From Blurb to Bio: Creating a Compelling Back Cover
- Michelle M. White
- Jul 24
- 5 min read
Your front cover may grab a reader’s attention, but it’s your back cover that helps close the sale. It’s where curiosity becomes conviction. It answers the quiet question: “Is this book for me?”
The back cover is where readers turn to learn more and decide whether to take that next step toward purchase. Even if you’re publishing online only, where readers might not physically flip to the back cover, the content you create here is still essential. It can easily be repurposed for your online book description, marketing materials, or sales pages.
In this guide, we’ll walk through each element of a strong back cover, from the hook and description to the barcode and BISAC category. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, these details can shape how readers, and retailers, see your book.
Here's a Summary of What to Include on the Back Cover:
1. Tagline or Hook
2. Book Description
3. Author Bio & Photo
4. Endorsements (Optional)
5. ISBN & Barcode
6. BISAC Category
7. Publisher Name & Logo
8. Cover Art Credits
A strong back cover doesn’t just list facts, it sparks curiosity, builds trust, and clearly communicates what your reader will gain. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, here are all the in-depth details on what to include and how to create the back cover of your book.
Tagline or Hook
Your tagline is the first thing the eye should land on when someone turns your book over. Think of it as your opening pitch. It should immediately speak to your reader’s needs, desires, or curiosity.
Keep it short, ideally 7–15 words
Make it easy to read and emotionally compelling
Use a call-to-action or invitation format:“Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Life” or “Unlock the Mystery Before It’s Too Late”
A well-crafted tagline draws readers in, sets the emotional tone, and gives them a reason to keep reading.
Book Description
This is the heart of your back cover, the place where you convince the reader to say yes. Whether you're telling a story or offering a solution, this is your chance to show them exactly why they need your book.
For fiction:
Highlight the main characters, the conflict, the setting, and the stakes
Create intrigue and leave readers wanting to know what happens next
For nonfiction:
Focus on transformation and ask yourself what problem does this book solve?
Emphasize what the reader will gain and why they should trust you
Consider using a few bullet points to make key takeaways easy to scan
End with a brief call to action that ties back to your tagline
Ideal length: 150–200 words
A strong description doesn’t just explain, it inspires action. When done well, this is the moment your reader decides to buy the book.
Author Bio & Photo
This is where you introduce yourself, not with your whole life story, but with the key details that make readers feel they can trust you and want to hear more.
It should be written in the third person
For nonfiction: Emphasize expertise and experience relevant to the topic
For fiction: Keep it warm and personal and share your connection to the story
Keep it around 50–75 words
Include a clear head-and-shoulders photo (ideally the same one used on your website or social media)
Add your website or email so readers can connect with you
A thoughtful bio adds credibility and connection, two things that can turn a curious reader into a loyal one.
Endorsements (Optional)
Endorsements or early reader praise can be a powerful way to build credibility and spark curiosity, especially when they come from recognizable names or trusted voices in your genre.
Choose blurbs that speak to the book’s emotional or practical impact
Keep them short—10 to 30 words
1–2 quotes is plenty
These quotes should echo your book’s promise and tone, offering a quick boost of social proof without overwhelming the back cover design.
ISBN and Barcode
(International Standard Book Number)
If you plan to sell your book in bookstores or online, you’ll need a barcode showing the ISBN. This is the unique number that identifies your book.
It’s like a fingerprint for your book and is used by bookstores, libraries, and online retailers to find and sell it
The barcode typically goes on the bottom of your back cover and includes your ISBN and, optionally, your price
KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) and IngramSpark are two of the most common self-publishing platforms. Both require a barcode and ISBN to make your book available for purchase.
Including the price in your barcode is optional, however know that:
Leaving it off gives you flexibility to change your pricing later
But some bookstores may not carry a book without a printed price
Tip: Want to dive deeper into ISBNs and how to get one? See the article in the copyright series here.
BISAC Category
(Book Industry Standards and Communications)
The BISAC Subject Headings are used by bookstores and libraries to classify and shelf your book. The category titles can be found on the Book Industry Study Group webpage:
Usually placed at the top of the back cover or just above the barcode
Example: BODY, MIND & SPIRIT / Personal Growth / Success
Choose your category carefully, because it determines where your book gets shelved and affects algorithms online
Tip: Also include your BISAC category on the copyright page inside your book.
Publisher Name & Imprint Logo
If you’ve created your own publisher name (also called an imprint), you will include it, along with your logo (if used), near the bottom of the back cover. Keep it subtle, readable, and aligned with the overall design.
It is important to note that:
Many independent authors create a publishing company (also called an imprint) to funnel income, expenses, and taxes through.
Having a publishing imprint and logo is key to raising the level of professionalism among a sea of self-published books.
Cover Art Credits
This small line of text is both a professional courtesy and, in some cases, a legal requirement. It acknowledges the creative work behind your cover design, whether that’s a photographer, illustrator, or the source of a stock image.
Make sure to:
Include credits for stock photos, illustrations, or design work
Use the exact wording required by the image license, if applicable
Keep it in very small print, usually placed at the bottom corner of the back cover and/or the dust jacket
If you're not sure whether credits are needed, check the licensing terms or ask your designer. Giving credit is a simple way to respect creative rights and uphold industry standards.
Final Thoughts
A well-designed back cover isn’t just informational, it’s persuasive. It invites readers in, builds trust, and communicates the value your book offers.
Take your time with each element, from the tagline to the bio, and work closely with your designer to ensure the layout supports clarity and flow.
When crafted with intention, your back cover becomes more than packaging, it becomes a promise.
👉 For more self-publishing tips, visit my blog or subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.mmwbooks.com/blog