Have you given any thought to your book’s back cover copy? You may just be starting your nonfiction book or you may be nearly finished with your novel. At some point, you will be facing the back cover. What will you write? Have you given this any thought?
First, consider why you are writing something for the back cover. What is the purpose of the back cover copy? Is it just to fill the space? Should you use an eloquent paragraph from the story? Is this an opportunity to show how well you can write? Not necessarily.
This is your opportunity to sell your book—to pique the interest of someone who picks it up or who sees it online. Your job is to adequately describe your book to your particular proposed audience so that they are inclined to purchase it—so that they want to read it. What is the story about? What is the purpose of your nonfiction book? What does it offer/provide for your readers?
The back cover often includes a brief paragraph about the author. Readers may want to know who wrote the book—what is this author’s experience as a mystery writer or expertise in the subject of the book? And whether we like to admit it or not, a photograph sometimes sways us one way or another when we are considering which book to buy.
I like to use bullets on the back cover of my nonfiction books for writers. Then potential readers can see at a glance some of the things I cover in the book. This technique is effective when writing articles, as well. That’s why you often see me use bullets in my blog posts.
You may have your cover designed. Perhaps you are over-the-top pleased with your cover design—you are confident that it will attract your readers. But what about your back cover copy? Have you written it? Are you not sure what to write? Have you even thought about it? Here are some tips: (notice the bullets)
• Write the back cover copy with your audience in mind.
• Once you’ve written it, read it from the standpoint of your readers.
• Study the back cover copy of other books similar to yours
• Run your back cover copy by actual potential readers.
• Have an editor take a look before finalizing.
If you’d like to send me your back cover copy, I’d be happy to take a look.
PLFry620@yahoo.com
http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com