If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about how to write a book description that grabs attention and drives sales, you’ve found the right place. Whether you’re publishing traditionally or as an independent, your book description is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal for hooking potential readers – and it is often the sole difference between a sale and a scroll past. Think of it as your book’s elevator pitch: short, sharp, and brimming with intrigue. However, writing one that feels compelling without giving the entire plot away? That’s where many writers fall short. Join us today at What We Writing as we present how to write a book description that sells. We’ll run through real examples from bestselling blurbs, a plug-and-play template, and smart tips tailored for both fiction and nonfiction authors. If you’re serious about getting your book noticed, this is your most crucial marketing moment.
What Is A Book Description? (And Why Is It Important?)
A book description, sometimes referred to as a book blurb, is the short, enticing summary that appears on the back of your book, on its Amazon or Goodreads page, or anywhere else it is being sold or promoted. It’s the taste you want to give your readers, and its main job is to grab their interest. Think of it this way:
- A blurb normally refers to the marketing copy on the back cover or in online listings.
- A description typically refers to the same thing, but is usually reserved for digital platforms such as Amazon.
- On the other hand, a synopsis is a complete summary of the story, often written for agents or publishers, and normally includes spoilers.
A book description is one of the most important marketing tools a writer has. An effective one can increase visibility, boost click-through rates, and, ultimately, drive sales. A weak one? It may cost you readers, before they even get to the first page.
Check Out Our Guide On How To Design A Book Cover
5 Steps On How To Write A Book Description That Sells
Think of your own book description as a blurb that lets potential readers know what they should expect when they invest in your writing. The best book blurbs act as a pitch, where you briefly outline an idea to a person who has never heard it before. Here are some of our favourite writing tips to help you conjure up effective book descriptions:
1. Pick a Good Headline
Online marketplaces such as Amazon allow you to start a book description with a one-sentence headline. Take advantage of this headline by presenting your book’s genre and premise, along with anything conveying merit, such as any awards either you or your story has won.
2. Introduce the Protagonist and Premise
Once you have grabbed the reader’s attention, it’s time to immerse them in the world of your story. Introduce your main character and the central situation or conflict they’re grappling with. Keep it concise – just enough to spark some curiosity, not summarise the entire story.
Ask yourself:
- Who is your protagonist at the start of the story?
- What unique scenario are they thrown into?
- What’s at stake if they fail or walk away?
For nonfiction writers, this step is where you present the central idea or challenge the book tackles, and who it is meant to inform or help. Keep the focus on character and conflict (or reader problem and solution), and you’ll have the reader turning the page or hammering that “Buy” button.
3. Use Short Paragraphs to Fill Out the Blurb
Short paragraphs keep your book description snappy, which is crucial if you’re aiming for quick buy-in. If you’re writing fiction, use these paragraphs to summarise the main narrative (but don’t linger on unnecessary subplots). If you’re writing nonfiction, showcase why you believe your topic is important (either in first or third person) and present your central argument. Some nonfiction book descriptions even feature bullet points to outline their contents.
4. Finish with a Second Hook
If you’re writing a fiction description, end on a cliffhanger that cannot be resolved unless someone buys your book. If you’re writing nonfiction, consider ending on a call to action that entices your potential audience to begin a journey by buying your book. This naturally works well within the self-help genre, but is also similarly effective in books about politics, policy, and social activism. There’s also room for ending on a cliffhanger when writing creative nonfiction, also known as literary nonfiction.
5. Book Marketing is for Everyone
Even if you think book marketing isn’t for you, it’s worth remembering that bestselling reads don’t just come out of nowhere. Whether you’re aiming to be the world’s next Booker Prize winner or just to claim a few appreciative readers, you need to embrace the book description as a crucial cog in a larger outreach strategy. Get yourself interviewed on any reputable podcast, website, or magazine that will feature you. If you’re a blogger, plaster your work everywhere on your platform. Let the public have a taste of your work so that all the time you spent writing it will pay off.
