Blurbs Sell Books

Today on the show, Jim and Abigail tackle writing a spec blurb for the movie THE MATRIX for our episode FIFTY spectacular! Here are two versions for us to critique:

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

Have you ever had a dream that felt real? How could you tell the difference between the dream world and the real one?

OR

Welcome to the real world. A software program is coming to kill you.

Thomas Anderson may be a monkey-suited corporate grunt by day, but by night he’s the sim-dealing hacker Neo. A chance encounter with another computer outlaw in a dingy metal bar puts him on the path to the ultimate question: What is The Matrix? 

And when shadowy “government” agents come to arrest him at his office building, Neo has run out of places to hide.

Trapped in an interrogation room, Neo resists the agents’ demands he aid their hunt for the man who holds the Matrix’s secrets, Morpheus. After he’s finally able to strike out on his own, Neo vows to track down this mysterious and powerful figure himself. But when they meet, Morpheus has no answers, only a hard truth: everything you thought you believed is a lie. 

Even the world around you is all a part of... the Matrix.

Fans of Ready Player One will feel right at home with The Matrix, the first action-packed book in the (progressively-less-good) Matrix Trilogy. If you like virtual worlds, mind-blowing twists, and thought-provoking explorations of artificial intelligence, you’ll love the Wachowskis’ science fiction action thriller.

Buy The Matrix to rage against the machine today!

Is he a glitch in the system or the savior of humanity? 

Hacker-for-hire Neo is a firm believer in bending the rules. So when a mysterious, pleather-clad woman recruits him for an illicit secret mission, he takes the plunge. To his horror, his simulated reality falls away to reveal a hellscape where brainwashed humans suffer under A.I. overlords. 

Training with a ragtag crew of rebels, Neo pushes his mind and body beyond the laws of nature. But it will take more than supersonic speed and heavy artillery to take down the code-driven agents that hunt within the Matrix. 

Can Neo twist the programmed prison to his will or is mankind doomed to eternal enslavement? 

The Matrix is the first movie in an electrifying series of sci-fi action films. If you like stylized fight scenes, dystopian futurescapes, and daring underdogs, then you’ll love the Wachowski siblings’ high-tech thrill ride. 

Buy The Matrix to join the cyberspace rebellion today!

Find a writing buddy. Trade and critique each other’s blurbs. Incorporate feedback into your revisions. 

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: Joann Keder

Title: The Something That Happened in Pepperville (Pepperville Stories Book 1)

Pepperville is a quaint, sleepy town where nothing ever seems to change... but that's probably because no one ever leaves. In fact, an outsider would probably think that everyone in Pepperville is just a little bit eccentric--from the policeman on his bicycle to the postal worker who will only deliver mail at night. Jenna Thompson has lived all of her 19 years in a cottage behind the Ashton Mansion. Like everyone else in Pepperville, Jenna's entire day is predictable--from what she will buy at the store to the footwear she will use to walk there. Then one day during a routine trip to the Shoppe & Walke, Jenna is horrified to discover that a vagrant has taken up residence in the biggest tree in town. No one knows why he is there, but the citizens of Pepperville do their best to make the glum young man as comfortable and welcome as possible. Everyone, that is, except for Jenna, who is determined to rid her town of this strange and silent squatter. Little does she know that her schemes will change the face of Pepperville forever.

Does your worldbuilding tie in with and advance the plot? Create a list of your story’s cool genre-specific worldbuilding elements. Put that to the side. Create a first draft of your blurb focusing solely on plot. Then sprinkle in your worldbuilding elements. 

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: Joann Keder

Title: The Something That Happened in Pepperville (Pepperville Stories Book 1)

Pepperville is a quaint, sleepy town where nothing ever seems to change... but that's probably because no one ever leaves. In fact, an outsider would probably think that everyone in Pepperville is just a little bit eccentric--from the policeman on his bicycle to the postal worker who will only deliver mail at night. Jenna Thompson has lived all of her 19 years in a cottage behind the Ashton Mansion. Like everyone else in Pepperville, Jenna's entire day is predictable--from what she will buy at the store to the footwear she will use to walk there. Then one day during a routine trip to the Shoppe & Walke, Jenna is horrified to discover that a vagrant has taken up residence in the biggest tree in town. No one knows why he is there, but the citizens of Pepperville do their best to make the glum young man as comfortable and welcome as possible. Everyone, that is, except for Jenna, who is determined to rid her town of this strange and silent squatter. Little does she know that her schemes will change the face of Pepperville forever.

