When you fill your proposal we ask you to write a strapline and description of your book here, maximum 175 words.
- The Strapline is a single sentence pitch for your book here, maximum twenty words.
- The Description is copy that describes and sells your book, max 175 words.
If you are offered a contract then we edit this to form the basis of your blurb, or back cover copy. the text you’ll see on the back of your book.
Do not add your biographical details here! They go in your Author Profile.
The blurb (or back cover copy) is the description on the back of your book. For many readers, this description will be what prompts them to buy it.
- Keep it short and sweet maximum 175 words.
- Be confident, not arrogant.
- Be down to earth, be honest, write clearly.
- Your description needs to sell your book, not tell people what happened.
- Talk as if to a lay friend/colleague, who is not an expert in your field, explaining why they should read your book.
- Include any highlights – a few words from an endorsement by someone prominent, or anything shortlisted for a good prize, a strong review in a trade magazine, a high ranking on Amazon etc.
- Put your most compelling copy at the top of your description. This is what people will read first, and will be visible on Amazon (before the "read more" link).
- What is your USP? What is interesting about you or your book? Make this front and center.
- Writing a blurb is like your own writing. Every sentence should move the reader to read the following one.
- Avoid jargon, obscure words or overly technical terms.
- Don't exaggerate, don't use hyperbole.
- If referring to yourself, write in the third person.
- Be aware of where your book will sit on the bookshelves.
- Does your blurb include the right Keywords? The right words and phrases in your title, subtitle, blurb and Keyword box (on your Marketing page) greatly increase your visibility on search engines such as Google, Amazon, Apple and LibraryThing. As most people “shop” for books online, this is crucial to your book’s success. If you’ve written a book that teaches reiki and someone searches for “book on how to do reiki” and your book does not show up on the first 1-3 pages of results, potential readers are not going to find it.
- The strapline should be the biggest sell, the best bit, the most compelling aspect of the description.
- The style of the strapline should match the style of your book.
- Short, brief, and get the point across quickly and succinctly.
- Take out things that are not going to make the reader sayYES.
When your publication date is set we:
- Edit together your Strapline and the Description you supply in the Description Box on your Book Details page.
- We enter the edited text in the Edited Description box. This text feeds through to Amazon, retail, wholesale and library databases, our website and all marketing materials.
When your Final Copyedit is ready for approval we combine the Edited Description with your Endorsements and the Full Bio and Short Bio you gave on your Profile to form the final back cover copy that you'll see on your physical book.
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