How To Write Compelling Back Cover Copy

Two things entice a reader to pick up your book. First, it is the book cover that catches their eye and immediately after seeing that, they flip to the back of the book for the back cover copy.

Generally speaking, a back cover copy, also known as blurb, sales description, sales copy or book description is a very brief summary of your book written at the back of the book. It explains how the story plays out without giving it all away. It gives a peek into the plot, the setting and the pivotal character(s).

Your sales copy should be just long enough to give the reader an idea of what the book is all about. Reveal just enough to get your potential reader hooked without giving away too much - just enough to leave them eager to know the whole story. The aim is to use this summary to generate interest in the book. It is your pitch to the reader so make sure it is compelling.

You want to have the kind of book description that intrigues the reader otherwise they will just put the book back on the shelf and keep looking for something better.

Leave them wanting: The back cover sales copy's sole purpose is to entice the reader to pick up your book. Your back cover should, therefore, give off just enough to have them hooked onto the story. Do not reveal your whole story here otherwise the reader will have no need to open the book since they already know how it all plays out.

Keep It Brief: There is no strict rule about how long your book description should be, but general agreement is that the shorter the better. No one wants to read a very long book description, so keep it short. All a reader is looking for at that point is to know if the story inside the book is the kind they want to read, they will get the rest of the details once they start reading the story.

Stir Up Emotions: Nothing gets a reader hooked onto a story like human emotions. Whatever type of book you are writing, make sure your back cover copy speaks to the reader on an emotional level.

Choose The Right Voice: When writing your blurb, choose a voice that works with the story inside. The voice in the blurb must match that voice in the book and with the topic and genre. The right reader should be able to connect with the voice in the back cover copy, otherwise many potential readers might not give the book a chance.

Make It Visually Friendly: Depending on your target audience, make sure your book description appeals to them visually. If the reader has made it to the back of your book, it means that you already did a good job on the book cover so try not to lose them with an unattractive back cover copy. Choose the right font and font size and use short paragraphs.