Today on the show, author Jim Heskett and copywriting guru Abigail Dunard tackle an author-submitted blurb to dissect it and understand how to write great sales copy. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:
To watch video of this episode, view it on Facebook at Best Page Forward.
--Blurb:Author: Stephen Cataldo
Title: Cognitive Politics: a Communications Workbook for Progressives
How can you have more effective and engaged political conversations?
Cognitive scientists are discovering the underlying differences between liberal and conservative mindsets. Scientific discoveries are not leading to better conversations — yet. Cognitive Politics reviews recent scientific discoveries, successful historical campaigns, and communications strategies. We’ll integrate ideas that are rarely combined, and explore the contradictions.
After introducing these ideas, Cognitive Politics is a workbook, applying a variety of techniques to different issues that are notorious for getting us into confusing and unproductive political arguments.
Cognitive Politics is both a difficult book and a hopeful book. It doesn’t give easy answers. It doesn’t fall into either camp, neither saying we should just hug it out nor just shout louder. There is no single trick, no sudden understanding of value differences or marketing techniques that can by itself erase the ugliness of modern American politics. It’s not instant gratification. The ideas and techniques require not just rallies and money but turning inward, examining old habits, going deep. These are not the same requests that political campaigns ask of us — but it is a practice for healthier politics that could work, that will make your political conversations more interesting, more connected, and slowly more effective.
Political conversations are among the most difficult conversations, which means they are a great way to learn about ourselves and learn how to communicate better.
--Abigail's Targeted Tip:
In nonfiction books, it’s even more important to establish how your book differs from similar titles. Do your research!
--Other Stuff: The Juggling Author: Time Management for Authors Story On The Spot: improv for authors!
Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to BlurbsSellBooks@gmail.com
