Claude Nougat’s Blog : How To Write A Smashing Book Description for Your Book:Tips from a Pro

Your book blurb is very important, not as important as the cover but a close second.

I was at the Sterling North Book Festival this weekend selling my wares and after people stared at my covers for a few seconds, they picked up a book and read the back, even if I was talking to them.

Claude and Mathew Kadish give us some ideas for the piece on the back of your book, or the description for you ebook online (same thing). I agree with all the suggestions made (though I think 5 paragraphs is too long – 3, maybe 4 is about right) and I like the person’s suggestion in the comment section – go to a bookstore or library, look online at the book descriptions/blurbs on the back of the book for best-selling titles in your genre and take notes. Imitation is the best form of flattery!

I also think the open lines need to hook the reader, as well. Think – a jazzed version of your ‘elevator speech’ about your book.

Here is their list:

Claude Nougat’s Blog : How To Write A Smashing Book Description for Your Book:Tips from a Pro.

The Power of Free on Amazon | Warner Coaching

Sep25

Here is a wonderful post with step by step directions on how to run a promotion. Very helpful information from Brooke Warner at Warnercoaching.com.

The Power of Free on Amazon | Warner Coaching.

The Hilarious Hypocrisy of Jonathan Franzen

Sep20

Gotta love this article.

John Grisham’s 3 Must-Haves of Novel Writing | WritersDigest.com

Sep18

This small piece was written by Tony Vanderwarker who just happened to be a neighbor and friend of John Grisham. Now is that a writer’s dream come true or what?

from telegraph.co.uk

I like John’s suggestions but I’m pleasantly surprised he says to hook them in the first 40 pages, I would have thought it would have to be sooner than that. I’m glad he says otherwise because I agree with him on this point. You read all the time how you’re supposed to hook the reader on page one. Well, I think we don’t give readers enough credit. John Grisham’s 3 Must-Haves of Novel Writing | WritersDigest.com.

The Indie 50 – The 50 Best Sites for Indie and Self-Published Authors | August Wainwright

Sep13

August Wainwright did all of us indie writers a big favor by putting together this list, so I am sharing it with you. Some I recognize, some are new to me, which I like. I also like that he’s distinguished them by category. Nice! Thanks August!

The Indie 50 – The 50 Best Sites for Indie and Self-Published Authors | August Wainwright.

Stop Author Abuse!

Sep10

I had no idea this was happening. If you’re an author that has their books on Goodreads, you might want to read and sign the petition. I did.

The BookChick

I am making this post as a public service announcement. I just want to encourage all of my fellow readers and bloggers who are Goodreads members to disengage from attacking authors on the site. In the past couple of days, I have seen several Facebook posts by authors of different genres who have mentioned being attacked by readers. ‘Readers’ are one-starring pre-released books or dive bombing every book the author has ever written with one-star reviews. Why? Because these ‘readers’ feel as if the author has made some reprehensible infraction against the world of literature as a whole *eye roll*. I know…dramatic, right? But sadly, it’s true. The internet trolls have now taken up residence on Goodreads. They are pollinating the site with their vitriol against authors and fellow readers who might support the author or their book(s). At some point, we as a community of readers and authors…

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What Famous Author is 185 Today?

Sep9

I’ve got another famous birthday to share. Here’s his picture, but it’s when he’s young so most probably won’t recognize him.

: from flag.blackened.net

I’ll give you a few hints via quotes.

“It’s amazing how complete the delusion that beauty is goodness.” (That one’s a bit obscure so try this one.)

“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” (I think he may be right on this, but I don’t necessarily like that he’s right – Oh! I’ve given away a clue: the person is a male. Well, I guess the picture gives that away, anyway!)

(I didn’t know about this one but I like it.) “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”

(Are you getting closer? This one should give it away. It’s one of my favorites.)
“All, everything I understand, I understand only because I love.”

Any idea yet?

Initials are: L. T.

He was Russian.

Okay, now you’ve got it. Yes, it’s Leo Tolstoy. Leo was born on Sept 9th, 1828 in Yasnaya Polyana, Russia. He died Nov. 20th, 1910.

I’m going to share one more I didn’t know of but I think is very apt for the time: “Government is an association of men who do violence to the rest of us.”

Well said, Leo, well said.

(photo taken from americaniliteratei.blogspot.com)

The Ultimate 28 Step Cheat Sheet To Self-Publish Your Best Seller

Sep5

Claudia Azula Altucher’s post is a helpful one. I liked the idea of giving your book to Amazon’s top reviewers to review. I had no idea such a list even existed. Now, if I can just find it! 🙂

Terry Cordingley: Day 15: Selling Books at Fairs and Festivals

Sep4

Now is about the time to start signing up for those fairs and festivals that frequently occur in the fall. Terry Cordingley has some ideas about the subject that I thought you might like. I have found that craft fairs can be fairly profitable affair for a book seller. You are frequently the only person selling books so it’s a nice place to stand out.

I think it’s handy to have a smart phone with a credit card swiper at these sales – the folks at these sales have only have so much cash and they are much more likely to buy your book(s) if they can use credit. I use the free paypal swiper. Make sure it works for your smart phone before you got to the sale. I had to change phones to get mine to work. I should have had the swiper with me when I bought the phone but I didn’t. Live and learn.

Anyway, sign up and go to any fair or festival you can get to. It’s a great way to get your name out locally.

Terry Cordingley: Day 15: Selling Books at Fairs and Festivals. Thanks for the reminder, Terry!