Writing Book Descriptions with Artificial Intelligence

We have recently spent some time testing different A.I. models to see how well they stack up against one another for creating a rough draft of our book descriptions. It stands to reason that some tools will work better at the task than others, while different tools will charge varying amounts for the output they create.
For our controlled test, we used the same prompt in each tool to write our book description. (Well; for the most part. Some of the tools do not have the vision capability, so for ones where we could not upload the cover image, we did adjust the language slightly to account for that.)
We also uploaded the complete manuscript for our book to the models that have a large enough context window to ingest the entire book. The entire book is just over 13,000 words or just over 72,000 characters, and is 19,000-20,000 tokens depending on which model we are referencing.
Here was our prompt (which you can download at the bottom of this article):
Title: Race Scoring: How to Determine the Winner of Your Next Individual, Series, or Team Running Event
Author: Blaine Moore
Genre: Non-Fiction (Sports)
Target Audience: Race Organizers
Book Manuscript: RaceScoring.pdf (attached)
Cover Image: FinishLineCoverMockup-arty.jpg (attached)Using the provided book manuscript and cover image, please generate a compelling and optimized book description that includes the following key elements:
- Brief summary of the book's plot, characters, and central themes (approximately 100-150 words)
- Unique selling points and key benefits for the target audience
- Engaging and persuasive language to capture the reader's interest
- Inclusion of relevant keywords for online discoverability
- Alignment with the book's overall branding and messaging
- A call to action or next steps for the reader (e.g., buy now, download, etc.)
- The book description should be approximately 150-250 words in length and written in a clear, concise, and compelling style. Please ensure the description accurately represents the content and tone of the book manuscript.
Once I had generated a dozen book descriptions between 10 different models, I also used the Claude 3 Haiku model to analyze each description and provide feedback for each one. Here was the prompt I used, along with the criteria that it judged each one on (which you can download at the bottom of this article):
You are a book marketing expert, specializing in crafting and analyzing sales descriptions for books. Please use the following objective and subjective criteria to evaluate the sales descriptions for a book.
Objective Data:
- Length of the description (in words or characters)
- Inclusion of key information (e.g., book title, author, genre, target audience, unique selling points)
- Use of persuasive language and marketing techniques (e.g., emotional appeals, social proof, calls to action)
- Readability and clarity of the writing
- Formatting and visual elements (e.g., use of headings, bullet points, images)
- Keyword optimization (for online sales platforms)
- Consistency with the book's overall branding and messaging
Subjective Data:
- Engagement and interest level generated by the description
- Perceived trustworthiness and credibility of the description
- Alignment with the target audience's needs and desires
- Uniqueness and differentiation from similar books in the market
- Emotional impact and ability to create a connection with the reader
- Perceived value and benefits offered to the reader
- Overall impression and likelihood of the description to convert potential buyers
By evaluating each book description based on these objective and subjective criteria, we can gain valuable insights into how the descriptions are likely to perform in the market. This information can then be used to refine and optimize the sales descriptions to better attract and engage your target audience, ultimately leading to improved book sales.
