Creating a Wonderful Back Cover of a Book

Recently, I have been getting my book ready for print. When I got my proof back from the publisher on demand (POD), I realized the back cover was boring. I did some research on how to create a successful back cover. I looked on blogs and other sites, and looked through all the books I own.

Here is some information I think is important to share.

1. The front cover is important, but second in importance is the back cover. The front cover grabs their attention, and the back cover keeps the reader's attention.

2. Don't put your title on the back cover. Not sure why, but people say not to do it. I saw several books in my collection that did this, but it was on several lists of DON'T. What if the back cover gets separated from the front cover, what then? Okay, that is unlikely.

3. Have a compelling headline. Think of a one liner to draw readers in. Look at books to see what they write to interest people.

4. Go to a bookstore or your own bookshelves and look at back covers. If they are on your shelf, your or someone thought it looked interesting.

5. Limit yourself to 70-100 words for the description of the book.

6. Use testimonials, reviews, quotes about your book. Bloggers and writers suggested spending time getting some famous writers, people in the same field of your book, editors, media, readers, etc to give a quote for th
e back of the book.

7. Put the book category in the upper left corner of the back cover. Limit this to two categories. This will help book store staff to find where to put your book. (Fiction, Romance, Suspense, etc)

8. Make it mysterious. End with a teaser or a question. Don't tell the whole story. Make the reader want to open the book. Will they make it? Is it really the end? Who could have guessed how it would happen?

9. Use quotes or a small passage from the book.

10. Add the author's picture and a short biography.  Add credentials, awards, and important information about the author. Don't forget to brag a little. Keep it short.

11. Use bullets when available. Something that is quick for someone to read.

12. Add any pertinent websites.

13. Make sure text is readable.

14. Possibly, add a great watermark picture.

15. Don't forget the ISBN - Barcode.