How to write a great blurb for your book<\/h1>\n6 essential ingredients of a good back cover text<\/h3>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>What do you do when you browse around a bookstore? Chances are that you select a book with an interesting title and cover, then turn it over and read the back cover, right? When buying online on websites like Amazon or Barnes & Noble, the same applies. Your search for a title, look at the cover, and then you read the blurb. The blurb is actually the same as the text on the back cover. What is the thing that a writer sends to a publisher to see if they are interested? Sure thing; an \u2018executive summary\u2019; the text from the back cover.<\/p>\n
The back cover is the most important page of your book. But how do you build it up? Below you will find the 6 essential components and some important tips for a great back cover.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"Esther-with-digital-nomad-book\"](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Esther-with-digital-nomad-book.jpeg\" "\\"Esther")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>1. The opening sentence and first paragraph<\/h2>\n
The first line of the back cover must appeal immediately. The first paragraph should attract attention, poke a wound, be exciting, or trigger the reader.
\nIf you start with ‘This book is about’, you’re wasting valuable space, and you’ll immediately lose your reader. Better go straight to the point. A quote, a question, or ‘naming the pain’ are good opening sentences for non-fiction books.<\/p>\n
2. A promise to your readers<\/h2>\n
The back cover is not only a summary of your book, it’s also your main sales page. You are making a promise to your readers: what will they be able to do, what will they know, or how will they feel after reading the book? For example: “This book will give you the knowledge and practical daily steps to keep the passion alive in your relationship”.
\nFocus on the reader<\/em> and solve their problem. You, the author, and your book are secondary. It is the outcome<\/em>, not the process, that matters to the reader.
\nSo focus on the results<\/em> rather than the process. Don\u2019t say, “This book contains seven productivity exercises”, but “These concentration exercises will increase your productivity by 15 percent”.<\/p>\n3. About the Author<\/h2>\n
The ‘About the author’ section introduces the sender of the message. Don’t make the mistake of listing your career achievements. Select information that is relevant to the reader and which complements and adds value to your back-cover. You can always add a page (or even a chapter) to your book to share
\nmore about yourself, your background, and your other products and services, may be of interest to motivated readers.<\/p>\n
It is also informative to mention why you are passionate about the subject. Why did you decide to write this book? If you add a short, powerful, personal message (which can be elaborated on in the introduction to the book), readers will feel more engaged.<\/p>\n
4. Author photo<\/h2>\n
Most authors decide to include a picture of themselves on the back cover. This author’s photo gives readers an instant impression of the person sending the message\/writing the book. Invest in a high-resolution, professional-quality image. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a business-style photo: the look and feel should match your message. Don’t be tempted to just use a holiday snapshot. They are often grainy and don’t have the right appeal.<\/p>\n
5. Reader’s response or recommendation<\/h2>\n
A recommendation from someone who isn\u2019t involved in the book works better than the author or publisher saying how good the book is. Recommendations or reviews from a third party can be compelling. They make even more of an impression if the reviewer is well-known, such as a celebrity, expert, or specialist in your field. In my blog The Best Reference<\/a> you will find explanations and examples.<\/p>\n6. Call to action<\/h2>\n
What action do you want your readers to take after reading your back cover? Is there something you want them to do? Something you want them to think about? Is there a conversation they should be having? Do you want them to buy your book or go to your website? Including the URL for your book\u2019s landing page or your website will help the reader find you online.<\/p>\n
Back cover essentials<\/h2>\n
The text of your back cover, especially the ‘about the author’ part, is usually written in the third person. For the reader, it is as if the publisher is writing about the author and the book. So even if you’re writing your back cover yourself, pretend that someone else (possibly the publisher) is saying this about you and your book.