Here are the criteria to individually critique each description:
Objective Data:
- Length of the description:
- 1-50 words: 1 point
- 51-100 words: 2 points
- 101-150 words: 3 points
- 151-200 words: 4 points
- 201+ words: 5 points
- Inclusion of key information:
- Missing 3 or more key elements: 1 point
- Missing 1-2 key elements: 3 points
- Includes all key elements: 5 points
- Use of persuasive language and marketing techniques:
- Little to no use of persuasive techniques: 1 point
- Some use of persuasive techniques: 3 points
- Extensive use of persuasive techniques: 5 points
- Readability and clarity of the writing:
- Difficult to read and understand: 1 point
- Moderately clear and easy to read: 3 points
- Highly readable and clear: 5 points
- Formatting and visual elements:
- No formatting or visual elements: 1 point
- Some basic formatting or visual elements: 3 points
- Engaging and visually appealing formatting: 5 points
- Keyword optimization:
- No apparent keyword optimization: 1 point
- Some keyword optimization: 3 points
- Excellent keyword optimization: 5 points
- Consistency with the book's overall branding and messaging:
- Inconsistent with the book's branding: 1 point
- Somewhat consistent with the book's branding: 3 points
- Highly consistent with the book's branding: 5 points
Subjective Data:
- Engagement and interest level generated:
- Low engagement and interest: 1 point
- Moderate engagement and interest: 3 points
- High engagement and interest: 5 points
- Perceived trustworthiness and credibility:
- Low trustworthiness and credibility: 1 point
- Moderate trustworthiness and credibility: 3 points
- High trustworthiness and credibility: 5 points
- Alignment with the target audience's needs and desires:
- Poor alignment with the target audience: 1 point
- Moderate alignment with the target audience: 3 points
- Excellent alignment with the target audience: 5 points
- Uniqueness and differentiation from similar books:
- Lacks uniqueness and differentiation: 1 point
- Somewhat unique and differentiated: 3 points
- Highly unique and differentiated: 5 points
- Emotional impact and ability to create a connection:
- Low emotional impact and connection: 1 point
- Moderate emotional impact and connection: 3 points
- High emotional impact and connection: 5 points
- Perceived value and benefits offered:
- Low perceived value and benefits: 1 point
- Moderate perceived value and benefits: 3 points
- High perceived value and benefits: 5 points
- Overall impression and likelihood of conversion:
- Low overall impression and likelihood of conversion: 1 point
- Moderate overall impression and likelihood of conversion: 3 points
- High overall impression and likelihood of conversion: 5 points
This scale can be used to systematically evaluate and compare the different book sales descriptions, providing a more objective and quantifiable assessment of their potential performance.
When I a book description, I would like you to provide an overall objective data score, an overall subjective data score, a summary of the strengths and areas for improvement in the description, and a breakdown of the specific scores for each criteria.
The subjective criteria wound up being for the most part a waste of time; except for the Gemini 1.5 Flash model (which was scored 3 points for each criteria), it gave a score of 4 across the board to every single criteria on all of the models.
In my opinion, none of these are ready to use “as is” without further editing, but some are certainly closer to usable than others. Here are each of the book descriptions, how much they cost to generate, and how they stack up compared to the others:
Gemini 1.5 Pro (Models #10 & #11)
Race Scoring: How to Determine the Winner of Your Next Individual, Series, or Team Running Event
Tired of the same old race format? Want to spice things up and offer your runners a unique and engaging experience?
“Race Scoring” by Blaine Moore is your comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing a wide array of race formats and scoring methods. Whether you're a seasoned race director or just starting out, this book is packed with practical advice and creative inspiration to invigorate your next event.
From classic Gun Time and Net Time to the excitement of Last Man Standing and the strategic challenge of Criterion races, you'll discover a diverse range of scoring options for individual runners. Dive into the complexities of multi-race series, where Cumulative Time, Average Pace, and Points Scoring offer unique ways to crown champions. Learn the intricacies of team scoring, including Positional/Cross Country scoring, Cumulative Time, and the thrilling dynamics of Relays.
This book goes beyond the basics, exploring specialty formats like:
- Non-Determinate Courses: Orienteering, Hash Runs, and Search & Find races
- Obstacle Courses: Mud Races, Tough Mudder, Spartan Races
- Fox and Hound variations: Zombie races and chase formats
- Virtual Races: Adapting traditional scoring to the virtual world
“Race Scoring” empowers you to:
- Choose the perfect scoring method for your event
- Understand the nuances of each format
- Offer a fair and engaging experience for runners
- Enhance your race organization skills
- Discover creative ways to stand out from the crowd
Ready to elevate your next running event? Download “Race Scoring” today and unlock a world of exciting possibilities!
Model #10, $0.0645 (estimated), 4.86 average score (62 total)
Take the Finish Line by Storm! Race Scoring Demystified for Race Organizers.
Are you a race organizer looking to create exciting and engaging events? “Race Scoring: How to Determine the Winner of Your Next Individual, Series, or Team Running Event” is your essential guide to understanding the intricacies of race scoring and maximizing the runner experience.
This comprehensive resource delves into a wide range of scoring methods, from the classic gun time and net time to innovative formats like last man standing, prediction races, and virtual events. Learn how to:
- Accurately score individual races using gun time, net time, age and gender grading, and more.
