hear from. This can be very short and should not be a focus of the book description. You want just enough social proof to make them keep reading. This can also go in the hook. If there is an impressive fact to men- tion (e.g., New York Times bestseller), that should be bolded in the first sentence. Or if there is one salient and amazing thing about you or the book, that can go in the book description, something like, “From the author of [INSERT WELL-KNOWN BESTSELL- ING BOOK.]” Or perhaps “From the world’s most highly decorated Marine sniper, this is the definitive book on shooting.” 5. OPEN LOOP You state the problem or question your book addresses, you show that you solve or answer it, but you also leave a small key piece out. This piques the interest of the reader and leaves them wanting more. You do want to be very explicit about what they will learn, but you don’t have to go deep into the “how.” This is to create an “open loop” so to speak; you are keeping back the secret sauce that is actually in the book. This being said, do not make the reader struggle to understand what your point is, or how to get the reader there. This is especially true for prescriptive books (how-to, self-help, motivational, etc.). People like to understand the basics of the “how” (as well as the “what”), especially if it’s something new or novel. This is a balance that our examples will show you how to hit. EXAMPLES OF GOOD BOOK DESCRIPTIONS CAMERON HEROLD’S VIVID VISION Many corporations have slick, flashy mission statements that ulti- mately do little to motivate employees and less to impress customers, investors, and partners. 244 · ThE SCriBE METhOD