Have you ever picked up a book and flipped it over to read the description on the back, only to feel more confused than before? You’re not alone. The description on the back of a book is supposed to be a concise summary of what the book is about, but sometimes it can be hard to decipher. So, what is the description on the back of a book called? It’s called a blurb, and it’s meant to entice potential readers to pick up the book and give it a chance.
Nowadays, with so many books being published every year, it’s more important than ever for authors and publishers to craft the perfect blurb to grab a reader’s attention. But how do they do it? The key is to provide just enough information to hook the reader without giving away too much of the plot. A well-written blurb can make the difference between a book being overlooked on the shelves or becoming a bestseller.
So, next time you’re browsing the bookstore or scrolling through Amazon, take a closer look at the blurbs of the books that catch your eye. You may just discover your next favorite read. And if you’re an aspiring author, remember that your blurb is just as important as your actual book. It’s your chance to show the world what your story is all about, and convince readers to give it a chance.
Purpose of book descriptions
Book descriptions are the short summaries that appear on the back cover of a book or on an online retailer’s website. They provide readers with a glimpse into what the book is about. The purpose of book descriptions is to entice potential readers to pick up the book and read it.
- Hooking the reader: Book descriptions are designed to hook the reader and make them want to read more. They should be concise and engaging, giving the reader just enough information to pique their interest.
- Setting expectations: Book descriptions also help to set expectations for the reader. They give readers an idea of what they can expect from the book and what kind of reading experience they will have.
- Marketing tool: Book descriptions are an important marketing tool for publishers and authors. A well-written description can help to sell books and increase the book’s chances of success.
Writing a good book descriptions requires a combination of art and science. The description should be short and to the point, while still being engaging and informative. It should highlight the book’s unique selling points and give readers a reason to choose it over other books in the same genre.
Here’s an example of a book description for Tim Ferriss’s book, “The 4-Hour Workweek”:
| Title: | The 4-Hour Workweek |
| Author: | Tim Ferriss |
| Description: | Forget the old concept of retirement and the rest of the deferred-life plan – there is no need to wait and every reason not to, especially in unpredictable economic times. Whether your dream is escaping the rat race, experiencing high-end world travel, earning a monthly five-figure income with zero management, or just living more and working less, this book is the blueprint. |
This book description follows the guidelines mentioned above. It hooks the reader with its bold claim of escaping the “deferred-life plan” and promises to provide a blueprint to achieve a more fulfilling life. It sets expectations by highlighting the benefits of implementing the book’s teachings. Finally, it functions as a marketing tool by positioning the book as the solution to the reader’s problems.
Elements of a Book Description
The description on the back of a book can make the difference between a potential reader picking up the book or leaving it on the shelf. It is the first impression a potential reader will have of the book, so it is important to get it right. The description should give readers a brief synopsis of the story, intriguing them enough to want to find out more.
Characteristics of a Good Book Description
- A clear and concise summary of the story
- A strong hook that grabs the reader’s attention
- An emotional appeal, connecting with the reader on a personal level
How to Write a Book Description
When writing a book description, it is important to keep in mind the target audience and the genre of the book. The tone and style should match the book, whether it is serious or lighthearted, and the description should be free of spoilers. It can be helpful to highlight the main themes of the book, such as love, friendship, or adventure, to give readers an idea of what to expect.
Here is a simple template for writing a book description:
| Paragraph | Content |
|---|---|
| Introduction | A hook that grabs the reader’s attention |
| Summary | Clear and concise summary of the story |
| Themes | Highlight the main themes of the book |
| Conclusion | An emotional appeal that leaves the reader wanting more |
Remember to keep the description short and sweet, no longer than a couple of paragraphs. The purpose is to pique the reader’s curiosity, not give away the entire story.
Importance of a strong book description
Writing a strong book description is one of the most crucial elements of publishing a book. It provides potential readers with a glimpse of what the book is about, generates interest, and entices them to purchase the book. A well-written book description can make or break a book’s success in the market. It’s the first impression that readers have of the book and one of the most significant factors that influence their decision to buy it.
- Attract readers: A strong book description is essential to attract readers to your book. It should be engaging and impactful enough to entice readers to want to know more about the book. A good book description sets the tone for the book and gives readers a reason to read it.
- Convey book’s essence: A book description provides readers with a brief summary of the book, which conveys the essence of the book. It should describe the main characters, the plot, and the theme of the book in a compelling manner. The aim is to give readers a clear idea of what the book is about without revealing too much.
