The Art of Crafting the Perfect "Excerpt" Post: A Guide for Writers

The Art of Crafting the Perfect "Excerpt" Post: A Guide for Writers

If you are an author, publisher, or simply a lover of literature, there may be no better way to entice readers than with a carefully selected excerpt from a book. An excerpt post can be a powerful marketing tool, but it's important to get it right. In this blog post, we'll explore the three essential tricks for creating a compelling excerpt post that can not only intrigue your readers but also boost sales.

The "Excerpt" Post - An Introduction

Why Choose an Excerpt Post?

Before diving into the strategies, it's worth understanding why an excerpt post is such an effective method for promoting a book. An excerpt post can tease your readers with a snippet of the narrative, showcasing your writing style and providing a glimpse into the world you've created. This can lead to a pleasant surprise for readers and spark their interest in the full book.

Three Tricks to Craft an Irresistible Excerpt Post

Creating an effective excerpt post is not just about randomly selecting a paragraph from the book. It's a calculated strategy. Here are three essential tricks that you should keep in mind:

Trick One - Always Excerpt from the Middle

Beginnings are boring. It might sound counterintuitive, but taking an excerpt from the start of your book may not be the best way to capture a reader's attention. Instead, opt for an awesome piece from an engaging section in the middle. Even if you have to take it somewhat out of context, this part of your book likely carries the essence and energy that will draw readers in.

Trick Two - Target Backlist Books

Excerpts tend to sell backlist books better than recently launched ones. A snippet from an older title can feel more like a pleasant surprise than a blatant marketing effort. It offers a sense of discovery and appeals to readers who may have missed the book when it was first released.

Trick Three - Reveal the Excerpt at the End

Interestingly, excerpt posts tend to work better if you don’t mention it's an excerpt until the end. After hooking your readers with an exciting passage, close with something like: "This was an excerpt from The Big Book of Blogging. To download your copy, click here." The reason behind this phenomenon may be elusive, but it's a proven method that works.

Leverage the Power of the Excerpt

Step 1: Pick the Right Book

Older or Backlist Titles Preferred: These often create a pleasant surprise for readers.
Find a Book You Love: Passion is contagious, and if you love the book, your readers likely will too.

Step 2: Choose an Excerpt from the Middle

Avoid the Beginning: Beginnings might be too slow or overly familiar.
Select a Vibrant Passage: Look for a section that's intriguing and reflects the essence of the book.
Consider Context: Even if taken out of context, ensure the excerpt can stand alone and still be engaging.

Step 3: Craft Your Post

Write an Introduction: Start with a friendly introduction that teases the content without giving everything away.
Share the Excerpt: This is where you share that awesome piece you've chosen.
Conclude with a Reveal: End with a line that informs readers that it was an excerpt and directs them to where they can get the book.

Step 4: Add Some Visual Appeal

Include an Image: Whether it's the book cover or a related image, visuals can add a layer of intrigue.
Format the Text: Make sure the excerpt stands out, perhaps by using italics or a blockquote.

Step 5: Encourage Engagement

Include a Call to Action: Encourage readers to download or purchase the book.
Invite Comments or Shares: Ask readers what they think, or encourage them to share the post.

Step 6: Review and Post

Proofread: Make sure everything looks perfect.
Post with Confidence: Share your excerpt post with the world and watch readers' interest grow.

And there you have it! In just six easy steps, you can create an engaging excerpt post that might not only delight your readers but also boost your book sales. Happy posting!

Creating a well-crafted excerpt post is not merely a sales tactic; it's an art form. By choosing a vibrant passage from the middle of your book, targeting backlist titles, and revealing the excerpt at the end, you can intrigue your readers and leave them wanting more. So, why not give it a try? Your next big book sale might be just an excerpt away!