- Design exciting multi-race series using cumulative time, average pace, and points scoring to keep runners engaged.
- Organize thrilling team races with cross-country scoring, cumulative time, relay formats, and strategic team composition.
- Unleash your creativity with specialty formats like non-determinate courses, obstacle courses, and fox and hound races.
- Embrace the virtual race revolution and create engaging virtual events that complement your in-person offerings.
Packed with practical advice and real-world examples, this book empowers you to:
- Choose the right scoring method for any type of running event.
- Ensure fairness and accuracy in your results.
- Enhance runner satisfaction and encourage participation.
- Stand out from the crowd with unique and exciting race formats.
Don't let scoring confusion slow you down. Get your copy of “Race Scoring” today and take your race organization skills to the next level!
Keywords: race scoring, race director, running events, race organization, gun time, net time, age grading, team scoring, cross country, relay race, last man standing, virtual races, obstacle course, prediction race, fun run, hash run, orienteering
Model #11, $0.0645 (estimated), 4.86 average score (62 total)
These two descriptions are fairly comprehensive and contain detailed coverage of key information, with the use of persuasive language and marketing techniques. They are both readable and clear and have strong keyword optimization.
They both included headlines (which were only added to 1/3 of the total descriptions generated) and they tied for the highest overall scores in the objective criteria.
Personally, I prefer model #10; there's no need for a list of keywords at the end of the description, and model #11 uses entirely too much bold text.
Note that the cost for these two descriptions is an approximation based on reported token use, and were actually free at the time of generation. I used the API for model #10, and Google's AI Studio app for model #11.
Claude 3 Opus (Model #4)
Whether you're a first-time race director or a seasoned pro looking to shake things up, “Race Scoring” is the ultimate guide to designing and scoring running events that will leave your participants breathless. Certified race director Blaine Moore draws on over a decade of experience and insights from directing up to 20 races per year to bring you a wealth of creative formats and foolproof scoring methods.
Inside you'll discover how to:
- Score individual runners in a single race using gun time, net time, age/gender grading, handicapping and more
- Determine series winners across multiple races using cumulative time, average pace, and points-based scoring
- Set up team competitions with positional cross-country scoring, cumulative time, and relays
- Get creative with unique formats like last man standing, non-determinate courses, obstacle races and virtual events
With clear explanations and real-world examples, “Race Scoring” gives you the tools and confidence to dream up and flawlessly execute running events that offer a fresh challenge to runners of all levels. Whether you oversee a local 5K, manage a regional race series, or aspire to direct a major marathon, this book is your one-stop resource for scoring methods that are accurate, efficient and engaging for runners and organizers alike.
Take your races to the next level and keep runners coming back for more with “Race Scoring,” the go-to guide for modern race directing. Buy your copy now and get ready to breathe new life into the running world!
Model #4, $0.3115, 4.71 average score (61 total)
Again, this model includes comprehensive and detailed coverage of the key information. I feel that it did a good job aligning with the target audience needs and calling out exactly what the book has to offer to it's target reader.
It was, however, the most expensive description generated, and the grammar leaves a bit to be desired. (It makes my skin crawl to notice so many missing oxford commas, for example…)
Claude 3 Sonnet (Models #5 & #6)
Race Scoring: How to Determine the Winner of Your Next Individual, Series, or Team Running Event by Blaine Moore is an indispensable guide for race organizers seeking to elevate their events with innovative and engaging scoring methods. This comprehensive resource explores a wide array of race formats, from traditional individual races to team competitions, multi-race series, and specialty events like obstacle courses and virtual races.
Packed with insider knowledge and real-world examples, Race Scoring empowers organizers to create unforgettable experiences for runners of all levels. Discover how to implement fair and exciting scoring systems, from age and gender grading to handicapped races and prediction runs. Explore team scoring techniques like cross-country style and cumulative time, as well as unique formats like last man standing and reverse seeded starts.
With clear explanations, practical tips, and a wealth of creative ideas, this book is a must-have for race directors looking to stand out in a crowded field. Enhance your events, challenge participants in new ways, and keep runners coming back for more with the scoring strategies found within these pages.
Upgrade your race organization skills today and provide runners with an exceptional experience they won't forget. Get your copy of Race Scoring and take your events to new heights!
