How to Write Your Nonfiction Self-Help Book: Write Your Back Cover Copy
One of my favorite exercises in the Natural Health Self-Help Book Plan is when I ask an expert to write the back cover copy for the book they want to write. Doing this exercise which comes from Jennie Nash’s book, Blueprint for a Nonfiction Book helps to crystallize the vision you have for a book that showcases your knowledge and experience, and also points to a road map for you to follow as you write your book.
First, Try a Mad Lib
Before you write your back cover copy try this Mad Lib. When you’re clear on all of these answers it makes writing your back cover copy (and your book) much easier:
My book solves_____________________(pain point or problem) for readers who are________________ (your ideal reader) and need_____________________(Quick and easy? A holistic solution?) to feel better, either mentally, physically or spiritually (or maybe all three). By the time my ideal reader is done reading my book they will be transformed because they will know and understand___________________(the problem) and have a solution ________________( your method or plan) and can put it into practice.
Now, write your back cover copy:
1. Research books like yours on Amazon or Barnes & Noble and read the back cover copy of at least 3-5 books.
2. Write back cover copy for your book. It should be about 250 words.
3. If you struggle writing your back cover copy, it means that you need to build a foundation for your book which includes defining your idea, your why for writing it, the problem and solution you offer and your ideal reader.
The Natural Health Self-Health Book Plan can help.
In the Natural Health Self-Help Plan, we’ll take a holistic look at you, your mission and your book idea to establish a solid foundation for a transformative self-help book. Together, we’ll create a powerful plan for your book that will reduce stress, frustration, self-doubt and overwhelm and save you time, money, and energy. With the right plan, writing goes from drudge work to joy-full experience.
In our work together you’ll:
Tap into your big “Why,” a deep knowing of what makes you the perfect person to write your book. You’ll zero in on your motivation to write your book, both inside and out.
Explore your book idea and learn how you can position it as a way to solve an important pain point or problem for readers.
Get to know your ideal reader, their problems and challenges and what they need and want to feel whole and how to connect with them.
Brainstorm titles to clarify your message and begin to manifest your book by writing book jacket copy.
Take a holistic view of publishing and competing titles to see where your book fits on the shelf.
Refine your natural health method or approach so that it’s holistic, clear, concise and reflects your knowledge, passion and unique point-of-view and helps readers feel better emotionally, mentally, and physically or maybe all three.
Create a book and chapter structure to organize your content so that your reader experiences a positive transformational journey.
Know what your book will teach, help readers understand or enable them to see in a new way.
Once our work is complete you’ll know exactly why you’re writing your book, who your audience is, have refined your method and crafted a structure that delivers a transformational journey for your reader.
Instead of feeling unsure, stressed and overwhelmed, the Natural Health Self-Help Book Plan gives you a clear path so that you can write a powerful self-help book that’s reader friendly and market ready. Instead of just circling and circling as you try to write your book you’ll power forward with renewed energy and confidence.
I open two slots a month for writers to work with me.
Schedule a FREE Book Coaching Strategy Call to get started.
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