Five tips for a professional cover design authorhouse. It typically serves as the foundation for your online book descriptions, as well as any press releases or pitches you make to the media. See if you can pin what works well in this description, and that would work as a killer pitch. How to build the back of a book cover with template reedsy blog. As a reader, i wont usually buy a book unless i can read the back cover copy to see what the book is about.
Its not writing the book but writing the back cover text. Caring about fantastic book cover design is one of those nonnegotiables for all authors. A large block of text in the body copy of your back cover may lose your. How to build the back of a book cover with template. Above the list, speak directly to the readers, and give them the primary reason why they should read your book. Its the essence of your books most exciting features, distilled into a few hundred words. If you are using amazons recommended cover dimensions 2,560 by 1,600 pixels, and your background image is much wider at 2,560 by 2,600 pixels, you should crop the image to get rid of the extra width. The blurb that appears on the back cover of your book, and on your amazon page, will either. At the end of 20 i put out a package of diy book cover templates in microsoft word and revolutionized publishing with a howto guide to designing amazing book covers in an easy to use program youre already familiar with. Visit a bookstore or library and read the back covers of bestselling books in your genre. Aug, 2015 put the bulleted list in the middle of the copy you write for your back cover. Summary and synopsis are also used but, in my experience, are used only in. Heres how to write back cover that will hook new readers and sell your book.
Back cover copy is the blurb on the back of a book. Unless youre a professional designer, creating your own cover is a hugely damaging mistake. How to write a killer blurb that convinces readers to buy your book the book blurb is your sales pitch. How to write a back cover for a book writing a back cover identify your audience. Blurbs are a brief description of a book typically found on the back of a. Oct 22, 2015 writing your author bio can be a daunting task, but a wellcrafted bio can help readers learn more about what makes you and your books so interesting. How to write a blurb definition, examples, and more. But, if you have caught a potential readers attention, the blurb is what will sell your book and convert readers. In a novel that shows bitter rivalry between sisters to ascend a kingdoms throne, for example, the backstory could describe the origins of this strife in their fathers favouritism this is the premise of shakespeares king lear the oxford dictionary defines backstory simply. In that sense, a good blurb is anything but subjective. Let your text breathe a little and still be selective in the blurb and supporting text you place on the back cover. Your ebook will look amateurish, and readers may well be put off from buying it.
It took me back to when i had published my first book, remembering how awkward it felt to sign copies. Indeed, it can help you focus if you write your blurb before you even start writing the book. Dec 08, 2017 author julie broad shares 5 back cover tips that will help sell your nonfiction book on amazon and elsewhere. But it took me a while longer to figure out how to customize your front cover into a full print cover for createspace or other pod providers. Think of your back cover copy like a movie trailer, giving enough details to interest readers, but not so much to spoil their fun. Once youve drafted the rest of your book, youll know what needs to go in the introduction. This should be broader in scope than the reasons you put in your bulleted list. As a writer, you may love long, lyrical descriptions. Jan 15, 2015 this article is by jessica strawser, editor of writer s digest. Make sure that any incident that occurs before the main narrative events of your story is relevant and illustrative. To accomplish this, you need to put a lot of care and attention into your back cover copy. As much as book covers catch readers attention, blurbs grip shoppers. So, the authors involvement in designing the cover becomes all the more critical.
The third example shows how part of the back cover copy the author bio, in this case can show up on the inside flap of a hard cover book. Julie broad is an author and the founder of book launchers, a. You already know that, in fact, everyone does judge a book by its cover. How to write a catchy backcover blurb that sells 2020. The fiction category alone is broken down into 140 subgenresthats a lot of book. Youve finished writing your book, its edited, designed and is just about ready to go to press. Oct 16, 2014 the last words that you write for your book will be the first that your audience reads. Bestselling author dan gutman helps kids master this important skill with his fun, informative writing guide, my weird writing tips. When writing a novel, there are few selling tools as important as a solidly written book blurb. For more info, please visit jodies author website or editor website, her other. This is essential when it comes to writing backstory. Then part 2 contains tips from our top designers on the best ways to design an aesthetically beautiful jacket.