Does your worldbuilding tie in with and advance the plot? Create a list of your story’s cool genre-specific worldbuilding elements. Put that to the side. Create a first draft of your blurb focusing solely on plot. Then sprinkle in your worldbuilding elements. 

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

Hey! Today on the show, Jim and Abigail tackle author-submitted blurbs to rip them to shreds and build them back up, one line at a time. Also, Abigail butchers an attempt to explain the movie PARASITE to Jim (no spoilers).

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

Author: Georgina Makalani

Title: Raven's Dawn (The Raven Crown Series Book 1)

A dying king, a favoured daughter and a secret hidden in the shadows.

The Raven Queen of Rocfeld is expected to be chosen by the gods from amongst the three princesses. One is favoured by the people, one is favoured by the Silent Sisters and one is favoured by her father, but who will be favoured by the gods?

The gods will mark their choice with raven hair, but as the days turn into weeks without a new queen, speculation and suspicion grows. The youngest daughter, Meg raised to put her duty first, has determined the gods will make the right decision.

But Rocfeld is not what it was. The harder Meg tries to help her kingdom, the more dangerous her world becomes. Her eldest sister makes decisions as though she is already queen. Enemies hide in the shadows whispering of magic and death, and her allies may not be as they appear.

Raven’s Dawn is an exciting start to the Raven Crown Series. If you like a little bit of political intrigue, a dash of magic and a temple full of gods, then you will love Georgina Makalani’s series.

Download your copy today!

Always double check your blurbs for instances of “Let’s eat Grandma,” or areas of ambiguity. The confused mind says no! 

What was your favorite movie of 2019?

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

Hey! Today on the show, Jim and Abigail tackle author-submitted blurbs to rip them to shreds and build them back up, one line at a time. Also, Abigail butchers an attempt to explain the movie PARASITE to Jim (no spoilers).

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

Author: Georgina Makalani

Title: Raven's Dawn (The Raven Crown Series Book 1)

A dying king, a favoured daughter and a secret hidden in the shadows.

The Raven Queen of Rocfeld is expected to be chosen by the gods from amongst the three princesses. One is favoured by the people, one is favoured by the Silent Sisters and one is favoured by her father, but who will be favoured by the gods?

The gods will mark their choice with raven hair, but as the days turn into weeks without a new queen, speculation and suspicion grows. The youngest daughter, Meg raised to put her duty first, has determined the gods will make the right decision.

But Rocfeld is not what it was. The harder Meg tries to help her kingdom, the more dangerous her world becomes. Her eldest sister makes decisions as though she is already queen. Enemies hide in the shadows whispering of magic and death, and her allies may not be as they appear.

Raven’s Dawn is an exciting start to the Raven Crown Series. If you like a little bit of political intrigue, a dash of magic and a temple full of gods, then you will love Georgina Makalani’s series.

Download your copy today!

Always double check your blurbs for instances of “Let’s eat Grandma,” or areas of ambiguity. The confused mind says no! 

What was your favorite movie of 2019?

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, Jim and Abigail tackle author-submitted blurbs to rip them to shreds and build them back up, one line at a time. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:

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

Author: Everson Cook

Title: The Devil's Cave: A Humorous Fantasy Novel (The Legends of Damon Arkon: The World's Greatest Swordfighter)

Damon Arkon is screwed.

Literally and figuratively.

Not only did the world’s greatest swordfighter just have relations with the king’s betrothed, but he was caught in the act.

When given the choice of finding the most powerful ring in the five kingdoms while joined at the hip by two of the king’s guard or losing his favorite body part, to which he is quite attached, the choice should be simple.

But things for Damon Arkon never are.

Can Damon shake his travel companions and keep his manhood? Or will the pull of the ring and a chance to add to his growing legend be too strong? And what’s a guy got to do to get a cold beer and a pickle around here, anyway?

"The Devil’s Cave" is the first book in The Legends of Damon Arkon: The World’s Greatest Swordfighter, a series of hilarious fantasy romps.

If you like quirky characters, daring sword fights, and crazy crusades, mixed with a heavy dose of raunchy jokes, then you’ll love Everson Cook’s ribald and playful send-up on epic fantasy.

Buy "The Devil’s Cave" today and begin uncovering the legend!

Be strategic when isolating single sentences into their own paragraph. Does the information shock or subvert expectations? Does removing it alter the blurb’s impact?

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, Jim and Abigail tackle author-submitted blurbs to rip them to shreds and build them back up, one line at a time. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:

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

Author: Everson Cook

Title: The Devil's Cave: A Humorous Fantasy Novel (The Legends of Damon Arkon: The World's Greatest Swordfighter)

Damon Arkon is screwed.

