Writing book descriptions isn’t about writing a plot summary—it’s a sales page disguised as a story, and it needs to do one thing brilliantly: make the right reader click “Buy Now.” Whether you’re writing a self-help book or a spicy romance, your blurb should hook interest, stir emotion, and promise transformation. Here’s how to write high-converting descriptions for both non-fiction and fiction, with proven formulas, SEO strategies, and real examples you can steal.
The Non-Fiction Blurb Formula (Copywriting Toolbox Style)
Headline – Use a hook with emotional and SEO appeal: e.g.
How to find love after heartbreak, without falling for the same red flags—even if you’re convinced all the good ones are taken
If you’ve ever thought “Maybe I’m just not meant to be happy,” keep reading…
- Storylead – Talk directly to the reader. Highlight their pain or problem.
Have you ever stared at your phone, debating whether to text them one more time? Do you wonder why you attract partners who ghost, gaslight, or vanish when things get real? You’re not alone. And you’re not broken. - Bullet Points – Use specifics, numbers, fears, and emotional hooks:
In Healing After Him, you’ll discover:
- How attachment theory affects your dating life (and how to reset your patterns)
- The 3 subconscious beliefs keeping you stuck
- Why your nervous system is sabotaging your love life
- A 30-day healing reset to reclaim your joy
And more.
- Overcome Objections – Address common hesitations:
Even if you’ve been to therapy. Even if you think you’ve “tried everything.” This guide is trauma-informed, practical, and written by someone who’s been where you are. - Call to Action
Scroll up and click “Add to Cart” to start your healing journey today. Don’t wait to be chosen—choose yourself now.
The Fiction Blurb Formula (With SEO Built-In)
Think of this as “Movie Trailer Meets Google Search.” You need a dramatic hook, emotional setup, stakes, and genre clarity—all while sprinkling in searchable keywords. Here’s your winning structure:
- Hook / Opening Line
Use a short, punchy sentence that screams tension, desire, or mystery:
He broke her heart five years ago. Now he’s her only alibi.
A witch with no magic. A prince with a dark past. And one prophecy that could ruin them both.
- Setup / Main Character Intro
Who is your protagonist? What’s their problem or desire? Keep it emotional and visual:
Emma Lennox never planned to return to Maple Hollow. But when her aunt dies under suspicious circumstances, the sleepy town pulls her back into secrets she thought were buried forever.
- Stakes / Conflict / Romance / Suspense
Raise the tension. What’s at stake? What are they risking, losing, chasing?
The more Emma digs, the more dangerous things become. Someone is watching her. And the only person she can trust might be the man who once betrayed her.
- Genre Signals + Tropes
Clearly show genre and reader expectations:
A small-town mystery with second-chance romance, slow-burning tension, and a twist you won’t see coming.
- Call to Action
Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Tessa Bailey, and Lucy Score—scroll up and grab your copy of The Hollow Truth today.
SEO for Book Descriptions: How to Work the Algorithm
Remember, even your blurb needs keywords. Think about what your ideal reader is searching for:
- Non-Fiction Examples: “self-help for women,” “emotional healing after divorce,” “budget-friendly indie publishing”
- Fiction Examples: “grumpy sunshine romance,” “enemies to lovers fantasy,” “cozy witch mystery,” “psychological thriller with female lead”
Where to use SEO keywords:
- In the subtitle (this is gold)
- In the headline or first line of your blurb
- In genre identifiers or tropes
- Sparingly throughout the blurb—don’t keyword-stuff, keep it natural
SEO-Optimised Title & Subtitle Examples
Non-Fiction:
Write, Finish, Publish: A No-Nonsense Guide to Indie Authorship Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Wallet)
→ Keywords hit: indie authorship, publishing guide, without burnout, self-publishing tips
Fiction:
The Alpha’s Secret Mate: A Steamy Paranormal Romance (Fated Mates Shifter Series Book 1)
→ Keywords hit: steamy paranormal romance, fated mates, shifter series
Quick Book Description Tips
- Never summarise the whole plot—tease it like a movie trailer
- Use short paragraphs for easy reading on a mobile
- Use you for non-fiction; names and drama for fiction
- Don’t be afraid to be emotional, specific, and bold
- Include tropes, genre, time frame, and stakes clearly
- SEO keywords = what your audience is typing into Amazon or Google
- Close strong: “Scroll up and start the adventure today.”
Remember: You’re not just selling a book—you’re selling a promise, a feeling, a transformation.
Need help writing your book description?
We offer book description makeovers. Reach out at info@harvardink.com or visit harvardink.com for a publishing consult.
By the way, the previous blog in this series can be found right here!
