#PublishingReinvented 271 A New Model For Book Descriptions + Submit A Book To Get $150 of Free Ads in June!

The Joy of Book Descriptions

I don’t expect the following to be followed like a prescription, but I do hope it gives some ideas for how to frame a compelling book description on Amazon.

The 6 Step Book Description Model

1. The Hook (1 sentence)

A short, sharp, intriguing opener that immediately grabs attention. Clearly highlight the central conflict or unique aspect of your story.

2. The Setup (2–3 sentences)

Quickly introduce your main character, their situation, goal, or struggle. Establish empathy by making readers care about the protagonist and their immediate circumstances.

3. The Twist or Complication (optional, 1 sentence)

Add a surprising element or twist—this can increase curiosity, deepen reader interest, or highlight an unusual aspect of your story.

4. The Conflict (2–3 sentences)

Clearly state what's at stake: introduce the central threat, dilemma, antagonist, moral challenge, or ticking clock. Readers should understand the cost of failure immediately.

5. The Emotional Stakes (optional, 1 sentence)

Highlight the personal or emotional consequences for your protagonist. Emotional stakes resonate deeply with readers.

6. The Tease (1 sentence)

End with a gripping cliffhanger, intriguing question, or powerful closing line that sets the tone and leaves readers wanting more.

And:

* Use active verbs and vivid imagery.

* Ensure tone and voice match your genre. Research other books in your genre to get this right.

* Avoid spoilers; your goal is intrigue & curiosity.

Have I missed anything? Your feedback appreciated!

To all who missed out on the free May ads!

BooksGoSocial will provide a free $150 ad spend - with no management fee & no commitment to buy anything later - for one book in June on the same basis as May.

An author can only win this once.

The catch, you have to comment with a link to your book below.

BooksGoSocial will decide whether to spend it on Facebook ads or Amazon ads, depending on the genre. Only books with 5 or more good reader reviews please.

You will see from the comments & our updates who gets this and you will be able to track if ads work for that book!

This month we are starting early and will report progress once a week on a Monday!

Comment on another book if you think it deserves ads and if you buy one too and insert your Amazon book link below.

#PublishingReinvented is the Substack you’ve been looking for.

To subscribe to this newsletter, for those who may have received this email as a trial, click below for monthly and annual options:

Subscribe now