Model #5, $0.0628, 4.71 average score (61 total)
Discover the Ultimate Guide to Scoring Your Next Running Event
Are you a race director seeking fresh ideas to energize your events? Look no further than “Race Scoring” by veteran race organizer Blaine Moore. This comprehensive guide unveils a wealth of scoring formats and methods to elevate your running competitions.
From traditional gun time and net time scoring to unique approaches like reverse seeded starts, last man standing, and non-determinate courses, Moore shares his extensive expertise accumulated over years of directing races. Gain insights into team scoring techniques, multi-race series scoring, age and gender grading, and creative specialty formats like obstacle courses and virtual races.
Whether you're organizing a local 5K or a multi-day ultramarathon, “Race Scoring” provides invaluable strategies to create engaging experiences that keep runners coming back year after year. Leverage Moore's practical tips to streamline your scoring process, ensure fairness, and cater to runners of all levels.
Packed with real-world examples and pro tips, this book is a must-have resource for race directors, running clubs, and event organizers. Reinvigorate your events, boost participant satisfaction, and cement your reputation as an innovator in the running community.
Order your copy of “Race Scoring” today and unlock a world of possibilities for your next individual, series, or team running event!
Model #6, $0.0654, 4.71 average score (61 total)
All of the Claude 3 models came out with the same score. The Sonnet model comes right in the middle, at 5 times cheaper than the Opus description and 11 times more expensive than the Haiku version.
Model #5 strikes me as very generic, but Model #6 has a strong alignment with the target audience's needs and is consistent with the book's branding and messaging. I felt like it was a lot closer to something that I would have written myself.
Neither description includes any formatting, which is a definite drawback. Model #6 did include a nice headline (even if it wasn't formatted as such) and I could definitely see combining pieces of this description with some of the others to make my final book description.
Claude 3 Haiku (Model #7)
Are you a race director looking to level up your event? Dive into the exciting world of race scoring with this comprehensive guide from veteran race organizer Blaine Moore. “Race Scoring” explores over a dozen unique formats to determine winners, from traditional gun time and net time to innovative approaches like handicapped age/gender grading, reverse seeded starts, and Last Man Standing challenges.
Packed with expert insights, this book equips you with the tools to create an engaging, fair, and unforgettable running experience for your participants. Learn how to effectively score individual races, multi-race series, and team competitions. Discover clever strategies to account for age, gender, and ability differences. Plus, get inspired by specialized race formats that will have your runners talking long after the finish line.
Whether you're organizing your first 5K or managing a prestigious marathon, “Race Scoring” is your playbook for scoring success. Elevate your event, delight your athletes, and earn a reputation for innovative, well-executed races. Grab your copy today and take your event to the next level!
Model #7, $0.0054, 4.71 average score (61 total)
This description is as technically sound as the rest of the Claude descriptions, and comes in at less than half a cent to read my entire book and write the description.
The Claude 3 Haiku model is definitely worth an early rough draft to get some ideas for what is going to go into your description, but I feel that it might almost be better to have it provide you with bullet points instead.
It is definitely a faster and briefer experience; it only took a little less than 7 and a half seconds to read the book and write the description, versus over 33 seconds for Opus and almost 17 seconds for Sonnet.
In the grand scheme, it doesn't make much of a difference, but it feels a lot faster when you are quickly trying to iterate.
I don't love this description; it has some strong points but feels boring to me.
GPT-4 Turbo (Model #8)
Discover the art of race scoring with Blaine Moore's “Race Scoring: How to Determine the Winner of Your Next Individual, Series, or Team Running Event.” This comprehensive guide is tailored for race organizers looking to enhance their event's competitive spirit and operational efficiency. From community fun runs to major marathons, this book covers a broad spectrum of race types including individual, series, and team events.
Blaine Moore, a certified race director and a member of the Road Runners Club of America, shares his wealth of experience gained from directing numerous races since 2007. Explore fundamental scoring methods like gun and net time, and delve into advanced techniques such as age and gender grading, handicapped and reverse seeded starts, and the intriguing Last Man Standing format.
