How to Write a Book Description (Examples + Free Template)

• Feb 09, 2024
• 6 min read

• Tags: Fiction, Language, Nonfiction, Novel, Writing Tips

Are you ready to make your book irresistible for readers? Understand how to write a description for a book in 6 easy steps! This guide will help you capture the heart of the story without giving spoilers. Wondering how long should a book description be? Browse through our guide and learn the perfect length for a book description. 

We’ve included some of the best book description examples of popular literary works. With this, we’ve also added 4 amazing strategies to increase your book description’s credibility and visibility on online platforms. Whether you want to create a book description for Amazon or any other platform, these strategies are sure to help! 

So without wasting time, let’s begin with the basics! 

What is a book description? 

A book description is a brief overview of the plot, main characters, and themes of the story. It’s an important tool that helps in book promotion and sales. Many times, book descriptions also include information about the author. This helps to build credibility and establish a connection with the reader. 

The book description is usually written in the 3rd person’s point of view (using the characters’ names, he, she, it, they, them, etc). It usually has short paragraphs to ensure a better reader experience. You can also bold and italicize key aspects of the book to highlight them in the book description. 

Now that we’ve understood the meaning of a book description, let’s understand its length. 

How long should a book description be? 

A book description usually ranges from 100-250 words. It aims to capture the readers’ attention without revealing too much about the story. It’s different from a book synopsis and a book review which can be longer. 

How to write a book description? 

Here are the 6 easy steps to write the description of a book: 

• Begin with an eye-catching hook- Start your article with a shocking statement or intriguing question. You can also showcase an interesting conflict without giving spoilers or start with a bold statement, challenging conventions. 
• Summarize the plot- Briefly describe the book’s important events and introduce the main characters. Highlight any plot twists or surprises to keep the reader engaged. 
• Mention the book’s USP- This can be the setting, an unexplored theme, an intriguing character, or a different take on a common theme. If a character makes unconventional choices, it can also be the book’s USP. 
• Convey themes and the genre- Give readers an idea of the book’s genre. Let them know whether the book is a romance, thriller, fantasy novel, or belonging to any other genre. 
• End with a cliffhanger- Unlike a book summary that gives away the ending, keep the reader in suspense about what happens next. You can do this through an intriguing question/ statement. Another method to do this is by including an interesting plot twist in the description of a book. 
• Edit and proofread- Check your book description for any grammatical, spelling, and word choice errors. Ensure that the book description has clarity, coherence, and a logical content flow. 

Wondering how to write a description for a book to maximize sales? Explore these 4 simple strategies and take your book description to the next level! 

Top 4 strategies for the best book description 

1. Include reviews and endorsements- Add any positive book reviews or endorsements from famous personalities/organizations in the beginning. This helps to increase your book’s credibility. 
2. Use evocative language- Use literary devices like personification, metaphor and symbolism to make the description engaging. You can also implement the show, don’t tell principle and objectively describe sensory details (visuals, sights, smells, taste, and touch). 
3. Consider SEO- It’s important to include relevant keywords in your book description (about the book’s genre, themes, and setting) to help more readers discover it. This is essential if you’re self-publishing on Amazon, BookBaby, or another online platform. 
4. Test and update- Once your book description is ready, share it with friends, family, and any literary experts. Make changes, depending on the feedback. If your book receives any accolades, you can update the book description to improve credibility. 

Want to understand better how to write a good book description? Dive in to see the best book description examples! 

Top 2 book description examples 

1. The Firm by John Grisham 

2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 

The above examples accurately demonstrate how to write a good book description for a book. For readers who want more clarity, browse through our simple book description template! 

Book description template 

You can use the following template for reference while creating your book description. This template will help you write a book description for Amazon and other social media platforms. 

This concludes our guide to how to write a book description. Now, you can start exploring ideas to create the perfect book description. Want to take your book description to the next level? Take advantage of PaperTrue’s expert self-publishing services like editing, proofreading, and formatting! With this, PaperTrue also helps authors develop a book summary, and secure an ISBN, online book distribution, and promotion. 

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Priya

Priya has a talent for academic research and enjoys simplifying complex topics. When she's not helping students improve their writing, she can be seen reading poetry, playing the harmonium, or learning classical dance.