\nAnd now for the punch line: all these different parts of your back cover cannot exceed 250-300 words, including the ‘about the author’ section. The back cover space is limited, and you need to reserve some space for the author’s picture, the barcode\/ISBN, and other sales information. So make sure you focus on the most important things and don’t repeat yourself.<\/p>\n
Read and learn; study other back covers<\/h2>\n
Search for books on your topic on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book sites. Take some time to read the back covers of books that are similar to yours. Examine random back covers from your bookcase. You’ve probably never looked at books this way before.<\/p>\n
What information is featured on the back covers, and what is missing? How is the theme presented? What is said about the author? What tone is used? What would work or not work for your book? There is so much to see, learn, and decide when writing the text of your own back cover…<\/p>\n
Have fun and good luck with this journey of discovery!<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Are you serious about writing your book?<\/h2>\nDon\u2019t reinvent the wheel, like I did. As the author and co-author of more than 30 books<\/a>, writing coach for hundreds of people<\/a> and organizer of 30 writing retreats, I have finally found the best system for writing a good book: the \u2018Reverse Writing\u2019 method<\/a>. If you begin at the end and create a good structure before you start writing, you will be able to follow your energy, instead of the page numbers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\nLearn all tips & tricks in the \u2018idea to book\u2019 workshop<\/h2>\n
Everything you need to turn your idea into a bestseller: practical advice, examples, and inspiration about writing, publishing, and promoting your book. Check out the \u2018from idea to book\u2019 workshop<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n![\"werboek](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/werboek-back-front-cover-1.jpg\" "\\"werboek")
<\/span><\/div>\nPersonal guidance<\/h2>\n
I have trained a GPT with all my book writing knowledge, to help you get started, answer your questions and give feedback on your writing. Try out EstherAI<\/a> for free!<\/p>\nPrefer personal 1 on 1 coaching? Private writing coaching is a unique opportunity to work on your book with my personal guidance and support. Book a single strategy session or plan a series of 1-on-1 calls. Do you want the best for your book?<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nA writing retreat in an exotic location?<\/h2>\n
During the online writing retreat@home<\/a> or an all-inclusive retreat<\/a> in one of my favorite locations, you will work with like-minded people and get 1-on-1 guidance. The daily workshops help to get started, followed by focused writing time, delicious food, and personal guidance & feedback. Where will we go?<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nThe book \u2018Reverse Writing\u2019<\/h2>\n
Learn my Reverse Writing method (start with the back cover) in my super-comprehensive book \u2018Reverse Writing\u2019<\/a> and the companion workbook. You will find a step-by-step explanation, lots of examples, inspiration, and practical tips about writing, promotion, and publishing your book.<\/div>
<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>What do you do when you browse around a bookstore? Chances are that you select a book with an interesting title and cover, then turn it over and read the back cover, right? When buying online on websites like Amazon or Barnes & Noble, the same applies. Your search for a title, look at the cover, and then you read the blurb. The blurb is actually the same as the text on the back cover. What is the thing that a writer sends to a publisher to see if they are interested? Sure thing; an \u2018executive summary\u2019; the text from the back cover.<\/p>\n
The back cover is the most important page of your book. But how do you build it up? Below you will find the 6 essential components and some important tips for a great back cover.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>1. The opening sentence and first paragraph<\/h2>\n
The first line of the back cover must appeal immediately. The first paragraph should attract attention, poke a wound, be exciting, or trigger the reader.
\nIf you start with ‘This book is about’, you’re wasting valuable space, and you’ll immediately lose your reader. Better go straight to the point. A quote, a question, or ‘naming the pain’ are good opening sentences for non-fiction books.<\/p>\n
2. A promise to your readers<\/h2>\n
The back cover is not only a summary of your book, it’s also your main sales page. You are making a promise to your readers: what will they be able to do, what will they know, or how will they feel after reading the book? For example: “This book will give you the knowledge and practical daily steps to keep the passion alive in your relationship”.
\nFocus on the reader<\/em> and solve their problem. You, the author, and your book are secondary. It is the outcome<\/em>, not the process, that matters to the reader.
\nSo focus on the results<\/em> rather than the process. Don\u2019t say, “This book contains seven productivity exercises”, but “These concentration exercises will increase your productivity by 15 percent”.<\/p>\n3. About the Author<\/h2>\n
The ‘About the author’ section introduces the sender of the message. Don’t make the mistake of listing your career achievements. Select information that is relevant to the reader and which complements and adds value to your back-cover. You can always add a page (or even a chapter) to your book to share
\nmore about yourself, your background, and your other products and services, may be of interest to motivated readers.<\/p>\n
It is also informative to mention why you are passionate about the subject. Why did you decide to write this book? If you add a short, powerful, personal message (which can be elaborated on in the introduction to the book), readers will feel more engaged.<\/p>\n
4. Author photo<\/h2>\n
Most authors decide to include a picture of themselves on the back cover. This author’s photo gives readers an instant impression of the person sending the message\/writing the book. Invest in a high-resolution, professional-quality image. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a business-style photo: the look and feel should match your message. Don’t be tempted to just use a holiday snapshot. They are often grainy and don’t have the right appeal.<\/p>\n
5. Reader’s response or recommendation<\/h2>\n
A recommendation from someone who isn\u2019t involved in the book works better than the author or publisher saying how good the book is. Recommendations or reviews from a third party can be compelling. They make even more of an impression if the reviewer is well-known, such as a celebrity, expert, or specialist in your field. In my blog The Best Reference<\/a> you will find explanations and examples.<\/p>\n6. Call to action<\/h2>\n
What action do you want your readers to take after reading your back cover? Is there something you want them to do? Something you want them to think about? Is there a conversation they should be having? Do you want them to buy your book or go to your website? Including the URL for your book\u2019s landing page or your website will help the reader find you online.<\/p>\n
Back cover essentials<\/h2>\n
The text of your back cover, especially the ‘about the author’ part, is usually written in the third person. For the reader, it is as if the publisher is writing about the author and the book. So even if you’re writing your back cover yourself, pretend that someone else (possibly the publisher) is saying this about you and your book.
