The other day, in a facebook group, someone asked for help workshopping their book description.

The first thing I spotted was the disconnect between the title and hook, and then the body copy of the book description. 

There was no linking theme or emotion running through it, pulling it all together, and drawing readers in. 

Sometimes, we get so busy trying to be creative and clever, we try to build curiosity and cram so much into the description that you lose the thread and weaken the message.

And ultimately lose sales.  

There is an easy fix. 

A simple trick copywriters use A LOT in sales pages. 

Once you see it you won't be able to unsee it... if you go looking for it that is.

The trick is repetition. 

I don't mean repetition as in using the exact same words. 

I do mean, saying the same thing over again but in a slightly different way.  

This helps to punch up your book description, make it more memorable and impactful.

Obviosuly this all a bit abstract, so let's take a look at it in action...

The example I shared in the Facebook group is from Andy Weir's, Project Hail Mary. 

Let's start with the title, Project Hail Mary is obviously a reference to the prayer. It has connotations of being a last hope. 

Folk often resort to prayer when things get a bit dire.

So to emphasise the fact that the main character in Project Hail Mary faces a dire situation, they repeat that message throughout the description in different ways. 

Here's the screenshot:

I might have missed a few. But can you see how many times they've used the idea that he's all alone on an impossible mission. You get the message? The impact?

By sticking to a theme, one theme in your book description and finding ways to repeat that message you send a stronger, more concrete signal to the reader that builds the desire to buy your book.

So, say the same thing but differently to really punch up your book description, your emails, or even scenes in your latest novel.

Consider this your invite to have a go, and if you do try it, feel free to email me and I'll happily give you some feedback. 

Angie. 

PS - Punch readers in the face with repetition and you'll be on to a winner. Hit reply and let me know when you try it. 

I'm dyslexic. If you spot any typos or run on sentences or dangling thingamies, please be kind and let it slide. While I do my best, I can't afford to have everything I write edited.

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