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It Isn't The Size Of Your Description; It's How You Use It
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Blurb writing is never as easy as it sounds. At first, I really struggled to match my blurb, book cover, and content so the reader would have an idea of what they were getting into. It helped me to get tips on what elements a blurb should contain, and then work from there:Main character(s) name and approx age
Location/Setting (in the case of my historical fiction books, the year 1915)
Introduce the conflict
Write in present tense to bring the reader into the action
I agree with the above about multiple short paragraphs. Sometimes less is more :).
Great tips! I always have a really hard time with book blurbs. I try to keep it short and concise and focus on the main struggle of the plot without over sharing. I have a tendency to be too vague, so I usually go in and rewrite it until I think to myself "This is a blurb that would make my critical sister read it." lol! I know that's terrible, but it works. :)
For years, I didn't realize that I was writing a synopsis for the back of my books, not a blurb. This comes from the days of trying to court agents. It's my thought that some authors have no idea that's what they're doing.I think Julie and Carole's book would make a good addition to any author's reference library.
I wrote an article about descriptions on Amazon and how to make them stand out: http://jbienvenue.webs.com/apps/blog/...
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I want to add, it helps to get the advice of someone who hasn't read the books- They are as "blind" as your audience and will help you not give too much away or be too vague.
I hate blurb writing. I try to keep it simple and get to the story quick. My blurbs might actually be too short, but I prefer them that way - not just for my own, but with others as well. When I read a blurb, I want the lowdown quickly so I can either grab that book or move on. It's just how I am.
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You may get more attention if you start a dedicated thread :)
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You may get more attention if you start a dedicated thread :)"
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It would have been fine :) You know we are pretty laid back here!
Just want you to have the best chance at getting some help. The more that see it the better!
Trump it, Alex. Grab it by the pushbuttons.
Writing a book description seems like an easy thing to do. It can be intimidating, considering it is your first official ad for your book. You are selling your book to the masses, and your description is essential to the book’s success.
Set the scene and use words that create a mood. Is your book funny or dark and mysterious? Don’t talk about subplots or minor characters, instead keep with the main ones. Try to avoid referring to “the book” and using terminology like “readers.” Don’t use words like “you” or “I.” Write in a third person narrative.
It should be short, attention grabbing, and sell the book using the first line. Give them enough, so they understand what the book is about, but remember, just a tease. Don’t give away the ending, and please don’t summarize the book. Break it down into multiple, short paragraphs instead of one long one because it makes your description easier to read.
Create an elevator pitch. You have to pitch your book in the same amount of time it takes to ride the elevator to the sixth floor. Having these restrictions keeps the descriptions of our books brief and deliciously appetizing.
Pick up a copy of our book to learn more tips and see examples of book descriptions. Do you have any tips you'd like to share?