Jacket, Flap & Catalog Copy
By Jerry D. Simmons | March 7th, 2006 | No Comments » (Click to add yours!)
Studies have shown that the cover of a book, along with the title, are determining factors in why readers pick books up off shelves and tables. Once the book is in their hands, they either turn the book over to read the back jacket or, they open the book and read the inside flap. This is where the sale can be made, on the description of the story on the back jacket or flap of the book.
This is one of those decisions that writers often leave up to their publisher and it is a huge mistake. You should always review what is written about your book, especially when it is going to be printed anywhere on the back or inside cover. The jacket copy along with the cover art and title are part of a crucial mix that must be right in the eyes of the consumer if you want them to buy your book.
To take this one step further, when the book is being sold to booksellers, there will always be catalog copy. This is a brief description a book buyer reads and often can be the reason for either placing an order or passing on your title. The catalog copy does not always coincide with the jacket or flap copy because the market is different, consumer versus book buyer. Always review the jacket, flap and catalog copy for your book!
Writing good jacket, flap and catalog copy is an art form. However because there are so many books that need to be produced in a timely fashion, chances are your book will not be given the attention it deserves. The really good copy writers will be directed to the covers of the better-positioned titles. To compensate for this fact, read what is being written and placed on the covers of the best-selling titles in your genre. Give some attention to what you want to be written about your book. It can make the difference in a sale, and every copy counts.
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