This guide is an essential resource for new and seasoned race directors. It offers innovative ideas to reinvigorate your events and practical advice on implementing various scoring systems effectively. Learn to manage complexities of race scoring with confidence and create memorable, fair competitions.
Elevate your race management skills today. Whether you're planning your first race or seeking to innovate your next event, “Race Scoring” is your go-to guide. Get your copy now and lead your race to success!
Available in print and digital formats.
Model #8, $0.1970, 4.71 average score (61 total)
This is the first of two OpenAI models that I tested that have a large enough context window to ingest my entire book. It did an equivalent job as the Claude 3 models, but came out as the second most expensive model out of all of them behind only Claude 3 Opus. I didn't feel as inspired as I did with Opus, however, and don't think that it's worth the extra expense over Claude 3 Sonnet or Haiku.
Gemini 1.0 Pro (Model #12)
“Race Scoring” is a comprehensive guide that provides a deep dive into the various methods used to determine winners in running events. Author Blaine Moore, a certified race director and veteran runner, shares his insights and experience on scoring races accurately and efficiently.
Key Features:
- In-Depth Explanation of Race Scoring Methods: The book covers a wide range of scoring systems, including individual, series, and team races. It discusses methods such as gun time, net time, age and gender grading, handicapped races, and prediction races.
- Detailed Guidance for Teams: Specific attention is given to team scoring, with sections on positional scoring (also known as cross-country style) and cumulative time.
- Unconventional Race Formats: The book explores unique and unconventional race formats, such as non-determinate courses (e.g., orienteering), obstacle courses, fox and hound races, and virtual races.
- Best Practices and Tips: Moore shares practical advice on how to score races fairly, manage double-dipping in series events, and overcome challenges in virtual races.
Target Audience:
- Race organizers and directors seeking to enhance their skills in scoring running events
- Runners interested in understanding the different methods used to determine race winners
- Event planners considering unique or unconventional race formats
Call to Action:
The book description invites readers to engage with the author and share their experiences with new and innovative race formats.
Additional Highlights:
Model #12, $0.0086, 4.71 average score (61 total)
- Author's Expertise: Blaine Moore is a highly respected race director and member of the Road Runners Club of America.
- Relevance in Today's Running Landscape: The book addresses the growing popularity of virtual races and the need for adaptable scoring methods.
- Invaluable Resource: The book serves as a valuable reference guide for anyone involved in the organization or participation of running events.
This is an older model, and while it does pull out some interesting things from the book it sounds too impersonal to me. And obviously, you'd need to remove the keywords and calling out what each piece of the description is categorized as.
I wouldn't use this one.
Also note, the cost is an estimate of what it would likely cost through the API; I ran this description through the Google AI Studio, and so it was free at the time.
GPT-4o (Model #3)
Are you a race director looking to elevate your event? Whether you're organizing your first 5k or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, Race Scoring by Blaine Moore is your comprehensive guide to scoring running races. Drawing from years of experience and countless races, Moore provides detailed insights into various scoring methods for individual, series, and team events.
Summary
Race Scoring dives deep into the art and science of determining winners in running events. This essential guide is divided into four sections, covering individual race scoring, series race scoring, team scoring, and unique specialty formats. From traditional gun time and net time scoring to innovative methods like age and gender grading, reverse seeded starts, and criterion races, this book explores it all. Learn how to incorporate fun and creative formats like prediction races, Last Man Standing, and orienteering events to keep your participants excited and engaged.Unique Selling Points & Benefits
- Comprehensive Coverage: Includes a wide array of scoring methods, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your event.
- Expert Insights: Written by Blaine Moore, a certified race director with extensive experience.
- Innovative Ideas: Discover new and exciting race formats to keep your events fresh and engaging.
- Practical Advice: Step-by-step guidance on implementing scoring systems, ensuring smooth and fair races.
- Targeted for Race Directors: Tailored advice and tips for both beginners and seasoned organizers.
Keywords: race scoring, running events, race director guide, race formats, team scoring, individual race, series race, innovative race formats, race organization, Blaine Moore.
Call to Action
Ready to take your race to the next level? Race Scoring is the ultimate resource for race directors seeking to enhance their events. Grab your copy today and start planning your most successful race yet!Buy now or download to ensure your next event is a winning experience for all participants!
