We’ve talked about how your book cover can be your greatest marketing tool. Your front cover is the first thing people see when looking at your book, but when marketing self-published books, it’s important to have an intriguing book blurb on the back cover to capture the attention of potential readers. Think about what you do when browsing books: You look at the front cover, and if it intrigues you, you flip it over to read the back for more information. This is why the content on the back of your books is so important; It's what ultimately prompts a reader to purchase! 

A book blurb is defined as: A short promotional piece accompanying a creative work, traditionally found on the back cover or rear dust jacket. Blurbs are normally written by fellow authors, the publisher, or other notable people.    

The back cover acts as a powerful sales tool. It often includes a brief, engaging summary of the book that captures potential readers' attention and persuades them to make a purchase. This summary is designed to highlight the book's key themes, plot points, and unique selling points without giving away too much of the story.

Here are some points to keep in mind when curating your back book cover:

Do your research:

Look at other books in your genre and examine their back covers. What information is included? How much? How is it formatted? What’s the content breakdown?

Keep it brief:

Your book blurb content should be easy to read or skim.  If you overwhelm your back cover with too many words, it could deter someone from reading the information enough to buy. It often includes a brief, engaging summary of the book that captures potential readers' attention and persuades them to make a purchase. This summary is designed to highlight the book's key themes, plot points, and unique selling points without giving away too much of the story.

Incorporate a quote:

Include an all-encompassing quote from your book to bait the reader and make them want more. This quote should stand out so that the eye is drawn to it. We have seen this tactic used most commonly in romance books to entice the reader. 

Blurbs vs. reviews:

There’s a difference between a blurb and a review. You can incorporate a blurb and reviews on your back cover. A blurb functions more as a teaser than a review. It’s usually short and meant to entice prospective readers. Reviews are critical assessments and more nuanced, providing more insight into their interpretation of the book and how it made them feel. Including endorsements, reviews, or quotes from reputable sources on the back cover can significantly boost a book's credibility. Positive reviews from well-known authors, critics, or publications can persuade undecided readers to choose the book.

“It will touch your heart.” – Publishing News

It may not be as hard as you think to secure a stellar book blurb. Start by reaching out to publications and authors in your genre to review your book and provide one. Use all the connections you have to contact resources. If you’re new to self-publishing and still establishing an audience, don’t panic if you don’t have access to a notable endorsement. You can have a friend write a blurb, or instead, concentrate on creating a captivating back cover.

Speak to your target audience:

When writing the synopsis or book description, always have your target audience in mind. Create a persona for your readers, and then cater to them. This will allow you to speak to them directly, naturally. Provide details and background about the plot and protagonist, without giving too much away. Use language and phrases that align with your genre and think of what your reader wants to know to seal the purchase.

Additional content:

Sometimes, the back cover might feature additional content such as a teaser for the next book in a series, a brief excerpt, or a call-to-action encouraging readers to visit a website or join a mailing list. This additional content can enhance reader engagement and build anticipation for future works.

The back cover typically includes the book's ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and a barcode, which are essential for inventory and sales tracking in bookstores. These elements ensure that the book can be easily cataloged and sold.

While the front cover of your book is important for first impressions, the back book cover is also crucial component of a book's overall design and marketing strategy. It provides essential information, aids in branding, and plays a key role in attracting and persuading potential readers. 

If you need help with book design, 48 Hour Books can help! Contact us today to get started.