Aug 23, 2012 writing killer back cover copy is crucial for authors because, like me, people who create what goes on covers and sales sheets often havent read your book. Inspire by elmore leonards 10 rules of writing, we asked authors for their. The ability to put thoughts into writing is an essential skill vital to success in schoolfrom elementary school through college. The front cover has a critical role to play, of course, but todays post is about the strategic use of the back cover. Everyone judges a book by its cover, so make sure yours is tip top. For nonfiction, establishing yourself as an expert and differentiating your book from the others written about the same. You have to invest everything you are into creating an important p. An independent author should work closely with a book cover designer to create the cover. Below are a few examples of back cover copy for fiction. Its so tempting to think if everyone is doing x and i do y. If you queried agents or editors at any point, you might be able to start with the hook from your query letter. Author julie broad shares 5 back cover tips that will help sell your nonfiction book on amazon and elsewhere. Writing a strategic, concise and easytoread back cover can be your key to making money as a selfpublished author. Apr 11, 2016 a good childrens book is a distillation of an idea and the most successful writers use only a few potent words to say the most important and entertaining things.
When you need to write a cover letter to apply for a job, its sometimes the small things that can make a big difference. A successful back cover text is the result of a careful balance between the needs of the publisher and the needs of the reader. How to write backstory but not bog down your book now novel. How to write a tagline for your book and why you need to. Ive seen too many back covers that are slammed from margin to margin with text with the blurb in the largest font possible. Jun 02, 2014 but before starting work on my next book i went back to school to work on my writing too. Your back cover copy is the biggest deciding factor for readers picking up your book for the first time. Before writing your own backcover copy, examine the backs of other books in your genre. How to write kickbutt bcc back cover copy the wise. Remember that the cover should give a hint of what is inside of the pages. One example is the common practice among the big publishing companies to adorn book covers with endorsements from high profile readers. Writers use the term blurb to describe the text on the back of the book. Writing back cover copy for your nonfiction book xulon.
Many authors write the book blurb as an afterthought. Book covers today are often simple, revolving around a central imagery thats symbolic and can capture the essence or theme of the plot with one glance. Im a published novelist, and i participate in several writing groups and online communities. Tips for writing compelling back cover copy blogger. Jan 27, 2020 here are 6 mustdo tips for brainstorming back cover copy.
Explanations and back book cover examples for both fiction and nonfiction. If your character has quit their job before the story starts, it only makes sense to mention this in passing or devote a flashback scene. Focus on clarity in your writing and avoid wordiness. But although i personally believe in paying professionals, im also aware that some people want to have a go themselves, or need to because of. Put the bulleted list in the middle of the copy you write for your back cover. How to write successful back cover copy mascot books. The back cover of your as yet unwritten book can help you write a better book, and write it faster, too. Depending on your topic, your writing should emanate authority, compassion, wisdom, insight, humor, suspense, intrigue, mystery, etc. While there is no universal standard for the length of a book or novel synopsis, agents usually favor one to two pages, singlespaced. Sample book back cover a man can never truly run away from his past, jack preacher thought, as four mysterious horsemen appeared from beyond the desert threatening to throw the quiet and dusty town of cameron into disarray. Aug 27, 2019 nonfiction back cover copy must spell out the benefits for readers as well as the authors expertise in order for the book to be taken seriously. Jul 05, 20 time to compose a book description that will capture attention and compel readers to open the book and read more. Now that we know how much space we are working with, lets look at the elements of the back cover copy.
