Kidlit Social #80: How to Write an Exceptional Book Description with Michelle Schusterman
On this episode, Laura welcomes author, writing instructor and ghost writer Michelle Schusterman. Michelle is the author of over a dozen critically acclaimed novels for middle grade and young adult readers. Her books have received starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, and Publisher’s Weekly and have received honors including multiple Junior Library Guild selections, the CBCC Best of 2019 List and the ALA’s Rainbow List.
The topic: How to craft a standout, succinct book description. A good book description can help you know if your idea is working and will find an audience, and provides the basis for your query letter. Michelle will discuss how starting with the book description has helped her zero in on the audience and find the hooks that catch the attention of editors, agents, librarians and readers.
Links from this episode:
Michelle’s website: https://www.michelleschusterman.com/
Register for free workshop on June 28: How to Write a Great Query Letter for Magazine Articles
Link of interest: Kate DiCamillo interview: bit.ly/KateDiCamilloToday
Reedsy.com, site where freelance writers, ghost writers, etc. can advertise.
Michelle’s formula for writing a book description (replace words in caps with your story details):
CHARACTER was STATUS QUO until INCITING happens, and HERE’S HOW THAT AFFECTS THE CHARACTER’S LIFE. Now CHARACTER must GOAL despite CONFLICT or else CONSEQUENCE.
