COVER COPY
CAPTIVATE YOUR AUDIENCE
- Grab attention with a killer opening hook.
- Introduce an intriguing twist…
- Ensure the copy is dripping with voice—a voice consistent with the one in which the story is told.
- Reinforce the product—in this case, by seamlessly weaving the product name into the copy.
USE WHAT WORKS
- Use a repeatable formula: Protagonist, Situation, Objective, Obstacles/Opponents, Cost/Stakes. In the example of my novel Nyte Terrors:
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- Protagonist: Lexie Rodriguez
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- Situation: Has joined the supernatural problem-solvers known as the Nyte Patrol
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- Objective: A client has gone missing, and Lexie dives in to investigate
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- Obstacles/Opponents: A demonic spirit
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- Cost/Stakes: The spirit is bloodthirsty, relentless, and coming for Lexie
CONNECT WITH THE CUSTOMER
- Pay careful attention to tone: here, it’s romantic, playful, and tongue-in-cheek.
- Ensure that every portion of the package works in concert—that the copy matches the artwork, graphics, and typography.
- Elicit strong emotions to get the customer invested in the protagonist.
- Introduce a tagline as an additional hook.