GENERAL INFO
WRITING SOLICITATION COPY
THE WRITER’S DESK © Chad Corrie
In this essay I thought I’d share some information on a topic that not many writers often think about let alone have much practice in starting out, that is writing back cover and/or solicitation copy. It’s something you’ll have to do at some point for your work whether you’re looking at self publishing or are seeking a more traditional route.
In the most basic terms writing copy is the selling text of your story. Part synopsis and part sales tool, it’s a means to educate the reader on what your book is about without giving too much away all the while enticing them to read it in the process.
In times past the publisher tended to be responsible for such efforts but in these current days it often falls more and more to the author to provide in the very least an outline that a publisher can follow if not something they can use whole cloth. And, of course, those who self publish will have to do this part of the process entirely.
So given this reality it behooves authors to have at least a basic introduction of the matter. What’s intended in this essay is an example of what the process looks like along with some basic parameters to help guide you in your own efforts. And, as with all of these essays, let me reiterate that I’m not stating anything shared herein as gospel. This is just meant to be a helpful guide, nothing more. You have to make whatever you do your own.
When you write your solicitation copy it's often a wise idea to have a couple different versions. One for the back of the book, one for the solicitation copy used to pitch the book and/or place it in various online/catalog listings, and even a shorter “log line” version that can be a helpful elevator pitch or even useful for an actual pitch to movie and other media developers. Overall, all of these versions should be rather concise as you won’t have large swaths of digital or print real estate in which to share your spiel.
Again, the idea is to take a summary of the story and present it in an interesting and—hopefully—enticing enough way that will cause folks to pick it up and give it a closer inspection. You don’t want to give away all the hidden plot points or twists and turns, naturally. But you also don’t want it to read too generically or gimmicky either. It’s also wise to avoid something that gets too hyperbolic (e.g.“this is the best story in the world”) or delves too much into the troupes of marketing hype to the point that readers wonder if you’re trying to pitch the next “amazing doodad” instead of a story. Also, take a look at what’s been written for books you’ve read, noting what they chose to emphasize and/or avoid/downplay. But ultimately you (and/or your editor) will have the final say on what gets included.
For an example we’ll be using the solicitation text I wrote for The Shadow Regent. I ended up creating a couple different versions, as you’ll see. The direct market version was for the comic shop market, the trade for book stores and online listings, and the back cover for the book itself. Naturally, you can do whatever works best for your title(s), but feel free to use the following as a spring board for your own purposes.
TRADE SITES / SALES FORCE (205 words)
A god has fallen. A throne sits empty. And ambitious schemers plot in the shadows.
The battle has ended, but the pantheon has survived at a terrible cost. Bereft of both Gurthghol and Vkar’s throne, they’re now weaker and more defenseless than ever. Yet even as the pantheon seek their footing three new gods will be added to the family, further disrupting the former order.
And then there are the others—both inside the pantheon and out—eager for more power and place who will make their moves for greater glory and dominion in this time of divine recovery and realignment.
Plots and plotters, schemers and plans—all will have their day and way. And the cosmos shall never be the same. To the victor shall go the spoils. To the pantheon comes a new order. And to Tralodren a new age shall arise.
Welcome to Tralodren, a world rich in history, faith, and tales of adventure—of which this story is but one of many.
Following the aftermath of The Wizard King Trilogy, this standalone story delves deeper into the Tralodroen cosmos and the gods who call it home, revealing the formation of a new era for both god and mortal alike.
BACK OF THE BOOK (166 words)
A god has fallen. A throne sits empty. And ambitious schemers plot in the shadows.
The battle has ended, but the pantheon has survived at a terrible cost. Bereft of both Gurthghol and Vkar’s throne, they’re now weaker and more defenseless than ever. Yet even as the pantheon seek their footing three new gods will be added to the family, further disrupting the former order.
And then there are the others—both inside the pantheon and out—eager for more power and place who will make their moves for greater glory and dominion in this time of divine recovery and realignment.
Plots and plotters, schemers and plans—all will have their day and way. And the cosmos shall never be the same. To the victor shall go the spoils. To the pantheon comes a new order. And to Tralodren a new age shall arise.
Welcome to Tralodren, a world rich in history, faith, and tales of adventure—of which this story is but one of many.
DIRECT MARKET (101 words)
The battle has ended, but the pantheon has survived at a terrible cost. Bereft of both Gurthghol and Vkar’s throne, they’re now weaker and more defenseless than ever. And then there are the others—both inside the pantheon and out—eager for more power and place who will make their moves for greater glory and dominion in this time of divine recovery and realignment.
Following the aftermath of The Wizard King Trilogy, this standalone story delves deeper into the Tralodroen cosmos and the gods who call it home, revealing the formation of a new era for both god and mortal alike.
LOG LINE (27 words)
When the disappearance of a leading god sets the rest of the pantheon to scheming, a cabal of divinities secretly works to alter the ancient cosmic order.