I'm writing a new series of blog posts called "Homework help" where I post about things I've learned during my self-publishing journey in hopes of helping other aspiring indie authors. I'm starting this series with Amazon book descriptions because I've seen enough self-published authors struggle with this. If you've published with Kindle Direct Publishing and you're having problems with this, you've come to the right place!
The thing about the Amazon descriptions is that if you copy and paste from wherever you have your blurb written down, it's not going to look as pretty as you want. You're probably looking to have your blurb broken up into easy-to-read paragraphs and maybe a bolded or italicized tagline, right?
For this, KDP supports a simple list of HTML tags you can use. Using these tags is super easy and will make your Amazon book description look nice. But remember, when you open a tag you have to close it, or it won't work. For example, when you want something bolded, you have to put the word you need between the tags like so: <b>[important words here]</b>. That will make it look like this: [important words here]. Alternatively, you can use the tag <strong></strong> for the same purpose. If you wanted to italicize something, use the tag <i></i>.
When you want a space between your paragraphs, you need to use the tag <br></br>. Remember to always close it, otherwise your faulty code will show it and it still won't have a break between paragraphs.
<strong>Follow the rhythm of your heart.</strong><br></br>Now that high school's over and he's left his life as a bully behind, Red finally has time to focus on what he wants: boxing. For as long as he's able, that's what he'll do.<br></br>Zara's passion for dancing is rivaled by none, but her dreams are shattered when her dance partner sprains his ankle weeks before their showcase. With no other options, Red's cousin and Zara's best friend suggests they team up.<br></br>Now Red has a tough decision to make: stick to what he's always known or find the courage to love something new?
Follow the rhythm of your heart.
Now that high school's over and he's left his life as a bully behind, Red finally has time to focus on what he wants: boxing. For as long as he's able, that's what he'll do.
Zara's passion for dancing is rivaled by none, but her dreams are shattered when her dance partner sprains his ankle weeks before their showcase. With no other options, Red's cousin and Zara's best friend suggests they team up.
Now Red has a tough decision to make: stick to what he's always known or find the courage to love something new?
One other important thing to note is that Amazon doesn't allow you to put links in your book descriptions, so even if I wanted to give you the HTML for that, it wouldn't help you. They'll just tell you there's a problem with the description and tell you not to do that. Sorry!
I hope this helps someone out. It's really not easy to self-publish on your own and knowing these little tips and tricks can really make the experience easier and better. Thank you, once again, for going on this journey with me!
- Natasja Eby
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