Reviews from

Piper back cover

Looking for advice on content for the back cover

21 total reviews 
Comment from Jim Wile
Excellent
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This version is much better than the original, Debi. It is clearer and leaves out some unnecessary detail in a blurb. The only thing, though, is that you sort of answer the question posed at the end of the blurb in the first sentence of it when you say that Piper becomes the most infamous musician in history. Maybe you shouldn't give that away, but instead say something like, "In 13th century Germany, Piper is a boy discovering... "

 Comment Written 31-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 01-Jan-2024
    Hi Jim,
    Good point. That's why I need a second (or twentieth) pair of eyes on this. I think the back cover is harder than writing the novel.
    Thank you so much for you help.
    Happy New Year!
    Debi
reply by Jim Wile on 01-Jan-2024
    It certainly is indeed a challenge to write a good blurb. It has to be attention-grabbing, fairly brief, give a good idea of what the book is about, yet not give too much away all at the same time. Not easy to do.
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
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Personally I would stop after "... his musical talent." There is enough of a hook there without going into the Fair folk bit. It gives too much away. Just my humble opinion ... Best wishes for your book.
Wendy

 Comment Written 31-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 01-Jan-2024
    Hi Wendy,
    Thank you. Sometimes shorter is better. I think writing the back cover is harder than writing the novel. I appreciate the help!.
    Happy New Year!
    Debi
Comment from Daylily
Excellent
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Your blurb is interesting and leads the reader into wanting to learn more. I feel your second version is the strongest. Is Fair Folk plural of Fae? This is not a genre I am that familiar with, but I know it is very popular. Bravo to you for heading toward publication!

 Comment Written 30-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 01-Jan-2024
    Hi Daylily,
    Thank you for reading this blurb. "Fair Folk" is a generic term that refers to Fairy (or Faery) races including elves, fairies, gnomes, brownies, fae, trolls, etc.
    Thank you for the help and the encouragement.
    Happy New Year
    Debi
Comment from Pam (respa)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I almost missed your version two until I was copying version one to read it. My vote is for version two. It does what a book blurb should do in my opinion. Give a little information about characters and plot, and draw the reader in with your second paragraph. I have no suggestions for version two. It is excellent.

 Comment Written 30-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 01-Jan-2024
    Hi Pam,
    Thank you for the feedback on the blurbs. I think writing the back cover is harder than writing the novel. How do you do it?
    I appreciate the help.
    Happy New Year!
    Debi
reply by Pam (respa) on 01-Jan-2024
    You are very welcome, Debi. I just write children's books so it isn't too hard. I have helped a few other people here and there, but it isn't easy.
Comment from rspoet
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Debi,
Nicely done.
It's good to see you have not fallen into the trap of trying to retell the story in the small space of the back cover.
When I read the story I thought of the time and place as nonspecific. I don't know whether you need that first line, or you could make in a bit more general. In a time long ago or In a time long forgotten. Not a big deal either way.
I think the main theme of magic and music is nicely wrapped in mystery and should draw potential readers to the book.
Depending on the age group you're targeting, you might not need to mention the dire over his grandfather's grave. It makes it seem somewhat ominous for younger readers.
Are you going to use a publisher or self publish?
Best wishes with Piper and have a great new year.
Robert

 Comment Written 30-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 30-Dec-2023
    Hi Robert,
    I have taken out that first line as you suggested. I also changed the word 'dirge' to 'tune'.
    I'm looking to finish editing and then decide which way to publish. So many choices.
    Thanks for the good wishes and the fantastic six! I appreciate your continued support and encouragement.
    Happy New Year!
    Debi
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I must admit, I can't really help yoh with a back cover fot your book Debi, but I'm sure that my young artistically seven year grandson may, just a warning, it may involve a superhero, beautifully written Debi, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 29-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 29-Dec-2023
    Hi Roy,
    Thank you for the encouragement. It may be fun to see what your grandson would suggest.
    Happy New Year!
    Debi
reply by royowen on 29-Dec-2023
    Heh heh
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2023
    I like superheroes!
reply by royowen on 30-Dec-2023
    Heh heh
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
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This sound good to me and makes me want to read the book. I haven't read it however so maybe I wouldn't be the best judge. I have enjoyed your other writing.

 Comment Written 29-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 29-Dec-2023
    Hi Beth Shelby,
    Thank you for the response and encouragement.
    Happy New Year!
    Debi
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This sound good to me and makes me want to read the book. I haven't read it however so maybe I wouldn't be the best judge. I have enjoyed your other writing.

 Comment Written 29-Dec-2023

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Excellent
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This is short, punchy and conveys a sense of mystery and intrigue to inspire the reader to want to read more. Perhaps all the fae's quotes could be together so that the penultimate paragraph becomes the last? But generally excellent! Take care and Happy New Year! Debbie

 Comment Written 29-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 29-Dec-2023
    Hi Debbie,
    Thank you for the suggestions. I appreciate the help.
    Happy New Year!
    Debi
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Debi, I think it's a great back cover. It held my interest all way through. It's short an to the point. If anything I wouldn't make the penultimate paragraph the last one and your last paragraph be the penultimate one. But that's just me. Ulla:)))


 Comment Written 29-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 29-Dec-2023
    Hi Ulla,
    Thank you for the suggestions. I appreciate the help.
    Happy New Year!
    Debi