Treat your back cover with the same respect as your front cover. Parts of a book make up the entirety of the book, including the title, introduction, body, conclusion, and back cover. Additionally, be careful if you want to change the dimensions of an image. The back cover copy of your book is your sales pitch to prospective readers and book buyers. Ill say it impossible, without examining dust jackets from successful novels, that is. The cover of your book is important because its the first thing a reader sees. The book industry study group offers 51 significant subjects for books. The next step is grabbing the readers interest with a tempting back cover. Sometimes an agent might ask for a chapter outline instead, which is a synopsis. Once your title and cover have drawn the reader in, the blurb is what is going to make the difference between a missed opportunity and a sale. Derek murphy of creativindie covers is a brilliant designer and has designed a number of my own book covers. If youve written a book belong to the fantasy genre, or one of its subgenres and need a cover designed for it, below weve featured of the best fantasy book cover artists. Something, ironically, every author i know hates writing.
Get an accountant, abstain from sex and similes, cut, rewrite, then cut and rewrite again if all else fails, pray. Learn how to write a back book cover blurb that not only intrigues readers but gets them to buy. Its why ive pulled the back cover for mitch alboms the five people you meet in heaven for us to examine. The hard part of writing a book isnt getting published. Writing a killer thriller and fire up your fiction, which has won two book awards so far and is a finalist for 3 more. Back cover blurbs for books tips for wrting blurbs that. The closer to perfect your letter is, the better your chances are of impressing the hiring manager. We explored the impact typography has on human emotion, cognitive recognition, and ultimate action plus, some book cover designs that.
To fully cover both points, weve split this post into two sections. Our senior production manager, nina, gave the following tips for crafting effective summary copy. Sep 12, 2018 creating a book blurb, while still technically writing, is closer to a science than an art. Tips for writing the best back cover copy design for books. The back cover copy you write for your book is among the most important marketing messages youll craft. The words on the cover of your book are intended to offer a brief description of the book that will hook your readers into your story and motivate them to open the pages and buy your books. In the internet age that means the thumb nail image needs to be interesting enough to click on.
You should regularly maintain your bio on places like your bookbub author profile so fans and potential readers seeking you out can learn more about you and why they should pick up your latest book. Work by convincing readers to take a chance on it, or fail to engage your target readers. When a buyer picks up your book in a bookstore or book signing event, he or she will usually look at the front cover first, then flip to the back to learn more about it. In fiction, backstory refers to the events that precede the narrative frame of the story itself. Do you still feel like writing your back cover copy is as difficult as drafting your resume. Back cover copy includes the book summary and author bio. But your back cover is what will inspire potential readers to take your book to the register. The back cover texts can be divided into three main parts. Heres how to write backcover that will hook new readers and sell your book. You have a few paragraphs about the book andor its author on the back about 100 to 200 words to hook the potential. Also, a lot of introductory material can go at the back of the book i strongly recommend having an about the author page at the back, because its a great opportunity to point readers to your website, mailing list, and so on. Create a definite, confident voice for your back cover. How to create a back of the book cover blurb that sells 1.
In this article, i offer 10 steps for writing a book along with 10 bonus steps to getting your book done. Finish off with a questionkeylineteaser that will leave them wondering what. A boring back cover text will cause the reader to lose interest and put the book back on the shelf. Tips for writing a back cover that sells steuben press. Although it should give a broad overview of the story, it should never contain spoilers for the book. Steps to writing your own back book blurb and back cover. Writing your author bio can be a daunting task, but a wellcrafted bio can help readers learn more about what makes you and your books so interesting. I also thought about my first businessa bookstorewhere we flipped through used books in search of autographs the equivalent of a literary jackpot. My previous books had all suffered from a problem, i realized. Sep 18, 2016 mastering the art of writing enticing headlines and exciting teasers takes practice. It will lead readers to your pages and because of its role as an ambassador, your book cover deserves thoughtful planning. Use these tips to help you craft a winning book cover that you can be proud of.
