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Writing Killer Cover Copy
Craft cover copy that will convert browsers into buyers at a higher rate, entice readers to buy and read immediately, and sell more books!
Writing killer cover copy is an essential skill for anyone who's written a book, especially authors running their own self-publishing business. Combined with the cover of a book, it's the most essential piece in an Indie author's arsenal that can help increase conversions and sell more books.
And the best part? Authors have ultimate control over their cover copy! You can write killer cover copy that will increase your bottom line, and it's time to stop thinking you can't.
This short guide isn't bogged down with stories or fluff. It lays out the essential parts of winning cover copy in easy-to-understand language with actionable steps.
Get inspired in your Indie career with Elana, a multiple USA Today bestseller, Kindle All-Star Author, and author of over 120 novels!
Other books in the Indie Inspiration series:
1. Writing and Releasing Rapidly
2. Writing Killer Cover Copy
3. Writing and Marketing Systems (coming soon!)
Writing killer cover copy is an essential skill for anyone who's written a book, especially authors running their own self-publishing business. Combined with the cover of a book, it's the most essential piece in an Indie author's arsenal that can help increase conversions and sell more books.
And the best part? Authors have ultimate control over their cover copy! You can write killer cover copy that will increase your bottom line, and it's time to stop thinking you can't.
This short guide isn't bogged down with stories or fluff. It lays out the essential parts of winning cover copy in easy-to-understand language with actionable steps.
Get inspired in your Indie career with Elana, a multiple USA Today bestseller, Kindle All-Star Author, and author of over 120 novels!
Other books in the Indie Inspiration series:
1. Writing and Releasing Rapidly
2. Writing Killer Cover Copy
3. Writing and Marketing Systems (coming soon!)
- GenresWritingNonfictionCrafts
84 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2019
95 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Elana Johnson
183 books2,097 followers3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 16, 2021
I read through the book once and then back through with my highlighter, and found such a wealth of information. A lot of it is common sense, some of it gives you a sense you can do this, and it all made sense. If that makes sense.
May 9, 2020
I know I am definitely going to find this useful, and I've highlighted key phrases and activities in the book for easy access when I go back. But I did think the tone was a little *too* conversational at times, and that there were times when the author was rambling. Don't let that distract from the good advice, though!
March 13, 2022
Excellent insight and advice on writing blurbs. It addresses mindset miscues that over complicates the process and provides a nifty template that fits all books. It’s a quick read with plenty of personality. I enjoy craft books where the author’s humor is evident.
June 15, 2020
I find books on writing blurb or cover copy as this author calls it very interesting. Cover copy/ blurbs and the cover are one of the things the author themselves can fully control when indie publishing and I think it's so important to get it right. I think when done well those can really make a difference in how well your books sells. I've seen this author around and I was curious about her take on writing cover copy.
This was a great read. It's pretty to the point, with a bit of the author's personal brand of humor mixed it in to lighten things up a bit. The chapters are well organized and the paragraphs and formatting done in such a way that makes it easy to read. I liked how she broke the concept of cover copy up in different parts and then addressed one by one how to handle those. I liked this idea and it makes the whole of writing a blurb seem less daunting when broken up in these smaller pieces. She also gave some advice on how you could use different parts of this for ads and such.
This book is full of information and guidelines and tips about what to take into account and how to write your cover copy. I liked how she ended each chapter with a few important bullet points. It's also clear when reading this that the author has been in this business for a long time and knows a lot about the topic. I personally would've liked to see a few more examples and then specifically of indie book blurbs. Her explanations are clear enough to stand on their own, but I think a concept like this is brought across even stronger with some great examples.
I feel like I'll be looking at blurbs differently now with this information and I think it also explains why sometimes I read a blurb that just doesn't hook me even when I like the concept or author and how other times a blurb really can convince me to buy a book.
To summarize: This is a great read on the topic of writing cover copy/ blurbs. It was a very informative read and I thought her breakdown of the different elements that make up your cover copy was very illuminating and helps break up the process of writing these blurbs and make it seem a bit less daunting. There is plenty of good tips and advice in here and I like the way the book was formatted and set up, which make it easy to read. I would definitely recommend this to authors who want to know more about writing their cover copy.
This was a great read. It's pretty to the point, with a bit of the author's personal brand of humor mixed it in to lighten things up a bit. The chapters are well organized and the paragraphs and formatting done in such a way that makes it easy to read. I liked how she broke the concept of cover copy up in different parts and then addressed one by one how to handle those. I liked this idea and it makes the whole of writing a blurb seem less daunting when broken up in these smaller pieces. She also gave some advice on how you could use different parts of this for ads and such.
