A tiny bit over seven years ago I posed the following questions on my publishing Facebook page:
I would like to know your opinion of the following possible updated brief back cover blurb for The Blood. Would you read this book? Would you mention it to others as interesting? I need your opinion of the following:
“A prophecy is mangled by twisted jealousy resulting in a crash on a far away planet, Teramar, that may lead to the extinction of the Lrakiran people. The injured pilot, Renloret, must break first contact rules by requesting assistance of the locals in finding a five year old child, the only source of a cure for the gravitas plague which will render the Lrakirans incapable of procreating within twenty years. As he races against time and the odds of locating the child on his own without the necessary information, Renloret becomes entangled with his beautiful rescuer, Ani, and her secretive past. He will have to choose between what his heart yearns for and the mission he has no chance of completing in time.”
NOW seven years later I am again asking your opinion of the above possible alternative back cover copy for book 1, The Blood, of my sci-fi/fantasy series. Does it sound more interesting than what is on the back cover right now? (I’ll give you time to go find your copy of it)
Okay, I can’t wait that long. Here it is:
Which is more compelling? Which one makes you want to open the book and start reading? Do either of them? How would you entice possible readers into opening it up and start reading?
Why am I thinking about making this change, eight years after The Blood was published? I’m trying to decide if I should change it when I get the glossary inserted in The Blood, which was published without a glossary in 2014. We didn’t think of having one until I was working on the second book. If I do add a glossary and change the back cover copy I think that means, technically, I will begin publishing a second edition of the first book. There are three small grammatical changes in the story text that will also be corrected – when or if my book designer completes the fourth book and I can publish The Seventh Stone.
So many things to constantly think about when you are the publisher and the author. Even eight years after you’ve published a book. And switching hats is hard and lonely.
Please let me know. I am eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions.
TimberDarkWriter 