Real Book Description Examples
When it comes to learning how to write a great book description, seeing real examples in action is one of the fastest ways to understand what works and why.
Here are some examples from bestselling books across different genres, each followed by a breakdown of what makes the blurb so effective. Plus, we’ll share with you how a weak book blurb can be reworked into something truly irresistible.
Commercial Fiction Example
Book: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Blurb: “Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unspecific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evan; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel-prize-nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with-of all things- her mind…”
Why it works:
- Hook: “Not your average woman” is intriguing and establishes a defiant tone.
- Tone: Witty, sharp, and character-driven – matches the voice in the book.
- Clarity: Introduces the protagonist, time period, and central dynamic.
- CTA (implicit): Readers are pulled in by a sense of emotional and intellectual rebellion.
Thriller/Suspense Example
Book: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Blurb: “Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking the park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face – and then never speaks another word…”
Why it works:
- Hook: The shocking, silent aftermath is impossible to ignore.
- Tone: Suspenseful and polished, suggesting psychological depth.
- Clarity: Establishes both the crime and the mystery.
- CTA (implicit): Readers want to know: Why did she do it? And why won’t she speak?
Check out the best books like The Silent Patient on our sister site, What We Reading!
Romance Example
Book: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Blurb: “As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships-but her best friend does, and that’s what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating required proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees…”
Why it works:
- Hook: A relatable but awkward setup, perfect for a rom-com.
- Tone: Funny, fast-paced, and nerdy in a charming way.
- Clarity: Introduces the main character, conflict, and voice.
- CTA (implicit): We want to know how this fake-dating chaos plays out.
Memoir / Nonfiction Example
Book: Educated by Tara Westover
Blurb: “Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education…”
Why it works:
- Hook: The extreme upbringing immediately grabs attention.
- Tone: Serious and evocative, indicating a powerful personal journey.
- Clarity: Quickly establishes stakes and theme.
- CTA (implicit): Readers are pulled to witness her transformation.
Good Vs. Bad Blurb Example
Let’s take a look at how a generic book description can be upgraded into something punchy and powerful.
Genre: Thriller
Bad version: Adrian is a detective working a tough case. When a body is found in a lake, he begins an investigation that will change everything.
Good version: When a body surfaces in the icy waters of Dim Hollow Lake, Detective Adrian Brown knows this isn’t just another case. The victim is tied to a past he thought was buried – and the killer is leaving messages meant for him.
Why the rewrite works:
- The stakes are clearer
- We get a sense of urgency and tone
- It teases mystery and personal conflict, not just plot.
Free Book Description Template
Struggling to write your book description from scratch? Use this fill-in-the-blank book description template to kickstart your burb and hone your focus.
This flexible structure works effectively for both fiction and nonfiction, and provides a strong groundwork you can personalise with your book’s unique voice.
Book Description Template
“When [main character] faces [problem/conflict], they must [choice or action] – or risk [consequence]. Perfect for fans of [comparable books/authors], this [genre] explores [theme or emotional promise].”
Example (Thriller):
When forensic psychologist Amy Carter is called to profile a serial killer targeting mothers, she must confront her own traumatic past – or risk becoming the next victim. Perfect for fans of The Woman in the Window, this gripping psychological thriller explores trauma, trust, and survival.
Tips for Customising Your Template:
- Use active, vivid language
- Choose 1-2 bestselling comps that match your genre and audience
- Highlight emotional tone or theme (“dark and twisty,” “heartwarming,” “inspiring”)
- Keep it to 150-200 words max for most platforms
James has been passionate about storytelling ever since he could hold a pen. Inspired by the epic fantasy and historical dramas he devoured in his youth, his work now centers on dark, psychological tales featuring intense, introspective characters and atmospheric, gothic undertones. In 2025, he founded What We Writing to share his creative journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way with fellow writers and passionate storytellers.
