Want to Know What Your Novel is About? Write the Blurb

One of the trickiest parts of writing a novel for me isn’t the beginning. It’s not even the dreaded middle. It’s figuring out what my book is actually about.

Over the years, I’ve become more of a pantster than a plotter. Before I begin writing, I know the ending. For some strange reason, the ending is always the first thing I know about a story I’m writing. Figuring out how to work my way through the beginning and the middle to get to that ending can be a challenge. Sometimes, as with my current WIP, I start with a vague idea about what I want to write (as in: I want to write a murder mystery), but I’m not entirely sure what the story is going to look like. 

After fumbling around for a bit, I remembered a trick that worked for me when I was writing The Duchess of Idaho. My cover designer asked for the blurb for the back cover of Duchess and I thought, uh oh, I’m not even done writing the book. Since my cover designer asked for the blurb, I figured I’d better write it.

Most readers and writers know what a book blurb is, but if you’re not familiar with the term, it’s that short, punchy paragraph or two that appears on the back cover of a book or in the online description.

Before writing the blurb for The Duchess of Idaho, I thought that blurbs were for marketing purposes, something you write once the manuscript is complete and polished. I discovered that writing the blurb early in the process can be one of the most clarifying exercises for a writer. Through writing the blurb, I was able to articulate the heart of my story. 

Why Writing the Blurb Works

Writing a blurb early on is beneficial because it forces us to understand who our most important characters are, helps us define the central conflict, and enables us to understand and explain what is at stake for our character(s). It also allows us to convey the emotional tone of the story. 

In other words, writing the blurb helps to identify the story’s core, the center that holds the novel together. When we know our story’s core, writing becomes easier because we know what we’re working toward. We’re not just wandering aimlessly through plot points. We’re following a through-line.

Here’s the basic structure I’ve used to write the blurbs for my novels. It’s the same structure most writers use. 

[Tagline]

[Character’s name] wants [their goal], but when [inciting incident/conflict], they must [big decision or journey] or risk [what’s at stake].

It might feel formulaic, and it is, but it works. Try plugging in your story details. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your novel’s heart reveals itself.

I’ve been having many of the same issues with my current WIP as I had with The Duchess of Idaho. I know this story is a murder mystery. I know who the characters are. I know who the victims are. And I know who the murderer is (though that changed as I continued through the writing process). That’s all fine and dandy, I thought, but what the heck is this story about? Why are these things happening and why does it matter? 

Although I didn’t feel ready, I forced myself to write the blurb. It took some trial and error, and it still needs some fine-tuning, but it helps me see the story I want to tell. 

This is what it looks like. For now, at least.

In the shadows of academia, the dead still speak.

Professor Jonathan Ferrer is haunted by his past and troubled by his present. What begins as a quiet autumn term at Eventide College becomes a nightmare when three of Jonathan’s students are murdered. Playing against time, he searches for the truth behind the murderer’s sinister plan—a plan so perfect it appears Jonathan himself is guilty. 

To save himself, Jonathan must work with the supernatural forces hidden at Eventide before he descends into madness. 

What I have for my blurb works for now since it helps me refine my vision for this story. This blurb serves as a compass, pointing me in the right direction. More than any outline I’ve written, this blurb has helped me to see what matters the most. 

If you’re feeling lost as you’re bringing your story to life, try writing your blurb. It might point you in the right direction too. 

Guided Questions

If you like guided questions to help you write, you can respond to the following prompts.

1. Who is your main character?

Name

Age

What do they want?

What is standing in their way?

I have a more complete character questionnaire here. 

2. What is the conflict? (Remember, there’s no story without conflict)

What happens that changes everything?

What is the emotional or physical journey your character(s) must take?

What happens if they fail?

You can use the following template to help you write your blurb. 

[Main character’s name] wants [goal], but when [inciting incident/conflict], they must [journey/decision] or risk [what’s at stake].

There are a couple of things to consider when writing your blurb. 

1. Does your blurb give clues about your story’s tone or theme? 

2. What questions does the blurb leave your reader with? Will readers want answers to these questions? 

Categories: Creative Writing, The Writer’s Life, Writing, Writing InspirationTags: creative writing, writing, writing fiction, writing inspiration, writing the blurb for your novel, writing tips