Bookfly design an oregonbased business, bookfly design consists of a small team which involves james t. If you are a novelist, your back cover should provide a short summary of what your book is about. Here are top 11 book cover design tips for independent authors 01. But once that reader picks up your book and flips to your back cover, this is your chance to sell your book. Some programs will allow you to simply drag the image smaller, and create a smushed version of the original. And, when youre done, come back and share it with us. These 50 awesome book covers will inspire you learn. Here are four tips to maximize your nonfiction back cover copy. Fail to engage your target readers in that sense, a good blurb is anything but subjective. Work by convincing readers to take a chance on it, or. Youve just put your feet up when you get a reminder from the designer that they still need text for the back cover. So lets take a closer look at these five aspects of the back cover. In this video, well share with you five important tips to keep in mind when submitting your ideas for the design of your cover.
It takes a lot of time and effort, especially if you want to do it right, which means creating something that people will find entertaining or useful and then polishing, marketing, and promoting it. Make sure you make your summary thorough so your reader knows the general subject. Writing a great story has little value if no one reads or buys the book. You have one shot at introducing your story to your reader make it count.
How to write a back cover book synopsis pen and the pad. Julie broad is an author and the founder of book launchers, a selfpublishing company. Check out this article for more indepth tips and examples on writing a great blurb for your novel. Creating a book blurb, while still technically writing, is closer to a science than an art. How to write kickbutt bcc back cover copy wise ink blog. Follow these tips and techniques for sending a topnotch cover letter, and you will increase your chances of getting an. You have just a few sentences to get the point across. Sep 25, 20 thata a lot of buying potential just waiting to be claimed by a snappy back cover. This article is by jessica strawser, editor of writer s digest. Five essential tips for anyone trying to write a book. Like it or not, everyone judges books by their covers. For the curious, twilights back cover copy is 57 words and 5 sentences. Apply these 9 secret techniques to improve your book cover design book cover design. Theres a reason why these books are bestsellers back cover copy is the second thing book buyers look at to help them make a buying decision the front cover is first.
How book cover typography can enhance the book itself luckily, understanding how fonts can work in your favor is easier than you think. Book promotion expert ben cameron always says writing the blurb is the hardest 100 words youll ever write, and many authors are also stumped when it comes to writing the front and back matter another task that usually falls just when youre feeling least like writing another word, after completing your book s final edit. I think a tricky part about writing back cover copy for fiction is writing it with a sense of urgency to grab a readers attention. I edit nonfiction books for selfpublished authors, and i have steered many toward professional copywriters. In order to write a book book in full, you need to have all the moving parts to make it not only good but also effective. Jul 06, 2011 this isnt to say, however, that you cant be extremely successful writing your own back cover copy it just presents its own unique challenges. Youll want it to have a design that grabs their attention and portrays an accurate idea of what your book is about. Editor jessi rita hoffman explains how to craft professional and compelling back cover copy for your book. But there are parts that you can write at any stage of the process. Top 11 book cover design tips for independent authors. Nov 20, 2019 when you need to write a cover letter to apply for a job, its sometimes the small things that can make a big difference. Jodie renner has published two books to date in her series, an editors guide to writing compelling fiction.
One way to write this primary reason is to present it as a question. That sounds complicated enough but take the sheer amount of book genres out there, and coming up with a book cover to attract readers can be a monumental task. How to create a back book cover blurb that sells kindlepreneur. And even if youre planning on only selling through online retailers, bcc is still incredibly useful. You also know that you have only two or three seconds to attract a potential reader with your front cover. Tips for writing a back cover that sells inspire action. Recently a new author asked me how she should handle autographing her books. What is the summary written on the cover at the back of a. Books with great back cover texts usually go up in high sales. Choose a voice for your back cover that matches your book and fuel it with emotion. A good childrens book is a distillation of an idea and the most successful writers use only a few potent words to say the most important and entertaining things. Thata a lot of buying potential just waiting to be claimed by a snappy back cover.
Fiction readers are looking to escape into a scene. But the headline of your back cover should be short, simple, and actionoriented. How to hire the perfect cover designer for your next book. Its the essence of your book s most exciting features, distilled into a few hundred words. Cover art serves one purpose, and one purpose only, to get potential customers interested long enough to pick up the book to read the back cover blurb.
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