Literally and figuratively.

Not only did the world’s greatest swordfighter just have relations with the king’s betrothed, but he was caught in the act.

When given the choice of finding the most powerful ring in the five kingdoms while joined at the hip by two of the king’s guard or losing his favorite body part, to which he is quite attached, the choice should be simple.

But things for Damon Arkon never are.

Can Damon shake his travel companions and keep his manhood? Or will the pull of the ring and a chance to add to his growing legend be too strong? And what’s a guy got to do to get a cold beer and a pickle around here, anyway?

"The Devil’s Cave" is the first book in The Legends of Damon Arkon: The World’s Greatest Swordfighter, a series of hilarious fantasy romps.

If you like quirky characters, daring sword fights, and crazy crusades, mixed with a heavy dose of raunchy jokes, then you’ll love Everson Cook’s ribald and playful send-up on epic fantasy.

Buy "The Devil’s Cave" today and begin uncovering the legend!

Be strategic when isolating single sentences into their own paragraph. Does the information shock or subvert expectations? Does removing it alter the blurb’s impact?

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, Jim and Abigail tackle author-submitted blurbs to rip them to shreds and build them back up, one line at a time. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:

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

Author: Melissa Cushman Banczak

Title: Roll-A-Prompt Writing Journal: Mystery Edition

Over 6000 combinations to jumpstart your writing.

Is your imagination stuck? Tired of staring at a blank page? Looking for a new way into your stories?

The Roll-A-Prompt Writing Journal Series will bring the fun back to your writing. Each book features 30 sets of elements that, with the roll of a dice, will create over 6000 prompts per journal. From the book:

Character

Roll 1 Number

1. District Attorney 2. Toll booth worker 3. Aerobics instructor
2. Meteorologist 5. Mural painter 6. Computer coder

Word

Roll 1 Number

1. Emotion 2. Nil 3. Gossip
2. Wacky 5. Dull 6. Vague

Scenario

Roll 1 Number

1. Séance 2. In the audience of a talk show 3. On a moonlit walk
2. Waiting for a machine at the gym 5. Stuck in the middle seat on a flight 6. Drone crashes nearby

The paperback includes 5 worksheets per set. The ebook version includes a downloadable PDF. With over 6000 possible combinations, it's the perfect way to get your creative juices flowing. Buy your copy today!

For nonfiction books, it’s important to establish what your book offers that similar books lack. Do your research on your competition. Find your niche.

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, Jim and Abigail tackle author-submitted blurbs to rip them to shreds and build them back up, one line at a time. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:

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

Author: Max V. Weiss

Title: Digital Dementia: A corporate domination techno-thriller

Is Plexol's new brain chip going to spread internet to the masses or be used to control their minds?

Quint gets thrown into a battle for life and world domination, finding old loves and new tossed into the mix in this near future noir techno-thriller.

The most exciting journey into cyberspace since Neuromancer. Digital Dementia tells the story of mega-corporation Plexol, it's powerful brain chip implant, and one man’s fight to save the world from technological domination.

Get your copy today

When deciding which elements to include in your selling paragraph, pick a similar book and write a list of what makes it great. Pick out the commonalities.

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, Jim and Abigail tackle author-submitted blurbs to rip them to shreds and build them back up, one line at a time. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:

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

Author: Nikki Henley

Title: Murder at Minter's Cursed Doll Shop

If evil comes knocking don't sell it a death curse.

Nicole Scott possesses a unique gift. She can see and hear ghosts. When a body turns up at her Aunt Patsy's doll shop, Nicole recognizes the victim. The woman is - or was a client of Nicole's estate liquidating company.

Early evidence points to a death curse spoken by her aunt the curse wielder. Nicole disagrees, but talking to the deceased is out of the question. Murder victims can’t remember their last moments.

Greg Handler doesn't believe in witches, or the paranormal. The detective comes from out of town to solve the case. He's at a disadvantage and doesn't know it. Which makes Nicole and Greg either the perfect partners or a complete disaster waiting to happen.

A black magic curse, or plain old fashioned murder, the mystery of this whodunit begins Nicole’s unofficial career as an amateur sleuth.

Book 1 in the Curious in Eubanks Paranormal Cozy Mysteries series! Set in a small town of curiously quirky paranormal residents this full length novel can be read as a standalone mystery.

No cliffhangers. No swearing. No graphic scenes.

It’s not enough to have intense action, intrigue, etc. Your word choices must also convey the same level of intensity. 

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