Blurbs Sell Books

Today on the show, author Jim Heskett and copywriting guru Abigail Dunard tackle an author-submitted blurb to dissect it and understand how to write great sales copy. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:

To watch video of this episode, view it on Facebook at Best Page Forward.

Author: Amber Morant

Title: Kalla

A government conspiracy uncovered. A powerful underground agency. A lone girl to unveil it all.

Abyss, with the help of the government, has weaponized humans who had the ability to control time and space. They planned for every contingency, except Kalla. They weren’t prepared for a coup d’état from their own creations led by Kalla. Assisted by her ability to manipulate the climate around her, Kalla embarked on a mission to stop the underground government agency before they send the whole world careening into an abyss. Traveling through the deep alcoves of the Abyss Experimentation Labs and the forests of the renegade Myst, Kalla learned that not every battle can be won, and some victories come at a dire price.

Find the subject in every one of your sentences. We challenge you to rework any sentence in which your main character(s) is not taking action. 

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

• Story on the Spot (the improv story prompt experiment with Jim Heskett, Kevin Tumlinson, Nick Thacker, and RA McGee)

Today on the show, author Jim Heskett and copywriting guru Abigail Dunard tackle an author-submitted blurb to dissect it and understand how to write great sales copy. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:

To watch video of this episode, view it on Facebook at Best Page Forward.

• Story on the Spot (the improv story prompt experiment with Jim Heskett, Kevin Tumlinson, Nick Thacker, and RA McGee)
• Chris Fox vegas 2019 Lecture

Author: Jack Massa

Title: Cloak of the Two Winds: Epic Sword and Sorcery Adventure (The Glimnodd Cycle Book 1)

Pirates, sorcerers, and witches battle for an ancient magical treasure

To the Iruk people of the South Polar Sea, the crew of a hunting boat is sacred—a band of men and women warriors bound by oath and a group soul. But when Lonn leads his crew away from the hunt to pursue his dream of a treasure ship, they find more than an easy bit of piracy.

The ship belongs to the witch Amlina, and after the Iruks carry off her possessions, they are robbed in turn. Worse, one of their band is also taken—Glyssa, the woman Lonn loves.

To rescue her, the Iruks must join forces with Amlina on a perilous voyage far from the seas they know. To Lonn and his mates, nothing matters but saving Glyssa. But Amlina knows much more is at stake. Among her possessions is an object of ancient power. In the wrong hands, the Cloak of the Two Winds can unravel the age-old magic that keeps the world from chaos.

What readers are saying

"Piracy! Magic! Strange creatures! Sword fights! Love!

Masterful, original fantasy"

“If well-written sword & sorcery is your thing, you’ll love this novel."

"Great book! I easily give it five stars for character development, pacing, and imaginative setting, adventures, and abilities."

"Loved it! Great original story with plenty of action, interesting well-developed characters and unique world.  I can’t wait to read the next adventure! "

Do you enjoy fast-paced fantasy with plenty of action and magic? Then you will love Cloak of the Two Winds.

Start your voyage now on Kindle or Kindle Unlimited.

Blurbs should combine both fan favorite elements and elements that are unique to your book. 

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

Today on the show, author Jim Heskett and copywriting guru Abigail Dunard tackle an author-submitted blurb to dissect it and understand how to write great sales copy. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:

To watch video of this episode, view it on Facebook at Best Page Forward.

• Story on the Spot (the improv story prompt experiment with Jim Heskett, Kevin Tumlinson, Nick Thacker, and RA McGee)
• Chris Fox vegas 2019 Lecture

Author: Jack Massa

Title: Cloak of the Two Winds: Epic Sword and Sorcery Adventure (The Glimnodd Cycle Book 1)

Pirates, sorcerers, and witches battle for an ancient magical treasure

To the Iruk people of the South Polar Sea, the crew of a hunting boat is sacred—a band of men and women warriors bound by oath and a group soul. But when Lonn leads his crew away from the hunt to pursue his dream of a treasure ship, they find more than an easy bit of piracy.