\nAnd now for the punch line: all these different parts of your back cover cannot exceed 250-300 words, including the ‘about the author’ section. The back cover space is limited, and you need to reserve some space for the author’s picture, the barcode\/ISBN, and other sales information. So make sure you focus on the most important things and don’t repeat yourself.<\/p>\n
Read and learn; study other back covers<\/h2>\n
Search for books on your topic on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book sites. Take some time to read the back covers of books that are similar to yours. Examine random back covers from your bookcase. You’ve probably never looked at books this way before.<\/p>\n
What information is featured on the back covers, and what is missing? How is the theme presented? What is said about the author? What tone is used? What would work or not work for your book? There is so much to see, learn, and decide when writing the text of your own back cover…<\/p>\n
Have fun and good luck with this journey of discovery!<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Are you serious about writing your book?<\/h2>\nDon\u2019t reinvent the wheel, like I did. As the author and co-author of more than 30 books<\/a>, writing coach for hundreds of people<\/a> and organizer of 30 writing retreats, I have finally found the best system for writing a good book: the \u2018Reverse Writing\u2019 method<\/a>. If you begin at the end and create a good structure before you start writing, you will be able to follow your energy, instead of the page numbers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\nLearn all tips & tricks in the \u2018idea to book\u2019 workshop<\/h2>\n
Everything you need to turn your idea into a bestseller: practical advice, examples, and inspiration about writing, publishing, and promoting your book. Check out the \u2018from idea to book\u2019 workshop<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/span><\/div>\nPersonal guidance<\/h2>\n
I have trained a GPT with all my book writing knowledge, to help you get started, answer your questions and give feedback on your writing. Try out EstherAI<\/a> for free!<\/p>\nPrefer personal 1 on 1 coaching? Private writing coaching is a unique opportunity to work on your book with my personal guidance and support. Book a single strategy session or plan a series of 1-on-1 calls. Do you want the best for your book?<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nA writing retreat in an exotic location?<\/h2>\n
During the online writing retreat@home<\/a> or an all-inclusive retreat<\/a> in one of my favorite locations, you will work with like-minded people and get 1-on-1 guidance. The daily workshops help to get started, followed by focused writing time, delicious food, and personal guidance & feedback. Where will we go?<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nThe book \u2018Reverse Writing\u2019<\/h2>\n
Learn my Reverse Writing method (start with the back cover) in my super-comprehensive book \u2018Reverse Writing\u2019<\/a> and the companion workbook. You will find a step-by-step explanation, lots of examples, inspiration, and practical tips about writing, promotion, and publishing your book.<\/div>
What do you do when you browse around a bookstore? Chances are that you select a book with an interesting title and cover, then turn it over and read the back cover, right? When buying online on websites like Amazon or Barnes & Noble, the same applies. Your search for a title, look at the cover, and then you read the blurb. The blurb is actually the same as the text on the back cover. What is the thing that a writer sends to a publisher to see if they are interested? Sure thing; an \u2018executive summary\u2019; the text from the back cover.<\/p>\n
The back cover is the most important page of your book. But how do you build it up? Below you will find the 6 essential components and some important tips for a great back cover.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div>1. The opening sentence and first paragraph<\/h2>\n
The first line of the back cover must appeal immediately. The first paragraph should attract attention, poke a wound, be exciting, or trigger the reader.
