Book Description Test Marketing
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Actual Book Description Polls & Poll Results
Which book description sounds more appealing?
This is a 2 option poll with 50 respondents. A sample of responses:
- The first statement is catchy and is like a cliffhanger. You want to know what Jack lost and how he has the chance to get it back. The first paragraph is the same in both options and I think its a great introduction/story background. I prefer the shorter version in Option A for the second paragraph because it gives more mystery without giving too many details. I like the italic statement (it may be good for a book cover) and the statement in bold font is more engaging and appealing. The format in the description in option A is more appealing as well.
- I chose Option B because it was the more vivid and enticing summary of the book. Option A seemed to be trying too hard to sound like a movie trailer. You can almost hear the deep voice saying, "In a world where the dangerous man is one who lost everything but has a chance to get it back..." It was like a summary for a Liam Neeson action thriller. Option B was more thoughtful and focused more on the family that the main character is trying to protect than adjectives and literary explosions.
- Option B repeated "mystery" a lot. A is shorter, so it's better as a blurb or in a list that includes other books. Both descriptions try to sell the book as a thriller, but Option A is more on-tone "Vulnerable new partner" is more appealing as a thriller than "feisty sidekick". Combined with "quirky characters" and "these two underdogs must put aside their differences", Option B sounds like it can't decide whether the book is a thriller or a comedy, but Option A is consistent.
Which description would make you click buy?
This is a 2 option poll with 50 respondents. A sample of responses:
- The way in which the narrative unfolds is far more engaging in Choice B than in Choice A. Initially the reader is given hints, then more and more detail is supplied. The story is quite intriguing. I want to know more after each paragraph. The love interest is more prominent in Choice B, which many readers will find attractive.
- This one goes into more details of the book and makes it sound much more exciting. I like the way it tells more about Enrique too adding even more drama to the book. This option also stated the age of the star of the book so you get a heads up of how the book will start to unfold from a teenagers eyes.
- I find this description to be more descriptive and compelling, while choice A appears more emotionally manipulative and less informative about the content. I prefer to know more about the content of a story before a purchase, and am turned off by more blatant emotional manipulation.
- It just got my attention better from the very beginning. If I was browsing books the other option would be something I would glance and skip over, where as this one the description caught my attention from the start and I would read it.
- this one just immediately caught my attention, especially the mention of underwater LA, while the other was just like every other YA novel out there. sure, i could do without the romance, but it just sounded more interesting.
Which book blurb do you like best?
This is a 2 option poll with 50 respondents. A sample of responses:
- The blurb was better describing the story line to a point. Option A kind of lost me on the first sentence. Option B was to the point. In my opinion the word "Gothic" has several different meanings and could be perceived differently by people. If I'm already looking through a horror category in literature, I do not need to be told its a horror story.
- A leaves enough detail vague as to inspire the reader to examine the text. B reads more like an outline for a screen play or script. The action is laid out in a formulaic system and there is less desire to read the book to learn the story.
- I get more information from blurb B. I get the year, a little more backstory than blurb A, and a better flow than in option A. This blurb is easier to read because the sentences are shorter and there's a lot less commas - which I appreciate.
- The description is much more exciting and really got me into reading it. I think I would enjoy reading this book very much so by this description. Very well written and gives just enough info to make you want to read this book.
- It sounds more interesting like Sara has a secret past that will later be revealed in the book. And just the relationship she forms with Jenny and Sunami sounds like they could possibly save the the community.
Which book Back Cover page blurb content would look more appealing to a customer? The book name is - A Fly on the Cart Wheel. Subtitle: Is Free Will an Illusion? (Both mentioned on front page)
This is a 2 option poll with 50 respondents. A sample of responses:
- Option B grabs your attention right away with the first line and gives you a better understanding of what the book is and what it has to offer. Option A would grab a person's attention more and make them more likely to continue reading the description. Option A would appeal to a wider audience of readers and make them more interested in purchasing the book.
- This is based on personal preference. The idea of free will being an illusion fascinates me. I'm a hug fan of Sam Harris, and this is a central topic of his podcast, his books, and his public speaking. As soon as I saw the topic at Free Will at the beginning of option A, I became intrigued.
- I chose B because it is more concise and easier to understand. It is also more relatable. The "fly on the side of a rotating cart" bit doesn't really grab the reader or make much sense, despite being the title of the book. That would be better explained within the book itself.
- This blurb is more descriptive. It have captivating language that draws me into a thought. That thought is of Amit's journey. What will it be and what will we see? Where as option B is less descriptive and reads more like an advertisement.
- A screams "The Twilight Zone" introduction to me, which is a fantastic way to introduce someone to a journey in an articulate and intellectual way. Comparatively, B seems like a sales pitch that's strangely direct to the ready for a blurb.
Which book description sounds more appealing?