The ship belongs to the witch Amlina, and after the Iruks carry off her possessions, they are robbed in turn. Worse, one of their band is also taken—Glyssa, the woman Lonn loves.

To rescue her, the Iruks must join forces with Amlina on a perilous voyage far from the seas they know. To Lonn and his mates, nothing matters but saving Glyssa. But Amlina knows much more is at stake. Among her possessions is an object of ancient power. In the wrong hands, the Cloak of the Two Winds can unravel the age-old magic that keeps the world from chaos.

What readers are saying

"Piracy! Magic! Strange creatures! Sword fights! Love!

Masterful, original fantasy"

“If well-written sword & sorcery is your thing, you’ll love this novel."

"Great book! I easily give it five stars for character development, pacing, and imaginative setting, adventures, and abilities."

"Loved it! Great original story with plenty of action, interesting well-developed characters and unique world.  I can’t wait to read the next adventure! "

Do you enjoy fast-paced fantasy with plenty of action and magic? Then you will love Cloak of the Two Winds.

Start your voyage now on Kindle or Kindle Unlimited.

Blurbs should combine both fan favorite elements and elements that are unique to your book. 

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

Today on the show, author Jim Heskett and copywriting guru Abigail Dunard tackle an author-submitted blurb to dissect it and understand how to write great sales copy. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:

To watch video of this episode, view it on Facebook at Best Page Forward.

Adventure Writers Website

Adventure Writers Facebook Group

Author: Daniel MacLagan

Title: The Pulse (Greenlight Boys Book 1) 

Billions dead worldwide. A new threat looms. Can a pair of grieving sons and their former Black-Ops father stop a terrorist group?

Alex and Danny have been training with their former Black-Ops father, Dean since the "Pulse" was set loose on the world five years ago. A terrorist group wants to destroy the remaining governments and military with a new virus. The US Army calls on their father and Alex and Danny to stop the terrorists before the remaining world order is destroyed. Can they stop the terrorists from destroying the last bit of order in the world? What if there is a secret bigger than the "Pulse" itself that could change everything they know and thought?

The Pulse is the first book in the Young Adult fiction dystopia series, the Greenlight Boys, that features compelling characters, a pair of kick-ass brothers and surprising plot twists. If you liked The Mazerunner, Divergent, or The Hunger Games series, then you'll love Daniel MacLagan's brand new dystopian adventure.

Grab your copy of The Pulse to discover this exciting new series today!

 In setting up stakes, don’t restrict yourself to what happens in your book. What’s the worst possible outcome that could have happened in your book? 

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

Today on the show, author Jim Heskett and copywriting guru Abigail Dunard tackle an author-submitted blurb to dissect it and understand how to write great sales copy. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:

To watch video of this episode, view it on Facebook at Best Page Forward.

Adventure Writers Website

Adventure Writers Facebook Group

Author: Daniel MacLagan

Title: The Pulse (Greenlight Boys Book 1) 

Billions dead worldwide. A new threat looms. Can a pair of grieving sons and their former Black-Ops father stop a terrorist group?

Alex and Danny have been training with their former Black-Ops father, Dean since the "Pulse" was set loose on the world five years ago. A terrorist group wants to destroy the remaining governments and military with a new virus. The US Army calls on their father and Alex and Danny to stop the terrorists before the remaining world order is destroyed. Can they stop the terrorists from destroying the last bit of order in the world? What if there is a secret bigger than the "Pulse" itself that could change everything they know and thought?

The Pulse is the first book in the Young Adult fiction dystopia series, the Greenlight Boys, that features compelling characters, a pair of kick-ass brothers and surprising plot twists. If you liked The Mazerunner, Divergent, or The Hunger Games series, then you'll love Daniel MacLagan's brand new dystopian adventure.

Grab your copy of The Pulse to discover this exciting new series today!

 In setting up stakes, don’t restrict yourself to what happens in your book. What’s the worst possible outcome that could have happened in your book? 

