endorsements

Perhaps the Most Important Words

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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Fiction authors, once you have decided on a title and cover, turn your attention to the back cover copy—which may be the most important words you’ll write.

Why?

Because it is an ad for your book, read by shoppers after the cover and title grab them. (It may take a while to write, but remember if can also be used as your Amazon description.)

This summary of what your book is about, should only be a paragraph or two, and include the story’s most compelling plot points. 

The best descriptions will end with an intriguing question or something that will hook the reader.

You should leave enough room for a professional-looking, clear photograph of your face.

Next to it, include a mini-bio. Your formal author bio should also be included INSIDE, near the back cover. 

If you have room on the back cover, you can include one or more endorsements. Some authors use endorsements instead of a book description.

But, a word of caution. The endorsements should be from well-known authors in your genre. Any others you may have can be used as reviews.

The Back Cover

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: image.png

Fiction authors, once you have decided on a title and cover, turn your attention to the back cover copy—which may be the most important words you’ll write.

Why?

Because it is an ad for your book, read by shoppers after the cover and title grab them. (It may take a while to write, but remember if can also be used as your Amazon description.)

This summary of what your book is about, should only be a paragraph or two, and include the story’s most compelling plot points. 

The best descriptions will end with an intriguing question or something that will hook the reader.

You should leave enough room for a professional-looking, clear photograph of your face.

Next to it, include a mini-bio. Your formal author bio should also be included INSIDE, near the back cover. 

If you have room on the back cover, you can include one or more endorsements. Some authors use endorsements instead of a book description. Your choice.

But, a word of caution. The endorsements should be from well-known authors in your genre. Any others you may have can be used as reviews, if the authors have read your book.

Critiques, Endorsements, and Reviews

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

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A beginning writer asked me what the difference is between critiques, reviews, and endorsements. 

Let’s review what each means in relation to the craft of writing:

Critiques: These are critical evaluations of a person’s literary work. If you are writing, you are likely to be in a critique group where you share your work in progress with other writers. You point out errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation. You also talk about sentence structure, characters, conversation, and many other aspects of the writing craft. The idea behind sharing critiques is to help your fellow writer. Think of these as peers helping each other.

Reviews:  a critical consideration of something. We are familiar with writing reviews of restaurants, businesses, and products. Movies, plays, and events are often reviewed. In regard to books, one writes a short analysis, stating positive and negative aspects of a person’s work. Sometimes the reviewer is also asked to rate the book in terms of “stars” or “happy faces.”

Endorsements: an act of giving one’s public approval or support to someone or something. Endorsements are often written on one of the first pages of a book or on the cover. These are often read by consumers prior to purchase to help them decided whether to buy a particular book—or not.