This is a 2 option poll with 50 respondents targeting Books Read Per Month (4+, 1 3). A sample of responses:
- Option B sounds like it was written by a high schooler, trying his/her best to emulate adult literature. The writing is choppy, there are few (if any) transitions between sentences, and even though it does pick up in the second half, the first part took away any desire I had to to read the book. By comparison, Option A reads like Dostoevsky.
- I feel the descriptive language used in Choice B invokes more emotion to me as a potential customer. It really emphasizes to me that this will be a gritty, intense thriller which digs deep into the main protagonist.
- I prefer Option B, because I like that idea of the main character being a good guy, but having a life that is filled with hardship. I think the character would be much more interesting and appealing.
- A pulled me in more, made me want to pick up this book and read it. B just didn't not sure if it just isn't as gripping of a description or if after reading A it just didn't measure up.
- Option A is more appealing. Not only is it more professionally written, it makes the story sound more interesting by leaving a little mystery to the events included in the story.
- Option A helps us to know what Jack is thinking and what he cares about immediately at the beginning of the description. It also gives us more information.
Would you buy this ebook?
This is a 1 option poll with 50 respondents. A sample of responses:
- It honestly looks like a marketing scam to me. The color pattern, the bullets, all the points and factors and all the color just screams infomercial to me. It also elaborates way too much and the cost is a bit high even for a book on self help or helping with blogging. It's priced as a college text book price may be priced, but the material provided and information looks as bad as a sham-wow commercial.
- I'd definitely buy it. I'm in the beginning stages of blogging for the company in which I work, and I'd love to know how to do a great job, step by step and it sounds like the e-book in the description above would help a lot.
- I would not buy, solely because I do not blog or have any interest to write a blog. I think this looks interesting and exciting however, its priced high - if the price were lower, it may be a good one to recommend to others
- No, I don't think this product is right for me. I tried doing the SEO game for a while and while I do think that these manuals serve a purpose, I generally don't like using a blog to put a fake persona out there.
- Absolutely not. I see nothing new here and it just seems like a giant ad. It is also over 40 dollars which is not even close to reasonable considering the amount of free information on this topic out there.
Would you buy this ebook?
This is a 1 option poll with 50 respondents. A sample of responses:
- I believe that it might help. Although in these types of situations what works to gain more traffic on one site might actually push traffic away from another. I do not believe there is a "go to" method to gain more readers. It all depends on the type of community you are trying to attract. I think the book would be best for gaining some insight into what was useful for others then using that information to come up with your own marketing strategy.
- It might be helpful to include information on how to get more advertising revenue and engagement and polls in the blogs too. Those are important. Perhaps also some information on what not to include so as to not turn off traffic and deter people.
- Yes, it would be helpful because I have a blog and would love more site traffic to it. I am always looking for ways to increase readership and gain followers. I would want more specifics, though (like how this is done).
- I gave it a 5 rating, this ebook is beneficial to those who have websites and want to increase traffic directed to their blogs. I would buy this ebook, because I have a few websites and this would be beneficial to me.
- I'm sorry to say I can't adequately answer this question because I cannot see any details about the ebook in question. There is no link or image or blurb about visible in this HIT at all.
If you only saw this much of a book's blurb, which one would you click to read more? Why?
This is a 2 option poll with 50 respondents targeting Books Read Per Month (4+, 1 3). A sample of responses:
- The Independent Publisher Book Awards let me know that it was self published so I'm actually much more curious to read that. I love obscure literature and desire to be able to get unique things that aren't always publicized to popularity just for being a big name. Also, the aware portion makes me think it's likely a good book so adding that extra pop line in makes me more attracted to reading the book.
- It's basically a choice between the award in A and the sale in B. The award in A sounds like a relatively minor thing (ebook, independent publisher, not to mention I've never heard of it), and the sale at least makes me think that if I am going to look into this book further, I shouldn't put it off.
- I like this Book.BIG4T. Don't Miss Out! Sell & Distribute. Books, Magazines & eBooks. Sign Up For Email Offers. High Quality Photo Books. Easy Self-Publishing. 100’s of Layouts. Free & Easy-to-Use Tools. Services: Publishing, Printing, Selling, Distributing.
- Both are similar but I like Option A because in addition to a thorough description of the premise, this blurb also notes the book won an award in 2018 which may be very appealing to some readers.
- On sale implies it can't be sold and leading with that doesn't make me interested. Choice A leads with the description then talks about accomplishments which confirms that it is a good read
Which book description (if either) has the best conversion to sales on Amazon Kindle?
This is a 2 option poll with 50 respondents. A sample of responses:
- Option A is MUCH more concise and informative. It leaves out unnecessary details as to the story, but gives you a clear image of what the book is about and what you would get from it. Option A is what people are looking for when they look for books like this. Short and in plan language would make this book more appealing. Option A would get a wider audience of people interested and willing to check deeper into what the book has to offer, and eventually purchase it.
- While B is more descriptive I can't help but drift as I read it because it gets intensely long. It's almost as I'm reading the book without reading about it. The description should be more pronounced and tot he point to allow the reader to decide
- Option A was very direct and simplified. I knew exactly what the book was about without any confusion if it was fiction, or self help or relationships like I initially was in B. A actually cleared up a lot of questions review B gave me.