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

Today on the show, author Jim Heskett and copywriting guru Abigail Dunard tackle an author-submitted blurb to dissect it and understand how to write great sales copy. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:

To watch video of this episode, view it on Facebook at Best Page Forward.

Author: Kaylie Hunter

Title: Hearts and Aces (Kelsey's Burden Series Book 7) 

Two Kidnappings. A Dangerous Cartel. And, a Scavenger Hunt?

After a mission in Mexico goes sideways, a cartel is looking for payback against the men of Aces. Kelsey heightens security measures and searches for a way to resolve the conflict, but while busy protecting the family—she fails to protect her heart as Grady returns with his ex.

While juggling to thwart the cartel, solve a pile of backlogged cases, and lead her team in the first annual Silver Aces employee tournament, she must also examine her future, deciding who she wants by her side.

The story continues in Book Seven: Hearts and Aces. Prepare yourself for a novel brimming with fast-paced action, complex crime solving, sassy humor, and your favorite unpredictable characters, including a guest appearance by Tweedle from Slightly Off Balance.

Favorite quote: “It wasn’t easy being stealthy in three-inch heels.” – Chapter 36

Only focus on your most compelling plot points and character problems. Too much information can overload and put off your readers.

www.adventurewriterscon.com

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

Today on the show, author Jim Heskett and copywriting guru Abigail Dunard tackle an author-submitted blurb to dissect it and understand how to write great sales copy. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:

To watch video of this episode, view it on Facebook at Best Page Forward.

Author: Kaylie Hunter

Title: Hearts and Aces (Kelsey's Burden Series Book 7) 

Two Kidnappings. A Dangerous Cartel. And, a Scavenger Hunt?

After a mission in Mexico goes sideways, a cartel is looking for payback against the men of Aces. Kelsey heightens security measures and searches for a way to resolve the conflict, but while busy protecting the family—she fails to protect her heart as Grady returns with his ex.

While juggling to thwart the cartel, solve a pile of backlogged cases, and lead her team in the first annual Silver Aces employee tournament, she must also examine her future, deciding who she wants by her side.

The story continues in Book Seven: Hearts and Aces. Prepare yourself for a novel brimming with fast-paced action, complex crime solving, sassy humor, and your favorite unpredictable characters, including a guest appearance by Tweedle from Slightly Off Balance.

Favorite quote: “It wasn’t easy being stealthy in three-inch heels.” – Chapter 36

Only focus on your most compelling plot points and character problems. Too much information can overload and put off your readers.

www.adventurewriterscon.com

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

Today on the show, author Jim Heskett and copywriting guru Abigail Dunard tackle an author-submitted blurb to dissect it and understand how to write great sales copy. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:

To watch video of this episode, view it on Facebook at Best Page Forward.

Author: Victoria Anders

Title: My Life as Marlee (My Life Series Book 3) 

I'm officially a sixteen-year-old insane hermit, thanks to my best friend moving away. Until I meet Noah.

Noah is my oxygen. He's those fleeting, deep breaths keeping my world from going black, from drowning into the darkness of my past. He's the one who helps me find my passion for swimming again, even though it's a direct reflection of my nightmare.

As my mom moves closer to the deep end, barely treading water, Noah's the only thing holding me afloat. My fear is that her illness will drain her and I'll have nowhere to go but across the country. Back to the darkness. Back to my father.

Not even Noah can extinguish my demons.

When my life gets sucked in by the riptides, I have to ask myself, is my father truly evil or just broken? Is Noah's oxygen enough to save me as the muddy waters swallow me whole?

My name is Marlee, and this is my life.

My life as Marlee is a stand-alone novel in the My Life Series. 

You don't need to read book 1 or 2 before this book. 

***

My Life as Marlee is a coming-of-age tale about finding love, finding your passion, and finding the light in the darkness. The My Life Series are stand-alone novels with interconnecting characters full of roller coaster rides, snark with a touch of humor, and heart-pounding moments. 