- Create marketing impact: A compelling book description can make a significant impact on marketing efforts. It is often used in marketing campaigns, including ads and emails, to promote the book. It can also be used in book reviews and other promotional materials to attract readers and generate buzz around the book.
How to write a strong book description
Writing a strong book description is not an easy task, but it’s vital to the success of the book. Here are some tips to help you write an engaging book description:
- Know your audience: Before you write the book description, consider who your target audience is. What would they like to see in the description, and what will grab their attention?
- Create a hook: Start the book description with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention and draws them in. Use active language and make it exciting.
- Focus on the benefits: Describe the benefits of reading the book, including what the reader will gain from it (entertainment, knowledge, inspiration, etc.)
- Keep it concise: A good book description is typically 150-200 words long. Don’t give away too much information, but make it exciting enough to make the reader want more.
- Show, don’t tell: Use descriptive language and give readers a sense of the story and characters without revealing too much. Use adjectives, adverbs, and sensory details to create imagery that puts the reader in the scene.
Elements of a strong book description
A strong book description should have the following elements:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Hook | A catchy opening that grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to read more. |
| Plot summary | A brief summary of the book’s plot, usually no more than two or three sentences long. |
| Characterization | A description of the book’s main character(s) that gives readers a sense of who they are and what they’re like. |
| Themes | The main themes of the book—what the book is about, what it’s trying to say, and what readers can expect to take away from it. |
| Tone/voice | The tone or voice of the book, whether it’s humorous, serious, lyrical, or conversational. |
| Call to action | A clear call to action that encourages readers to buy the book, such as “Buy it now,” “Download it today,” or “Order your copy.” |
By following these tips and including these elements, you will be able to create a powerful book description that will attract readers and help your book succeed in the market.
Tips for Writing a Book Description
One of the most important aspects of marketing your book is creating a compelling book description. This is the copy that goes on the back cover or the website listing of your book. It’s the first thing potential readers will read about your book and it can make or break their decision to buy it. Here are some tips for writing a book description that will help you sell more copies:
- Identify your target audience: Knowing your target audience is key to writing a book description that resonates with readers. Your book description should speak directly to the needs and interests of your target audience.
- Keep it short and sweet: A good book description is usually no more than two or three paragraphs long. It should be long enough to give readers an idea of what the book is about, but short enough to keep their attention.
- Focus on the key themes: Your book description should highlight the key themes and ideas of your book. This will give readers a clear idea of what to expect from your book.
Finally, it’s a good idea to study book descriptions of books that are similar to your own. Take note of what works and what doesn’t work, and use this knowledge to craft your own compelling book description.
Examples of Good Book Descriptions
If you’re struggling to write a book description, it can be helpful to look at examples of successful book descriptions. Here are some examples of book descriptions that really stand out:
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins: “Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning and every night. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. ‘Jess and Jason,’ she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.”
Atomic Habits by James Clear: “No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving—every day. James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.”
Book Description Template
While every book is different, there’s a basic formula you can use to write a book description that will resonate with readers. Here’s a book description template you can use:
| Paragraph 1 | Paragraph 2 | Paragraph 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Introduce the main character or the theme of the book | Highlight the conflict or challenge faced by the main character | Build up the stakes and tension |
| Set up the setting and time period | Show how the character tries to solve the conflict | End with a cliffhanger or a resolution |
By following this template and customizing it to fit your book, you’ll be well on your way to writing a book description that will help you sell more copies.
Examples of Effective Book Descriptions
As an expert blogger, I can tell you that a well-crafted book description can make all the difference in whether or not a reader decides to purchase and read a book. Below are some examples of effective book descriptions:
- Strong opening hook: A great book description starts off with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention and entices them to keep reading. For example, the book description for “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn begins with the sentence “Marriage can be a real killer.”
- Clear synopsis: The description should give a clear idea of what the book is about without giving away too many details. The description for “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins is a great example of this. It gives a brief synopsis of the plot without revealing any major spoilers.
- Compelling language: The language used in the description should be engaging and compelling. For example, the description for Steve Jobs’ biography by Walter Isaacson uses strong, action-oriented language like “fearless” and “visionary” to describe Jobs.
Effective book descriptions can also include quotes from well-known sources, such as established authors or publications, to give readers an idea of what to expect from the book. For instance, the description for “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins includes quotes from well-respected reviewers and publications, such as Publisher’s Weekly and Stephen King.