Model #3, $ 0.1022, 4.57 average score (60 total)
This is OpenAI's newest model (as of the time that I am originally wrote this – see below for even newer models!) and when I ran this test it had just been released to the public a day or two earlier. I think that it did some things better than their GPT-4 Turbo model (and in some cases on par or better than some of the higher scoring models.)
For example, I think it has one of the best calls to action.
The formatting would need a lot of work, and the description itself leaves a bit to be desired. It was the third most expensive model to run, and cost about half of GPT-4 Turbo and a third of Claude 3 Opus.
Gemini 1.5 Flash (Model #2)
Are you ready to take your race to the next level?
Race Scoring: How to Determine the Winner of Your Next Individual, Series, or Team Running Event is your comprehensive guide to mastering the art of race scoring. Whether you're a seasoned race director or just starting out, this book will equip you with the knowledge and tools to create fair, engaging, and memorable events.
Discover a wealth of scoring methods, from classic gun time and net time to exciting variations like reverse seeded starts, criterion races, and handicapped distances. Explore the nuances of age and gender awards, and learn how to create a level playing field for all runners with age and gender grading.
Dive into the world of team scoring, including positional scoring (cross-country style), cumulative time, and the thrilling world of relay races. Uncover the secrets to organizing unique specialty formats like orienteering, hash runs, obstacle courses, and fox and hound races.
This book also tackles the growing trend of virtual races, providing insights into scoring methods, reporting procedures, and the best practices for creating engaging online experiences.
Gain valuable knowledge and practical tips to elevate your race from ordinary to extraordinary. Get ready to:
- Maximize participation and engagement with diverse scoring methods.
- Promote fair competition and create a level playing field for all runners.
- Enhance your race's excitement with innovative and engaging formats.
- Boost your race's discoverability with relevant keywords and optimized content.
- Elevate your skills as a race director and take your events to the next level.
Ready to become a master race organizer? Click “Buy Now” and unleash the power of Race Scoring today!
Model #2, $0.0062, 4.29 average score (58 total)
I actually feel as though this particular model was scored a little lower than it should have been; it got scores of 4 points in quite a few categories that others scored 5 points, but from a subjective basis I feel that it did a better job of describing the contents of the book in a compelling way for my target reader.
I also felt that it did the best job of coming up with a list of unique selling points and benefits for a prospective race organizer.
From a cost perspective, it is on par with Claude 3 Haiku, and serves a similar niche for speed and quality, though I do feel as though it provides a little more quality than Claude 3 Haiku did.
Claude Instant 1.2 (Model #9)
Race directors, looking to add excitement and engagement to your next event? Learn over 20 innovative scoring methods to determine individual, series, and team race winners in Race Scoring. Author and experienced race director Blaine Moore explores timing, positioning, handicapping and more to keep runners on their toes. Discover how to make one race a season-long competition or incorporate obstacles in your next event.
Packed with real-world examples, this book provides everything needed to optimize race formats and excite participants. Moore breaks down the benefits and logistics of each scoring method to help you choose what's best for your goals and audience. You'll also gain insight for virtual races as Moore adapts traditional techniques. Download Race Scoring today to bring new energy to your races through creative scoring that challenges athletes and keeps them coming back for more.
Model #9, $0.0150, 4.29 average score (58 total)
This is an older model, so I wasn't expecting it to perform as well as some of the newer models. And it didn't.
The language is serviceable, and I'd have been happy to use this as a starting point a year ago, but technology has moved on and there are cheaper options that can provide higher quality output now.
Gemini 1.5 Flash (Model #1)
Race Scoring: How to Determine the Winner of Your Next Individual, Series, or Team Running Event
Are you tired of the same old race formats? Are you looking for new and creative ways to score your running events and keep your participants engaged? Look no further!
Blaine Moore, a certified race director and member of the Road Runners Club of America, shares his years of experience and knowledge in this comprehensive guide to race scoring. From the basics of gun time and net time to more unique formats like reverse seeded starts and Last Man Standing, this book covers everything you need to know to determine the winner of your next running event.
This practical guide will help you:
- Master various race scoring methods: Learn about individual, series, and team scoring methods, including traditional formats and exciting variations.
