions about the book.
Conclusion
Readers do judge a book by its cover. First, they are attracted to the book title, followed by the book cover design. If these are interesting, they will move on next to the book description on the back cover to see if it is a book they want to read, buy, or pass on by. There are a lot of choices in a very competitive market, so be sure to invest time and effort in writing a killer book description to sink that decision in an instant. It may take a few tries, but the result will make or break a book.
Tips
Introduce your main character, create intrigue, and don’t give it all away.
Read lots of book descriptions for books in the same genre. See what is common and what stands out and gets your attention.
Practice by writing book reviews for books you have read and love. It is easier to write about a book that isn’t yours and this practice will get you in the groove.
Write the book description first and revise it later when the manuscript is complete.