You have a choice when writing the sales copy for your book. You can use something like the following generic points, or you can create sizzling sales copy. Your choice.
A strong powerful message about mental health
Inspiring
Raw and Authentic
Lets people know they’re not alone when having mental issues
Gives people hope
Lets public understand job as a Wildland Firefighter
It is relevant, a true story and extremely motivating
Now, the above are certainly descriptive of the author’s book, Above the Ashes, but most of the points are too generic to create much impact and motivate people to buy the book, either for themselves or for people they love.
Here, on the other hand, are a few of the sales points I wrote for his book as part of a promotional letter to indie bookstores. Note: I got a lot of this content from his book, his Instagram feed, and his Amazon book page.
Here are just a few reasons readers will want to buy Above the Ashes and a great bookstore will want to stock the book:
If you loved You Can’t Hurt Me by David Groggins, or Wild by Cheryl Strayed, or Thirst by Heather Anderson, you’ll love this incredible memoir.
One of the best ways to help readers and booksellers to identify books they might be interested in is to associate your book with other well-known or bestselling books.
Mental illness is a serious condition. More than 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetimes. 1 in 25 Americans lives with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. You can help them by giving them this book!
Identify a key audience for your book by citing relevant statistics. Such statistics can also help other people to understand the importance and value of your book.
Kevin has been interviewed on local affiliates of CBS, Fox, ABC, and NBC around the country as well as on podcasts such as Anchor Point and Chats with Fire.
Show readers and booksellers that you are media savvy and worthy of attention by demonstrating your media appeal or by pitching media-worthy story lines or interview possibilities.
In the first 30 days, Kevin sold more than 500 copies of Above the Ashes. He’ll work with you to sell many more copies. Just give him a chance!
Show that you as an author can sell your books and are willing to go out of the way to help others to sell your books as well. If you have an author street team, a social media tribe, or other partners, showcase them.
“This is the story of a man who saved his own life. Reading it could save yours or that of someone you love.”
Strike the heart strings of your potential readers by quoting a reader, telling a brief story, or excerpting a short statement from your book.
There is no quit in the soul of a wildland firefighter. There is no it’s too late, it’s too early, it’s too steep, it’s too hot, it’s too heavy. Above the Ashes contributes to the many, many firefighters who work to save your homes and your lives.
You can showcase another potential audience or topic. In this case, I did it with a very short excerpt from the book that the author also featured on his Instagram feed.
“Wow, this was a tough one to put down! Loved following Kevin on his journey across the United States. Also very insightful to hear more behind the scenes about what it's like being a wildland firefighter. True heroes. Couldn't recommend this book enough.” — Iron Tazz
If you have some specific and/or moving testimonials from Amazon or other readers, feature at least one quote in your sales letter.
Also in your sales letter feature your book cover, a photo of the author, and any other engaging photos (like the one above featuring the author on his ride across America).
You can find the complete sales letter I created for Above the Ashes on my other podcast site: Five Things I Love About Books at https://ilovebooks.substack.com.
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