- Create engaging and unique events: Discover creative ways to spice up your races with handicapped events, prediction races, and obstacle courses.
- Develop fair and accurate scoring systems: Understand the nuances of different scoring methods and learn how to choose the best option for your race.
- Boost participation and engagement: Explore fun and innovative race formats that will appeal to runners of all levels.
- Optimize your races for online discoverability: Includes relevant keywords to ensure your book is easily found by potential readers.
Whether you're a seasoned race organizer or just starting out, Race Scoring is the essential resource for making your next running event a success.
Get your copy today and start planning your next winning race!
Model #1, $0.0062, 3.29 average score (44 total)
This was my first experiment, and the only difference between it and Model #2 was that this one was run through Google AI Studio rather than using the API. (It was still free, however, so the cost is estimated.)
It scored a lot lower than everything else; a full point or more on objective scores, and was the only one to score anything other than 4s in the subjective criteria.
That said, I liked this one almost as much as I liked Model #2, which shouldn't be a huge surprise since it was the same model and just a different program running it for me.
If there's one thing that will always be true, it's that there's always new and (potentially) better models. Since writing this article, I have tested a few more models and included the results below so that you can see and compare the results, though I have not changed my original summary based on the first 12 models:
Claude 3.5 Sonnet (Model #13)
“Race Scoring” by Blaine Moore is the ultimate guide for race directors looking to elevate their events. This comprehensive manual explores over a dozen scoring methods for individual, series, and team running competitions. From traditional gun time to innovative formats like last man standing and prediction races, Moore covers it all with expert insight.
Race organizers will discover:
• Detailed explanations of various scoring systems
• Pros and cons of each method
• Tips for implementing different formats
• Solutions for common scoring challenges
• Creative ideas to make events more engagingWhether you're planning your first 5K or managing a complex race series, this book provides the knowledge you need to determine winners fairly and efficiently. Moore's experience as a certified race director shines through, offering practical advice for events of all sizes.
Unlock the potential of your running events with “Race Scoring.” Learn how to create more exciting competitions, attract participants, and ensure smooth operations on race day. From cross-country meets to ultramarathons, this guide has you covered.
Ready to take your race to the next level? Get your copy of “Race Scoring” today and start planning your most successful event yet!
Model #13, $0.0641, 4.64 average score (65 total)
Claude 3.5 Sonnet is Anthropic's latest offering, with more power than Claude 3 Opus but at Sonnet's more reasonable pricing. It produced the description really quickly, cost less than a quarter of what the most expensive of the original models did, and scored better than all of the original models.
In fact, it also did much better in the subjective criteria than the original models, scoring only 2 points lower than my own manual description.
For the objective criteria, it could have used a little formatting, and better inclusion of important keyword phrases. A little more emphasis on the emotional impact and creating a connection with potential readers would be ideal.
GPT-4o mini (Model #14)
Book Description: Race Scoring: How to Determine the Winner of Your Next Individual, Series, or Team Running Event
Unlock the secrets to successful race organization with Race Scoring by Blaine Moore. This comprehensive guide is designed for race directors, both novice and experienced, who want to elevate their events. Discover various scoring methods, from traditional gun time to innovative net time and beyond. Explore team scoring, age and gender awards, and specialty formats that keep runners engaged and excited.
Moore shares insights from his extensive experience, providing practical strategies to enhance runner satisfaction and ensure fair competition. By understanding the nuances of race scoring, you can create events that are not only competitive but also memorable.
Whether you’re organizing a local fun run or a large marathon, this book equips you with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of race scoring. With clear explanations and actionable tips, you’ll be ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way.
Don’t miss out on transforming your race events! Buy now to gain the insights that will set your races apart and keep runners coming back for more!
Model #14, $ 0.0083, 4.57 average score (63 total)
This is OpenAI's newest model (again, as of the time that I am writing this) and it completely replaces GPT-3.5's strain of models. It is more performant and provides faster and more economical results than GPT-4o, and scored better than all of the original models that we tested, falling behind only my own manually written description and the new Claude 3.5 Sonnet description.
The description was a little shorter than ideal, but came in at a fraction of the price and provides a great starting point.
In fact, this model may be my new go-to initial option, providing the best quality for the price.