- Choice B had bad grammar very early on into reading the paragraph. That made me want to stop automatically and made me question the type of grammar I'd find in the book. Choice A is much more descriptive in many less words.
- Choice A is more to-the-point; it gets the main idea and benefits across without relying on commented quotes which distract the potential purchaser by making it seem overvalued and long-winded.
which book description do you prefer and why?
This is a 2 option poll with 50 respondents. A sample of responses:
- I prefer CHOICE:A because it is intriguing me to find out what the magical powers are and what they will do. The word mysteriously is a word that brings my mind to want to know more. Thinking of her powers being even more powerful than her grandfathers is intriguing as well, if he is in fact the grim reaper and her powers may be even stronger is a huge pull to want to read more.
- I like A better only because it doesn't completely mangle apostrophe rules. The Duvall's? The Duvall's what? Also, "The Grim Reaper." is not even close to a sentence. These are published authors writing these, right?
- I think it does a better job of explaining the backstory of Amelia more. It introduces how she gets her power and leaves it in a suspenseful situation so I would want to read more and find out what happened.
- A sounds more like a young-adult or kids book because of the way the story is described. The words and phrasing are more simple, like they are aimed at kids.. B sounds like it might be more for adults.
- I like this one for the flow. When I read it I thought the words flowed more smoothly. I like the detailing in the story too not too simple or brief
- I like the flow of the description of B. I would be more apt to buy the book based on it. It sounds more like books I have bought before.
Current Ways To Test Market Your Book Listings
Trust Your Gut
It's your baby. Which one feels right?
Ask Friends & Family
Send an email to your friends and family with the different book listings and ask for their feedback.
Buy Ads
Create a Google Ad or Facebook Ad for all the different book listings and see which one has the highest click-through rate (CTR).
Or Use PickFu!
PickFu gets you the same quantitative and unbiased results as buying expensive ads, but much faster and without any of the hassle of trying to figure out how to setup the ads. As a bonus, you get written qualitative feedback you can use to further iterate on your book listings.
Armed with this data, you will have the confidence to choose the best book listing.
How PickFu Compares
Friends & Family
Buying Ads
Your Gut
PickFu
Definitive Quantitative Result
Qualitative Actionable Feedback
Fast Turnaround
Unbiased & Anonymous
Large Representative Audience
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1-Minute Setup
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Author Testimonials
I have loved PickFu and recommended it to dozens of people already. I've used it to quickly iterate ideas and have some data to make decisions. I'm a huge fan and will definitely continue using it for various projects.
Tim GrahlAuthor & Book Marketing Consultant
I highly recommend PickFu to the authors and aspiring authors I work with. Having the ability to objectively split test book covers and book titles from an unbiased audience is vitally important. Book titles and book covers can significantly impact purchase conversion, and a non-fiction author's thought leadership. Being able to test these factors is peace of mind.
I use PickFu to split test book titles and covers. It's been extremely helpful to know what readers prefer before I self-publish my books on Amazon. It enables me to make better decisions without relying purely on intuition.
Thank you for your vision and creating PickFu. As a businesswoman, financial coach, author and speaker, your company ROCKS! I write prolifically and need somewhere to go to get unbiased opinions from strangers that aren't just flaming my ideas because they had a bad day. It is the most helpful advice I can get when coming up with titles for books, headlines, and book covers. The diversity of the information and honest feedback is delightful. I've used the polls to help me narrow down a book title and soon I'll be using them to assist with my logo for my 8th business as well as the tag line for a new course I'm offering.
I was very impressed with PickFu. There were things I didn't expect: (1) I could choose the gender and age group. (2) Your age groups match the age groups that my Scribe Content software uses. Great. (3) The responses included a reason. That alone is super valuable and gave me a few branding ideas including images and copy tone. (4) You also broke down the respondents by education and income level. Wow -- I didn't think $70 could by so much happiness. This was money sooooo well spent!
Blog Posts About Optimizing Book Listings
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Which One Won? Book Covers with Mixed Messages
One small decision you make on your book cover can send a different message to your intended audience. One PickFu pollster was surprised when testing two different book covers. He tested two covers for the book The Last Lessons of Christ. Option A featured a dark red image of the back of Christ against a […]
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Which One Won? The Right Level of Mystery for a Book Cover
Designing a mystery cover can be tricky. You want to capture the mystery of your book without giving the reader too much information. In other words, you want a mystery book to appear… mysterious. The problem is, if you make a cover too mysterious, you can stump readers. With few clues on what a book […]
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How a Guide for Short Guys Grew in Sales
“You don’t seem that short,” people often tell author Seth Ulinski. At 5’7″, Seth is three inches below average height. In the introduction to his book Amazing Heights: How Short Guys Stand Tall, he jokes that perhaps he could chalk it up to “really” being 5’7″ and a half. But it’s more than that: an […]
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