“A book description on Amazon will make or break a sale, which means authors must do more than just simply copy and paste the back clover blurb.“
In 2020, Amazon joined the $1 trillion market cap club. It’s a dominant commerce platform and a true marketing powerhouse. And it’s every author’s dream to become the next best-seller with Amazon’s coveted little orange tab.
With a platform flooded with books of all genres, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. From Amazon categories and A+ Content to Amazon Author Central and Editorial Reviews, any author—debut or seasoned—can feel the confusion.
But there’s an easy place to start. A book description on Amazon will make or break a sale, which means authors must do more than just simply copy and paste the back clover blurb. A strong Amazon book description contains four main components: tagline, synopsis, the sell, and the call to action.
1 – Tagline. The tagline is critical to nail because it is the first line of text a potential buyer will see. A tagline needs to hook the reader and provide detailed information such as the genre (and if applicable, the subgenre), estimated page count, and establish if the body of work is a standalone book or part of a larger series. In addition to these details, a tagline will also tell the reader exactly what they’ll get. Here’s an example from my debut novel, I Loved You Yesterday.
If what they say is true, secrets always have a way of coming out…
Book one in a contemporary romance trilogy. With a guarantee of a tugged heartstring (or two), this 250+ page steamy novel will only leave you wanting more of the sexy Templeton twins.
2 – Synopsis. In 150 words or less, the synopsis should highlight the key elements of your story from a bird’s eye view. Most often a synopsis focuses on the main character’s journey and follows a formulaic approach: character → goal → obstacle → resolution. Refrain from sharing the details but tease the plot. A synopsis demonstrates your ability as an author to tell a story succinctly. For example:
Mavis Benson made a huge mistake. Scratch that—colossal mistake. Twice. Sleeping with her high school sweetheart’s twin brother definitely wasn’t part of the plan… nor was falling in love with him.
But that wasn’t the only complication Mavis faced. When an unplanned pregnancy upends her life at seventeen, Mavis skips town to spare her boyfriend, Josh Templeton, from the fallout. With only a letter of apology, she disappears, but not before confiding her secret to Josh’s brother, Austin.
When Austin resurfaces in her life years later, he brings the past to Mavis’s doorstep. Josh wants her back, Austin isn’t willing to surrender, and the path to happiness isn’t clear. Caught between both men, Mavis must choose between the brother for whom she broke her own heart, and the brother who picked up the pieces.
3 – The Sell. This is the moment to sweeten the pot and really hone in on what a reader will gain from purchasing this book. Will the reader experience a roller coaster of emotions? Will they walk away with newfound knowledge and perspective? In addition, mention comparable authors in the genre and list any awards the book has received. For example:
I LOVED YOU YESTERDAY is a heart-pounding reveal of best kept secrets. The truth is never easy, and neither is putting down this page turner. If you enjoy reading the novels of Nora Roberts or K.G. Fletcher, then you’ll love this passionate, emotionally charged, second-chance love story by award-winning author, Julie Navickas.
~I LOVED YOU YESTERDAY is the 1st Place recipient of the BOOKFEST AWARD IN CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE, a finalist in the AMERICAN WRITING AWARDS FOR ROMANCE, and has also received the ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN COMMUNICATIONS CLARION AWARD~
4 – Call to Action. Conclude with a direct ask to purchase the book and offer a final tease. For example:
Buy the first book in the Trading Heartbeats trilogy today and see which Templeton twin will win the heart of Mavis Benson.
Amazon has a learning curve and it’s difficult to know where to begin. But by taking small steps to strengthen your sales page, you’ll find that readers are ready to find your story. Good luck!