***

If you love moments of teenage angst and swoon-worthy romance, then take a ride with this book and others in the My Life Series by Victoria Anders. My Life as Kelsey and My Life as Noah are also available. More books to come in 2020.

"The book gives so many messages and one of which is love conquers all. I think everyone should give this book a chance it deserves because it is an enjoyable one." Goodreads Review

Don’t leave readers with unfulfilled promises. What conflicts do you tease in the headline (or hook)? Your blurb should expand upon these ideas. 

Blurb = condensed book 

Hook = condensed blurb

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

Today on the show, author Jim Heskett and copywriting guru Abigail Dunard tackle an author-submitted blurb to dissect it and understand how to write great sales copy. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:

To watch video of this episode, view it on Facebook at Best Page Forward.

Author: Victoria Anders

Title: My Life as Marlee (My Life Series Book 3) 

I'm officially a sixteen-year-old insane hermit, thanks to my best friend moving away. Until I meet Noah.

Noah is my oxygen. He's those fleeting, deep breaths keeping my world from going black, from drowning into the darkness of my past. He's the one who helps me find my passion for swimming again, even though it's a direct reflection of my nightmare.

As my mom moves closer to the deep end, barely treading water, Noah's the only thing holding me afloat. My fear is that her illness will drain her and I'll have nowhere to go but across the country. Back to the darkness. Back to my father.

Not even Noah can extinguish my demons.

When my life gets sucked in by the riptides, I have to ask myself, is my father truly evil or just broken? Is Noah's oxygen enough to save me as the muddy waters swallow me whole?

My name is Marlee, and this is my life.

My life as Marlee is a stand-alone novel in the My Life Series. 

You don't need to read book 1 or 2 before this book. 

***

My Life as Marlee is a coming-of-age tale about finding love, finding your passion, and finding the light in the darkness. The My Life Series are stand-alone novels with interconnecting characters full of roller coaster rides, snark with a touch of humor, and heart-pounding moments. 

***

If you love moments of teenage angst and swoon-worthy romance, then take a ride with this book and others in the My Life Series by Victoria Anders. My Life as Kelsey and My Life as Noah are also available. More books to come in 2020.

"The book gives so many messages and one of which is love conquers all. I think everyone should give this book a chance it deserves because it is an enjoyable one." Goodreads Review

Don’t leave readers with unfulfilled promises. What conflicts do you tease in the headline (or hook)? Your blurb should expand upon these ideas. 

Blurb = condensed book 

Hook = condensed blurb

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

Today on the show, author Jim Heskett and copywriting guru Abigail Dunard tackle an author-submitted blurb to dissect it and understand how to write great sales copy. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:

To watch video of this episode, view it on Facebook at Best Page Forward.

Author: Angela K. Ryan

Title: Condos and Corpses (Sapphire Beach Cozy Mystery Series Book 1) 

Condos and Corpses is Book One in the Sapphire Beach Cozy Mystery Series.

A condo on the Florida Gulf Coast. A humanitarian worker with a passion for jewelry making. A murder next door.

Connie can think of no other option but to sell the beach front condo she recently inherited from her beloved aunt, but a murder in the apartment next door stalls her plans. As she tries to prove her friend and neighbor’s innocence, she contemplates keeping the condo and opening a jewelry shop in Sapphire Beach, where tourists abound, to showcase her handmade creations. But starting a business would mean walking away from an eleven-year career in humanitarian work, and her overseas contacts have become like family over the years. Will she find a way to combine her love for jewelry making with her passion for humanitarian work and solve the murder in the process?

If you enjoy cozy mysteries that keep you guessing, loveable characters, and sun-drenched Florida beaches, you’ll love the Sapphire Beach Cozy Mystery Series.

Download Condos and Corpses and begin your getaway today!

Does your blurb snowball in intensity? Look at each sentence separately, considering the topics covered. Reorganize or rework any that slow your momentum. 

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]