How to Write a Book Teaser

When you submit a book on Book Cave, we ask you to write a book teaser. This teaser is a shorter version (for us, no more than 270 characters) of your main description. This teaser  catches the readers' attention and entices them to learn more or to buy the book.

These teasers also work great on your website, either as a section where the reader can click to read more, or at the top of the book’s page (before the more detailed description/backliner, reviews, etc).

So how do you write a great, attention-grabbing teaser?

Tips on How to Write a Book Teaser

Write about the plot

1. Your book teaser should tell briefly the plot of your book.
2. Introduce the main character, the situation they’re in, the problem they face, and perhaps a twist that occurs. If you’re writing self-help books, the main character would be the reader, and your teaser will also include a proposed solution to the reader’s problems.
3. Do not spoil the ending of your novel by telling everything that happens and the resolution. Instead, end your teaser in a cliffhanger ending.  (And by the way, you also should NOT give everything away in your full description.)
4. Include quotes about the book only after your description of the plot. If you do use a review snippet at the end, make sure it's from an important source.

Write a book teaser using the main character

1. Your book teaser should be about the main character of the story, not about people in the story in general or about a group of people. Readers relate more to individuals.
2. Use the main character’s name in your teaser (for self-help books, the main character’s name is “You”).

Be Concise in your teaser

1. Do not start with such phrases as “In this book, . . . .” or “In a world where . . .”
2. Do not explain why you wrote the book or how it changed your life. Such things should only be included in a description about the author, or perhaps in an author note at the end of your longer book description.
3. If your main character faces many problems, choose one or two that are the biggest problems he or she faces to include in your teaser.
4. If it helps, you can first write a book teaser by first writing a longer description, then cutting parts that don’t tell the heart of the story.

Don’t tell readers they need your book

1. Like most people, readers don’t like be told what they need to do or how they feel. Don’t use phrases like “You need to read this book today!”
2. Show how good your book is with a great, attention-grabbing description, and don’t use phrases like “this is the best book ever!” or  “this book will change your life!”

Some Examples

Here are some examples of good blurbs that we’ve seen or that we’ve written for authors:

Fiction Books

The Change by Teyla Branton

When a genetic fluke gives Erin paranormal powers, she finds herself caught between warring factions and racing from a deadly secret society. With over 1000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this adventure has “twists and turns to keep the reader turning pages.” —Publishers Weekly

The Enchanted Swans by Christy Nicholas

Fionnuala must care for her three brothers while learning to live under an evil curse. Will she find a way to break the spell, or will they remain swans, tethered to three places for nine hundred years?

Between the Lines by Annette Lyon

Like the rest of the Aid and Cultural Society, Jane Martin assumes that her letter-writing friend lives hundreds of miles away. But the romantic, intelligent author she's enamored with is Thomas Allred, whom she's known all her life—and who's falling in love with her.

The Secret by S.R. Booth

Billy Roth knew his job as a trash collector paid too much. What he didn't know is the company he works for is involved in a evil conspiracy—a truly evil conspiracy controlled by the devil himself. Billy's faith isn't solid, but he'll have to rectify that to survive.

All By My Selfie by Jo Noelle

While on vacation at McLeod Castle in Scotland, Gwen Mackenzie has nightly dreams of an ancient warrior bound by a curse. Then she realizes the warrior is the same real life hottie she's been capturing in the background of her selfies.

All of Me by Leeanna Morgan

Tess has given up looking for Mr. Right, but she hasn't given up on love. When she reads a newspaper article about a couple who've had everything stolen, including four bridesmaids dresses, she knows she has to help. But in doing so, Tess risks exposing her secret past.

Baking is Murder by Kathy Cranston

When there's a murder on the outskirts of town, Jessie's new friend is the prime suspect. The cops think the case is cut-and-dry, but Jessie's gut tells her there's more going on than meets the eye. Can she get to the bottom of it?

Nonfiction Books

Write Your Book at Fifty by Jeanette E Martin

Want to write a book and need motivation to get started? Over fifty with something to say? Find compelling reasons and steps to get your story and ideas on paper. Interviews with newly self-published authors show you it is easier than you think and well worth it.

131 Creative Conversations For Couples by Jed Jurchenko

Take your relationship from dull and bland to passionate, inspired, and connected as your grow your insights into your significant other's inner world with these 131 creative conversation starters.

Make Fitness A Priority by Chad Austin

We all have obstacles in our lives that we use as excuses as to why we can’t make our own health a priority at the moment. Learn how to win the fight against your excuses. Make Fitness A Priority now!

Happiness 365 by Deena B. Chopra and KC Harry

There are days when it's hard to hold your head high and put a smile on your face. However, happiness is a choice, and sometimes, you just need a boost to remind yourself of that fact. This book is designed to help give you that small boost.

We hope these tips and examples help you when you write your next book teaser! And remember that you can always change your blurb to keep it fresh and connect with new readers. If you have any additional suggestions or questions, feel free to comment below.

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