This book is full of information and guidelines and tips about what to take into account and how to write your cover copy. I liked how she ended each chapter with a few important bullet points. It's also clear when reading this that the author has been in this business for a long time and knows a lot about the topic. I personally would've liked to see a few more examples and then specifically of indie book blurbs. Her explanations are clear enough to stand on their own, but I think a concept like this is brought across even stronger with some great examples.
I feel like I'll be looking at blurbs differently now with this information and I think it also explains why sometimes I read a blurb that just doesn't hook me even when I like the concept or author and how other times a blurb really can convince me to buy a book.
To summarize: This is a great read on the topic of writing cover copy/ blurbs. It was a very informative read and I thought her breakdown of the different elements that make up your cover copy was very illuminating and helps break up the process of writing these blurbs and make it seem a bit less daunting. There is plenty of good tips and advice in here and I like the way the book was formatted and set up, which make it easy to read. I would definitely recommend this to authors who want to know more about writing their cover copy.
April 24, 2022
This is my second nonfiction read from Johnson and I'm just as impressed as I was with Writing and Launching a Bestseller! Johnson gives easy-to-understand explanations of what to do and why, and adds a good example to help the concept really sink in. My blurbs are much better after reading this.
I highly recommend anyone publishing or marketing their books to read this.
I highly recommend anyone publishing or marketing their books to read this.
September 24, 2020
This book is very helpful. I believe I've written a great back cover blurb with Elana's help.
May 1, 2020
I’ve always struggled to write blurbs. After all, if I could tell you my story in fifty words, I wouldn’t have to write the darn thing! This book was a real eye-opener, giving me a much better understanding of how to write better blurbs for my books.
5/5.
5/5.
February 5, 2021
Easy to digest systems for self publishers.
I like the way Elana breaks everything down into simple systems. She makes marketing and self publishing seem doable. Now armed with this information, I should get started. And I like her idea of rewarding effort with a cookie!
I like the way Elana breaks everything down into simple systems. She makes marketing and self publishing seem doable. Now armed with this information, I should get started. And I like her idea of rewarding effort with a cookie!
August 25, 2024
Not to be dramatic, but I've always detested writing cover copy (synopses, blurbs, etc.). It doesn't come naturally to me, and always takes me so long to come up with something decent. This book is a huge help!
I appreciated how the author broke down the process into small and manageable bites, explaining each one. I would have liked a few more examples for each, but to be fair, she does reiterate the importance of doing research and studying comparative blurbs for well-performing published novels in our genres. It's a short, but info-packed and motivating little book.
I sped through the book in one sitting, and have been revisiting each chapter as I go through my books, rewriting their taglines and blurbs. It's been extremely helpful to have some kind of guide to get me into the blurb-writing flow. If you struggle with cover copy as much as I do, I definitely recommend checking this one out!
I appreciated how the author broke down the process into small and manageable bites, explaining each one. I would have liked a few more examples for each, but to be fair, she does reiterate the importance of doing research and studying comparative blurbs for well-performing published novels in our genres. It's a short, but info-packed and motivating little book.
I sped through the book in one sitting, and have been revisiting each chapter as I go through my books, rewriting their taglines and blurbs. It's been extremely helpful to have some kind of guide to get me into the blurb-writing flow. If you struggle with cover copy as much as I do, I definitely recommend checking this one out!
December 9, 2024
Useful book for independently published authors
Writing Killer Cover Copy is a very useful book for authors who publish independently. Writing effective cover copy (which can also double in other ad copy such as on Amazon) is very important to selling books. Elana Johnson provides the reader with a usable formula to write this important tool to help entice potential readers to buy our books. The book is small, but it is a concise, accessible to read.
The single drawback for this book is that she writes it from the perspective of a fiction author. I see how to adapt her formula for writing non-fiction cover copy, but she doesn’t describe that directly, but instead explains it using the fiction format. Ironically, her own cover copy doesn’t specifically say her book is geared to fiction books but it would have been helpful to know that.
Still, this book is worth the read.
Writing Killer Cover Copy is a very useful book for authors who publish independently. Writing effective cover copy (which can also double in other ad copy such as on Amazon) is very important to selling books. Elana Johnson provides the reader with a usable formula to write this important tool to help entice potential readers to buy our books. The book is small, but it is a concise, accessible to read.
The single drawback for this book is that she writes it from the perspective of a fiction author. I see how to adapt her formula for writing non-fiction cover copy, but she doesn’t describe that directly, but instead explains it using the fiction format. Ironically, her own cover copy doesn’t specifically say her book is geared to fiction books but it would have been helpful to know that.
Still, this book is worth the read.
