Author Services
If you’re unfamiliar with my career, I’ve been part of the publishing industry for more than a decade. I’m a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of romance and fantasy whose books have been translated into more than a dozen different languages. I’ve worked slush for both agents and indie publishers. I have experience with traditional and self-publishing in multiple genres. Ideation is one of my strongest skills (if you’re familiar with the Clifton Strengths), and I specialize in helping authors with blurbs, query letters, and story or career consults.
“I am absolutely blind to what will sell my story, every single time. Cora is not blind. Cora sees what’s appealing and doesn’t get lost in the woods. She pulled the most interesting threads from the blabbering mess of words I sent her and wove them into a coherent blurb that jumps off the page.”
– New York Times Bestselling Author C.D. Reiss
What is a blurb?
(You might have also heard it called back cover copy or just a book description. It’s usually found on the back of the book or the inside flap of a dustjacket. Whatever you call it, it has a huge impact on whether or not your book finds readers).
Many authors dread blurbs, but it’s one of my favorite things to write. In fact, every time I have a new book idea, I start by writing the pitch that eventually becomes that back cover copy. Your book cover is what makes a reader stop and look closer, but your book’s description is usually what decides whether your book gets bought. That’s why your copy needs to be the best you can make it! Certainly don’t let anyone convince you that AI can do it for you.
But I get it! Distilling that much information into a catchy paragraph or two is HARD. It’s difficult to know what to include and what to hold back. You have to both hook your reader and convey the right expectations for your book. And you have to do it all with a small word count. Let me be perfectly clear: You can write a fantastic book, and still struggle to write your book’s copy because they are two different skillsets. Let me help you craft the best copy possible to sell your book!
Services I offer:
Blurb (Back cover copy) critique: $25
If your copy/book description is already written, but it’s not working out, let me help you figure out what the problem is! I will pinpoint what things might be turning readers away in your copy, and offer suggestions for how to fix those issues and get your description to the right mix of concise and eye-catching. I won’t write the new copy for you, but I will point you in the right direction.
Query letter critiques- $25
Querying agents? I have read thousands upon thousands of queries in my time working for a literary agency and an indie publisher. If your query isn’t getting the returns you want, let me help you figure out why!
Custom Blurb- $150
Let me do the work! I’ll write a custom blurb for your project. Please note: This does not include me actually reading your book. You’ll answer questions about your book for me in advance, and then I’ll put together multiple blurb options, approaching the story from different angles, so that you have options to choose from or the ability to mix and match to get the best blurb possible. This also includes help with the marketing language typically placed before or after the blurb.
Write your blurb with me from scratch: $250
If you don’t even know where to begin, but want to learn, let me lead you through the process so you’ll feel confident doing it yourself in the future. Together, we’ll drill down to the heart of your story, and I’ll teach you how I put together a book description. Please note: This does not include me actually reading your book. You’ll answer some questions about your book for me in advance, and then we’ll craft your copy together on a zoom call. If you have an aversion to video calls, we can also complete the process via email or chat.
Brainstorming session- $125 for a one hour call
My writing superpower is ideas! Whether you need help breaking through writer’s block, building out a world, or fleshing out a character– I can help! If you need ideas on how to address plot holes or other issues in your writing, I’d love to be your sounding board. I offer one hour zoom calls for all your writing and publishing questions. This session can also be used for career advice and planning.
Hear what previous clients have said:
“Cora is a lifesaver. I was stuck, and she turned my jumble of flat words and mediocre ideas into not one, not two, but several engaging blurb options. She works quickly, delivers on time, and made the painful process of writing a book description effortless.”
– USA Today and International Bestselling Author K.A. Tucker
“Cora is so wonderful to work with, and I’m unsure where I would be without her. She’s reliable, talented, and goes above and beyond with every project. If you want someone who always puts their best foot forward, applies 120% into everything they do, and is, generally speaking, a creative genius, having Cora in your corner is a must!”
-Amazon Bestselling Author Avina St. Graves
“Cora is an invaluable part of my book release process. Her approach to blurb writing is an amalgamation of intuition, her experience as a bestselling author, and knowing exactly what sells. I have worked with her on a blurb for a new release, and new blurbs for struggling titles on my backlist. Within two weeks of uploading the new blurb Cora wrote, sales spiked on a book I published two years ago by nearly 60%.”
-International Bestselling Author A.L. Woods
“If you’re stuck/lost/struggling with your manuscript, I highly recommend booking Cora for a consult. After months of feeling something wasn’t working (but being unable to exactly put my finger on it), Cora helped me identify problem areas and brainstorm solutions. Now I’ve got both a solid path forward and excitement to dive back in.”
-Aspiring Author, Lee Gomez
“I was stuck with book three in my series for months. Cora asked all the right questions and helped me clarify the core of my story. Her insight and creativity brought new life to my story, and I walked away with a clear roadmap.”
-Fantasy Author Y. Maria