When it comes to formatting and length, the book description is like the packaging of a product. It needs to be easy to read, grab the attention of the reader, and be the appropriate length.
First and foremost, it's important to make sure the book description is easy to read. This means using clear and concise language, breaking up the text with headings and bullet points, and making sure the text is not too dense. Think of it like the font and layout of a movie poster. It needs to be easy on the eyes and easy to read, with good contrast between the text and the background.
Another important aspect of formatting is to use images or graphics. The image on the book cover can be a powerful tool to grab the attention of the reader and make the book description stand out. For example, the book cover of "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins, featuring an image of a train window, immediately draws the reader in and gives a sense of what the book is about.
When it comes to length, it's essential to strike a balance between providing all the information the reader needs, but not making it too long that it becomes tedious to read. Think of it like a movie trailer; it needs to be long enough to give a sense of what the story is about, but not so long that it gives away the entire story. A good rule of thumb is to keep the book description between 150 and 250 words.
Formatting and length are essential elements of a book description. By making sure the book description is easy to read, using images or graphics, and striking a balance between providing all the information the reader needs and not making it too long, you can create a book description that will grab the attention of potential readers and entice them to pick up your book.
Also, there are resources available for authors and publishers to learn more about writing effective book descriptions. Books such as "Fiction Blurbs The Best Page Forward Way" by Bryan Cohen and "How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis:" by Bryan Cohen are great resources for learning more about how to write an effective book description
But if you're on a budget - don't fret! Check out my free book description generator that uses artificial intellegence to help authors write blurbs. Just head over to https://www.blurbly.app