Another effective technique is to create a table or list within the description, highlighting key aspects of the book. For example, the description for “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey includes a table outlining the seven habits discussed in the book. This not only gives readers a quick overview of the content, but also shows that the book is well-organized and easy to follow.
| The 7 Habits | Description |
|---|---|
| Be Proactive | Take initiative in life by realizing you are responsible for your choices. |
| Begin With the End in Mind | Define your mission and goals in life. |
| Put First Things First | Plan and prioritize your most important goals first. |
| Think Win-Win | Have an abundance mentality and seek mutual benefit in all human interactions. |
| Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood | Listen to other people’s opinions and try to understand them before expressing your own. |
| Synergize | Work together to achieve more than you could alone. |
| Sharpen the Saw | Take time to renew and improve yourself in the four areas of body, mind, heart, and spirit. |
Overall, a good book description should pique the reader’s interest, provide a clear idea of what to expect from the book, and use compelling language to entice the reader to make a purchase. By following these examples and techniques, writers can create effective book descriptions that help their books stand out in a crowded market.
Differences between book descriptions and back cover blurbs
When browsing for a book to read, the description on the back cover and the blurb may seem similar, but they serve different purposes and have different styles. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision on whether to pick up a book or not.
- Content: The back cover description aims to give readers a brief summary of what the book is about, while the blurb focuses more on creating intrigue and suspense to grab the reader’s attention. The content in the description is typically more factual and detail-oriented to inform the reader about the book’s plot, themes, and characters, while the blurb uses more descriptive language to create a mood or feeling about the book.
- Length: Book descriptions tend to be longer and more detailed, while blurbs are shorter and to the point. The description may span a few paragraphs, while the blurb is usually limited to a few sentences.
- Placement: The back cover description is located on the back of the book, while the blurb is usually found on the front cover or inside the book jacket. Because of this placement, the back cover description can provide more information without giving away spoilers or crucial plot points, while the blurb’s placement is meant to attract the reader’s attention and entice them to open the book.
In addition to these differences, it’s important to note that book descriptions and blurbs also have their own unique writing styles. Book descriptions may use a more straightforward, informative tone, while blurbs may use more creative and attention-grabbing language.
Overall, understanding the differences between book descriptions and back cover blurbs can help readers make informed decisions about what books to read based on their preferences. Whether you prefer more detail-oriented summaries or shorter, mood-setting blurbs, both serve important roles in helping readers find their next great read.
Considerations for book description formatting
If you’re an author or publisher, crafting the description on the back of a book can be a daunting task. This brief paragraph or two is what can make or break a potential reader’s decision to purchase your book. Here are some considerations for formatting your book description:
Length
- Keep it short and sweet – ideally no more than 150 words.
- Focus on the key themes, characters, and plot points. Avoid spoilers or excessive details.
- Consider breaking the description into shorter paragraphs for easier readability.
Tone and Voice
Think about the tone and voice you want to convey in your book description. It should be reflective of the overall tone of the book, but also attention-grabbing and engaging. Consider using action verbs and vivid language to make the description pop.
Formatting and Design
The way your book description is presented can also make a big impact. Here are some things to consider:
| Element | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Font and Text Size | Use a legible font and readable text size. Avoid using all caps or an overly decorative font. |
| Whitespace | Make sure there is enough whitespace around the text to allow the description to breathe. This can also help draw attention to key elements. |
| Visual Elements | Consider adding visual elements such as a book cover image or author headshot to draw the reader’s eye. |
By taking these considerations into account when formatting your book description, you can create a compelling and effective introduction to your work that will entice readers to pick it up.
Frequently Asked Questions: What is the description on the back of a book called?
1. What do you mean by the description on the back of a book?
The description on the back of a book is a brief summary of the story or content that is printed on the back cover of a book.
2. Why is the description on the back of a book important?
The description on the back of a book is important because it gives potential readers a glimpse into what the book is about, helping them decide whether or not to buy and read it.
3. What usually goes into a book description?
A book description typically includes a brief summary of the plot, the main characters, the setting, and any relevant themes or genres.
4. Who writes the description on the back of a book?
The publisher or author of the book usually writes the description on the back of a book.
5. Can the description on the back of a book affect the book’s success?
Yes, the description on the back of a book can definitely affect its success. A compelling and well-written description can draw in readers, while a lackluster or confusing one can turn them away.
6. Is the description on the back of a book the same as a book blurb?
Yes, the description on the back of a book is often referred to as a book blurb.
7. What is the purpose of a book blurb?
The purpose of a book blurb is to give potential readers a taste of the book’s content and entice them to read further.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope this article has helped to answer your questions about what the description on the back of a book is called. Remember, the description or book blurb is an important tool to help readers decide if they want to read the book. If you have any more questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And be sure to visit us again for more helpful information!