Writing a Sales Copy for Your Book

Last updated on April 3, 2021

At some point in the process of publishing your book, you’ll need to turn your attention to the sales copy. This is the copy that you see as part of a book’s description when shopping online or on a book’s dust jacket (if hardcover) or back panel (if paperback). A sales copy hints at the genre, introduces the main character(s), does not give away the plot and entices the reader to buy the book.

• First you must start with a captivating headline that will capture the reader’s attention. This eye-catching statement should entice the potential reader with promises of discord and what they will gain by reading your novel. The goal is to have the reader form some type of emotional attachment to the headline that draws them into purchasing your book.

For example, my book, PNĔUMÄ starts off with:

A prohibited union between two species…Marred by deception and greed…            

This caption is brief but straight to the point, confirms that there is a conflict on the horizon and promises that a villain or two is surely to make an appearance.

• Next, the body of the sales copy will need to focus on what your book is about and not give away the ending. It must stir human emotions while strumming the reader’s imagination to a point where they feel connected to the characters in some way, shape or form. Choose a voice for your book that matches your genre and fuel it with sentiment and excitement.

• And finally, leave a cliffhanger that will have the reader wanting more. As mentioned previously, do not give away the ending but teasing is perfectly acceptable which will give them just enough to at least take a closer look or even purchase your book.

When in doubt, write several drafts of the sales copy until you are completely satisfied. You may even take it a step further and have a few beta readers provide additional feedback before finalizing.