\nIf you start with ‘This book is about’, you’re wasting valuable space, and you’ll immediately lose your reader. Better go straight to the point. A quote, a question, or ‘naming the pain’ are good opening sentences for non-fiction books.<\/p>\n
2. A promise to your readers<\/h2>\n
The back cover is not only a summary of your book, it’s also your main sales page. You are making a promise to your readers: what will they be able to do, what will they know, or how will they feel after reading the book? For example: “This book will give you the knowledge and practical daily steps to keep the passion alive in your relationship”. The ‘About the author’ section introduces the sender of the message. Don’t make the mistake of listing your career achievements. Select information that is relevant to the reader and which complements and adds value to your back-cover. You can always add a page (or even a chapter) to your book to share It is also informative to mention why you are passionate about the subject. Why did you decide to write this book? If you add a short, powerful, personal message (which can be elaborated on in the introduction to the book), readers will feel more engaged.<\/p>\n Most authors decide to include a picture of themselves on the back cover. This author’s photo gives readers an instant impression of the person sending the message\/writing the book. Invest in a high-resolution, professional-quality image. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a business-style photo: the look and feel should match your message. Don’t be tempted to just use a holiday snapshot. They are often grainy and don’t have the right appeal.<\/p>\n A recommendation from someone who isn\u2019t involved in the book works better than the author or publisher saying how good the book is. Recommendations or reviews from a third party can be compelling. They make even more of an impression if the reviewer is well-known, such as a celebrity, expert, or specialist in your field. In my blog The Best Reference<\/a> you will find explanations and examples.<\/p>\n What action do you want your readers to take after reading your back cover? Is there something you want them to do? Something you want them to think about? Is there a conversation they should be having? Do you want them to buy your book or go to your website? Including the URL for your book\u2019s landing page or your website will help the reader find you online.<\/p>\n The text of your back cover, especially the ‘about the author’ part, is usually written in the third person. For the reader, it is as if the publisher is writing about the author and the book. So even if you’re writing your back cover yourself, pretend that someone else (possibly the publisher) is saying this about you and your book. Search for books on your topic on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book sites. Take some time to read the back covers of books that are similar to yours. Examine random back covers from your bookcase. You’ve probably never looked at books this way before.<\/p>\n What information is featured on the back covers, and what is missing? How is the theme presented? What is said about the author? What tone is used? What would work or not work for your book? There is so much to see, learn, and decide when writing the text of your own back cover…<\/p>\n Have fun and good luck with this journey of discovery!<\/p>\n<\/div> Don\u2019t reinvent the wheel, like I did. As the author and co-author of more than 30 books<\/a>, writing coach for hundreds of people<\/a> and organizer of 30 writing retreats, I have finally found the best system for writing a good book: the \u2018Reverse Writing\u2019 method<\/a>. If you begin at the end and create a good structure before you start writing, you will be able to follow your energy, instead of the page numbers.<\/p>\n Everything you need to turn your idea into a bestseller: practical advice, examples, and inspiration about writing, publishing, and promoting your book. Check out the \u2018from idea to book\u2019 workshop<\/a>.<\/p>\n I have trained a GPT with all my book writing knowledge, to help you get started, answer your questions and give feedback on your writing. Try out EstherAI<\/a> for free!<\/p>\n Prefer personal 1 on 1 coaching? Private writing coaching is a unique opportunity to work on your book with my personal guidance and support. Book a single strategy session or plan a series of 1-on-1 calls. Do you want the best for your book?<\/a> During the online writing retreat@home<\/a> or an all-inclusive retreat<\/a> in one of my favorite locations, you will work with like-minded people and get 1-on-1 guidance. The daily workshops help to get started, followed by focused writing time, delicious food, and personal guidance & feedback. Where will we go?<\/a> Learn my Reverse Writing method (start with the back cover) in my super-comprehensive book \u2018Reverse Writing\u2019<\/a> and the companion workbook. You will find a step-by-step explanation, lots of examples, inspiration, and practical tips about writing, promotion, and publishing your book.
\nFocus on the reader<\/em> and solve their problem. You, the author, and your book are secondary. It is the outcome<\/em>, not the process, that matters to the reader.
\nSo focus on the results<\/em> rather than the process. Don\u2019t say, “This book contains seven productivity exercises”, but “These concentration exercises will increase your productivity by 15 percent”.<\/p>\n3. About the Author<\/h2>\n
\nmore about yourself, your background, and your other products and services, may be of interest to motivated readers.<\/p>\n4. Author photo<\/h2>\n
5. Reader’s response or recommendation<\/h2>\n
6. Call to action<\/h2>\n
Back cover essentials<\/h2>\n
\nAnd now for the punch line: all these different parts of your back cover cannot exceed 250-300 words, including the ‘about the author’ section. The back cover space is limited, and you need to reserve some space for the author’s picture, the barcode\/ISBN, and other sales information. So make sure you focus on the most important things and don’t repeat yourself.<\/p>\nRead and learn; study other back covers<\/h2>\n
Are you serious about writing your book?<\/h2>
Learn all tips & tricks in the \u2018idea to book\u2019 workshop<\/h2>\n
<\/span><\/div>\nPersonal guidance<\/h2>\n
A writing retreat in an exotic location?<\/h2>\n
The book \u2018Reverse Writing\u2019<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/reverse-writing-3d-book-pdf-.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n