March 13, 2022
Excellent formula for writing blurbs than any indie author should follow. Although Elena takes a long time to say a little, she does explain what should go where, why it should go there, and provide examples. She even occasionally goes so far as to provide specific tips for certain genres, which is huge.
I like that she adds in the "homework" to try her formula out on your own book. If you follow along with it, you'll have a complete blurb by the end of reading this short book.
I like that she adds in the "homework" to try her formula out on your own book. If you follow along with it, you'll have a complete blurb by the end of reading this short book.
April 20, 2023
I'm loving her books
I'm a new author and this is the second of her books I've read. While I'm still starting out with my pen name, I've found extremely helpful information in each book, and high lighted a lot more to come back and revisit in the future.
While I could do without a lot of the humor added in, it does make her seem more personable and relatable. Overall, an extremely helpful book for where I'm at in my author career and I recommend it.
I'm a new author and this is the second of her books I've read. While I'm still starting out with my pen name, I've found extremely helpful information in each book, and high lighted a lot more to come back and revisit in the future.
While I could do without a lot of the humor added in, it does make her seem more personable and relatable. Overall, an extremely helpful book for where I'm at in my author career and I recommend it.
October 10, 2024
Worth every cent I spent!
How’s that for a tag line!
Elana makes quick work of explaining how to write Killer Cover Copy.
Her teaching style is stellar and with her instruction I’m on my way to writing better copy already.
A must read for anyone looking to hone their cover copy skills
How’s that for a tag line!
Elana makes quick work of explaining how to write Killer Cover Copy.
Her teaching style is stellar and with her instruction I’m on my way to writing better copy already.
A must read for anyone looking to hone their cover copy skills
October 17, 2020
Writing Good Copy is hard...
Writing amazing copy that sells books is even harder. After reading this book, I feel better. Elena’s got my back and holds my hand through writing an exciting tag line and blurb which can be used to sell books. Glad I read this.
Writing amazing copy that sells books is even harder. After reading this book, I feel better. Elena’s got my back and holds my hand through writing an exciting tag line and blurb which can be used to sell books. Glad I read this.
February 6, 2021
Good information without a lot of fluff..
I am looking forward to testing the concepts. Elena Johnson's advice is easy to follow and practical. I'm looking forward to reading more from her.
I am looking forward to testing the concepts. Elena Johnson's advice is easy to follow and practical. I'm looking forward to reading more from her.
June 2, 2024
The Blurb Guide I've Been Looking For
I love how Elana breaks down blurbs into sensical, actionable steps. I'm rewriting mine now and am actually excited to do it! Instead of throwing spaghetti at the wall, I have a plan: this book.
I love how Elana breaks down blurbs into sensical, actionable steps. I'm rewriting mine now and am actually excited to do it! Instead of throwing spaghetti at the wall, I have a plan: this book.
October 17, 2020
Perfect!
So informative and the tips are wonderful to appeal books better to readers. I appreciate this tool she provided to learn from.
So informative and the tips are wonderful to appeal books better to readers. I appreciate this tool she provided to learn from.
December 16, 2020
Excellent, actionable book with plenty of great advice. I’m excited to get back to work on all my blurbs and helping my author clients.
March 7, 2021
A great help!
Writing effective copy is so hard. This book simplifies the process greatly. And it even comes with downloadable worksheets to help you—score!
Writing effective copy is so hard. This book simplifies the process greatly. And it even comes with downloadable worksheets to help you—score!
July 24, 2021
Another great read from Elana Johnson. She really breaks down ways to write cover copy step by step. I for one can't wait to sit down and give this a good try.
June 5, 2022
A quick read but helpful. I look forward to putting the tips into practice.
October 7, 2022
A fast and informative read! Elana gives great tips on writing blurbs etc while infusing humor! I purchased the set and can’t wait to keep going.
January 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, it was helpful, gave me good tools to use and has made a difference in the way I write descriptions for my books
January 18, 2023
Awesome resource! Gets straight to the heart of writing an effective blurb.
Read
February 24, 2023Elana Johnson does a great job at demystifying cover copy and gives great practical tips for writing your own blurb.
Read
December 7, 2023Elana breaks down the parts of writing a book description—what should be in it and where. Some of her tips and methods to take a ho-hum description to the next level
December 10, 2023
Love her books, and recommend for any new author.
June 7, 2024
Really quick read covering the essentials of book cover copy; tag line, hook, set up, conflict and consequence.
January 16, 2025
Helpful information and practical advice.
May 18, 2025
A must-have for any and all indie authors! This is an easy read at around 70 pages and contains valuable info if you need to write a blurb for your novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews