Create EYE-POPPING Back Covers for Your Book

About this video

Dale argues readers judge a book by its cover and often do not stop at the front, so a paperback back cover should not be left blank or skipped along with the spine. He lists five critical elements for a great back cover. First, a headline and sub-headline, largely swiped from the book description’s sales copy, with the headline in larger print at the top and the sub-headline further down if space permits. Second, two to three quotes from reviews — pick lines that best validate the work; if there are no reviews yet, fill the space for now and upload an updated cover later. Third, the book description itself, taken from online and abbreviated if needed so the text does not have to be set too small. Fourth, an author bio of about two to three sentences highlighting accolades, achievements, and relevant niche information. Fifth, branding and information: related website, social media profiles, and logo, which increases exposure and helps build brand recognition and an author platform. He notes not using all five is not fatal — many authors use fewer — but urges playing with them in some capacity rather than leaving the back cover blank.

Key takeaways

• Put a headline in large print at the top of the back cover and, if space allows, a sub-headline further down, reusing your sales/description copy
• Include two to three short quotes from your best reviews; if you have none, fill the space now and update the cover later
• Reuse your online book description on the back cover, abbreviating it if needed to avoid tiny text
• Add a two-to-three-sentence author bio highlighting accolades, achievements, and relevant niche credentials
• Add branding — website, social media profiles, and logo — to drive exposure beyond the physical book, and never leave the back cover blank

Episode details: published July 14, 2017 · 3:36 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. Business results and any income figures mentioned are Dale L. Roberts’s own claims, shared for education — they are not typical or guaranteed.

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