The front and back of any book are very important. Clinging To Deceits back cover, for instance, includes a great endorsement, the book's teaser, and a short bio with a current picture of me.
Let me tell you about these four:
1) Book Endorsement: The President of the California Writers Club showed his support by writing a formidable foreword. I was thrilled to hear from him in a timely manner before the novel went to the printers. Writers are encouraged to send their complete manuscript to others for possible endorsements. I chose five people who I knew could give me their honest opinion, and perhaps an endorsement.
Person No.1, A TV personality; who surprisingly did not respond to my request at all, but wished me the best after the book came out. Person No.2, A published author; with four books under his belt answered me and said he would be happy to do it. Astonishingly, 17 days later, he never even read chapter one and consequently failed to keep his word. Person No.3, The California Writers Club President, came through for me with flying colors. I was really appreciative for his time and effort! Persons No.4 & 5 were actually never sent a manuscript so I cannot blame nor thank them for anything. The reason I never asked was because I was certain the first three folks were good for it. What a lesson that was!
2) Book's Teaser: My publisher asked me to write a brief summary of the story (teaser). It describes the main characters and their themes in only two paragraphs. Space is limited so I had to be very concise.
3) Author's Bio: A short biographical brief about myself. It is hard to describe yourself in third person, but that is just the way it is done. I said where I was from, where I went to school and my previous writing ventures. Key words such as countries, locations, schools, professions, etc. are extremely good for connecting with readers.
4) Author's Photo: I have had two professional glamor shots done beforehand but since I colored my hair recently I thought that I should present my current look and quickly had a photo taken in my dining room!
Other items may be displayed on back covers and it is your prerogative (when self-published) to chose what to put on there. Just remember: the cover is how you connect with your readers!
ElenaMartina.
Let me tell you about these four:
1) Book Endorsement: The President of the California Writers Club showed his support by writing a formidable foreword. I was thrilled to hear from him in a timely manner before the novel went to the printers. Writers are encouraged to send their complete manuscript to others for possible endorsements. I chose five people who I knew could give me their honest opinion, and perhaps an endorsement.
Person No.1, A TV personality; who surprisingly did not respond to my request at all, but wished me the best after the book came out. Person No.2, A published author; with four books under his belt answered me and said he would be happy to do it. Astonishingly, 17 days later, he never even read chapter one and consequently failed to keep his word. Person No.3, The California Writers Club President, came through for me with flying colors. I was really appreciative for his time and effort! Persons No.4 & 5 were actually never sent a manuscript so I cannot blame nor thank them for anything. The reason I never asked was because I was certain the first three folks were good for it. What a lesson that was!
2) Book's Teaser: My publisher asked me to write a brief summary of the story (teaser). It describes the main characters and their themes in only two paragraphs. Space is limited so I had to be very concise.
3) Author's Bio: A short biographical brief about myself. It is hard to describe yourself in third person, but that is just the way it is done. I said where I was from, where I went to school and my previous writing ventures. Key words such as countries, locations, schools, professions, etc. are extremely good for connecting with readers.
4) Author's Photo: I have had two professional glamor shots done beforehand but since I colored my hair recently I thought that I should present my current look and quickly had a photo taken in my dining room!
Other items may be displayed on back covers and it is your prerogative (when self-published) to chose what to put on there. Just remember: the cover is how you connect with your readers!
ElenaMartina.