Gemini 1.5 Pro Experimental 0801 (Model #15)
Are you planning your next race? Whether you're a seasoned race director or organizing your first 5k, Race Scoring is your essential guide to ensuring a fair and exciting event for everyone. This comprehensive book dives deep into the world of race timing and scoring, exploring a wide range of formats to help you choose the perfect fit for your runners.
Inside you'll discover:
- Classic methods: Gun time, net time, age and gender grading, and how to handle ties.
- Creative variations: Reverse seeded starts, criterions, last man standing, and prediction races to spice things up.
- Series scoring: Cumulative time, average pace, positional scoring, and points-based systems for multi-race events.
- Team dynamics: Cross country scoring, cumulative time for teams, relay races, and managing team composition.
- Specialty formats: Orienteering, hash runs, obstacle courses, fox and hound races, and the rise of virtual events.
Blaine Moore, a certified race director with years of experience, shares his expert insights and practical tips to help you:
- Choose the right scoring system for your race type and runner demographics.
- Implement accurate and efficient timing methods.
- Increase runner satisfaction and engagement.
- Avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth race day.
Ready to take your race directing skills to the next level? Grab your copy of Race Scoring today and create an unforgettable running experience!
Model #15, $ 0.0065 (estimated), 4.64 average score (65 total)
The latest experimental model for Gemini 1.5 Pro was just released yesterday as I add this test to this article (August 2, 2024), and it's outperforming just about everything on the technical tests.
For our book description, I think it did a pretty decent job. It went a little overboard with bold text, especially in the bullet points, but it organized the description in a way that I liked. For the subjective criteria, it matched Claude 3.5 Sonnet and only fell short of my manually written book description.
One of Gemini's great strengths is that it has a pretty robust free tier even for API use, so it's worth experimenting with if you've signed up for access.
Now that we've seen what the generative AI systems have come up with, here is an example that I created using some of the text from the original 12 models as a book description:
Are you ready to take your race to the next level?
Are you tired of the same old race formats? Are you looking for new and creative ways to score your running events and keep your participants engaged? Look no further!
Whether you're organizing your first 5k or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, Race Scoring by Blaine Moore is your comprehensive guide to scoring running races. Drawing from years of experience and countless races, this book provides detailed insights into various scoring methods for individual, series, and team events.
Inside you'll discover how to:
- Score individual runners in a single race using gun time, net time, age/gender grading, handicapping and more.
- Determine series winners across multiple races using cumulative time, average pace, and points-based scoring.
- Set up team competitions with positional cross-country scoring, cumulative time, and relays.
- Get creative with unique formats like last man standing, non-determinate courses, obstacle races, and virtual events.
Packed with real-world examples and pro tips, this book is a must-have resource for race directors, running clubs, and event organizers.
Whether you oversee a local 5K, manage a regional race series, or aspire to direct a major marathon, this book is your one-stop resource for scoring methods that are accurate, efficient and engaging for runners and organizers alike.
Reinvigorate your events, boost participant satisfaction, and cement your reputation as an innovator in the running community today by purchasing a copy of this book for yourself! Buy now or download to ensure your next event is a winning experience for all of your participants.
Blaine's Draft, 4.71 average score (69 total)
Running my description through the same criteria, it came back with an objective score of 4.86 (on par with models #10 and #11 where it improved on the formatting but fell a little short of those two on the keywords criteria.) However, it also scored 5s across the board for the subjective criteria, of which all of the other models only scored 4s (except for model #1 which scored 3s.) Overall, it scored 7 points better than the next two models.
Before selling the book, it would probably be worth finding some way of including more keywords in the description naturally, but overall I am pretty happy with how it came out. Overall, I spent a total of $0.84 generating all of the book descriptions, and another $0.12 analyzing them.
If you would like to use either of our prompts as a starting point, you can download them as text files here:
Sample Book Description Prompt
Non-Fiction Description Scoring Rubric Prompt
I hope that this case study was helpful for you. It will work most directly with other non-fiction titles, but a similar process could be used for non-fiction and children's books as well. Have you used A.I. to help you write your book descriptions? Why or why not? We'd love to hear about your experiences.
If you are interested, here are the individual scores for each model, direct from the Google Sheet where I was tracking that information: