How to Write a Captivating Hook for Your Book

A hook is a one-sentence statement or question designed to generate curiosity and compel the reader to want more. Your book hook will be displayed on the back of your book, on your Amazon page, in ads, and you will say it a thousand times at an author appearance.

To create a hook that captivates readers, it's essential to understand the key elements that make it effective. A strong hook should provoke curiosity, introduce conflict or tension, and offer a glimpse into the unique world of your story. By carefully crafting these elements, you can pique your audience's interest and compel them to continue reading.

A hook is meant to stop people in their tracks and focus their attention on your book. That means crafting a single sentence that persuades people to purchase your book. The hook should be 15 words or less and easy to remember for word-of-mouth advertising amongst your excited readers.

Writing Hooks for Nonfiction: To commence the creation of your hook, begin with these words, "What if I told you ________?"

Now complete that sentence with a statement that makes potential readers say: "Wow, I've never heard that before…" or "I've never heard it put that way before."

Keep in mind that the best ideas for an attention-grabbing hook can be found in controversy and conflict. Rather than saying, "What if I told you that you could have perfect children?" Say, "What if I told you that you could get your children to stop fighting?"

Examples of Nonfiction Hooks

What if I told you…anyone can be debt-free in 12 months no matter how much they owe

What if I told you…that you could lose weight by enjoying food

What if… a doctor treating the dying suddenly becomes a patient struggling to live?

Writing Hooks for Fiction:

1.      What makes the main character unique?

2.      What type of quest or journey does the main character undertake?

3.      What kind of conflict or villain does the main character encounter during the quest?

Answer these three questions to create your hook.

Don't describe your story, tease your reader.

Examples of Fiction Hooks

Beware a calm surface – you never know what lies beneath.

Could you let thousands of strangers die in order to save your family?

*Have you ever met someone and, based on your first impression, given them a nickname?

**New neighbors arrive—bringing charm, mystery, and a whiff of chaos. Are they here to build bonds…or break them?

A bland hook isn't a hook at all. It's just a boring sentence that causes readers to lose interest.

Crafting a captivating hook is not just a task; it's an art form that can significantly impact the success of your book.

 *My hook for Under the Roof.

**My hook for Meet the New Neighbors.

Portions of this blog were taken from Bob Eager's book, "Write Text that Sells Books." I highly recommend the three books that Bob Eager has written for authors. All three are available on Amazon.