Blurb (Nonfiction; resilience in multiple sclerosis)

[Brandon]

Any advice on my blurb and "About the Author" would be helpful.

My primary audience is people with multiple sclerosis

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There are nearly 1,000,000 Americans living with MS, but their personal stories are rarely told. Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis is a narrative non-fiction book about incredible people who suffer from MS, and I seek to share the wisdom implicit in their lives and achievements. My five subjects include a neurologist, a psychiatrist, a political activist, a young blind man, and a woman with advanced multiple sclerosis, all who live productive and fulfilling lives despite significant adversity. For example, Chapter Six describes the amazing story of Sandra Orozco. She is a health care administrator whose life is abruptly turned upside-down by the disease, and she battles the depths of depression and family conflict. However, undeterred by vision loss, pain, and paralysis, she utilizes her personal strength, social resources, and religious faith to extricate herself from despair and inertia. She goes on to reinvent herself and live a joyful life as a political activist, well-known for speaking out against the infamous city of Bell scandal along with many other political accomplishments.The stories are written from both a personal and clinical perspective, including direct quotes and medical images. The text explores the science and psychology of resilience along with ways to improve resilience through therapy and mindfulness. The biographies are intimate, emotional, heart-wrenching, and heart-warming. They reflect the triumph, not of modern medicine, but of unique individuals. The stories and their lessons are practical and inspiring, with much of the message coming through the powerful personal anecdotes. Each chapter provides useful takeaways, and the conclusion summarizes helpful guidelines on how to lead a productive and resilient life, regardless of circumstances.The book is intended for a general audience and has minimal technical language. It contains contributions from five psychologists including Dr. John Forsyth (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy expert and author of several books) and Dr. Mark Katz (Resilience specialist and author). Chapter Seven features an interview with Mabel Katz, a well-known expert in the Hawaiian philosophy of Ho'oponopono.

About the Author

Dr. Brandon Beaber is a board-certified neurologist with subspecialtytraining in multiple sclerosis and other immunological diseases of the nervoussystem. He is a partner in the SouthernCalifornia Permanente Medical Group and practices in Downey, California (SouthLos Angeles). He has severalpublications on MS epidemiology and has participated in clinical trials for MStherapeutics. You can follow him ontwitter @Brandon_Beaber where he regularly posts about MS news andresearch. He also posts videos aboutmultiple sclerosis on YouTube every Wednesday.He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.

[B.A.]

WAY to LONG. Keep it to less than 200 words. Give the main topic, then a couple of points in one sentence each of how this book will help them. or a list of 3- 5 bullet points which give how your book will help. Check out several books close to yours and see how they did theirs.
I'd keep the first line, then give something like
Read about Sandra Orozo: A health care administrator who had to reinvent herself after dealing with the devestating effects of MS..
You will find advice from Dr. John Forsyth, Dr. Mark Katz, and Mabel Katz who is an expert in the Hawaiian philosophy of Ho'opnonpono.
Explore how you too can live a full meaningful life with Multiple Sclerosis in this book written by a neurologist who has specialized in treating MS.

That is about all you need on the back of a book. I didn't get past the second sentence before my head was spinning. Meanwhile, your bio is stunning, concise and on point (Other than a few run on words.).

[Brandon]

Thanks B.A. I am actually using this for what appears on the amazon sales page rather than for the back of the book. The back of the book is very brief.

Do you still feel that it is too long?

[Dwayne, Head of Lettuce]

Brandon wrote: "Do you still feel that it is too long?"

Yes. I tried reading it yesterday and couldn't get past the first few sentences. I held back on my opinion to see if others felt the same.

[Brandon]

Okay Dwayne. Thank you for the help.

Any other opinions or suggestions on how to rewrite it greatly appreciated.

[B.A.]

Yes. I'd never get through it all. Anything you are using for sales, should be brief, giving highlights. The site blurb can be longer but still keep it short, clear and to the point.

[Brandon]

How about this updated version:


There are nearly 1,000,000 Americans living with MS, but their personal stories are rarely told. Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis is a narrative non-fiction book about incredible people who suffer from MS, and I seek to share the wisdom implicit in their lives and achievements. My five subjects include a neurologist, a psychiatrist, a political activist, a young blind man, and a woman with advanced multiple sclerosis, all who live productive and fulfilling lives despite significant adversity. The biographies are intimate, emotional, heart-wrenching, and heart-warming. They reflect the triumph, not of modern medicine, but of unique individuals. We see contributions from five psychologists including Dr. John Forsyth and Dr. Mark Katz as well as an interview with Mabel Katz, an expert in the Hawaiian philosophy of Ho’oponopono.

[B.A.]

Much better. I know what the book is about and I'm more likely to buy it considering my sister has MS.,

[Robert]

How's this?

A million Americans suffer MS. Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis tells the story of five incredible people with the disease, a neurologist, a psychiatrist, a political activist, a young blind man, and a woman with advanced multiple sclerosis. All live productive and fulfilling lives despite significant adversity. The biographies are intimate, emotional, heart-wrenching, and heart-warming. They celebrate the triumph, not of modern medicine, but of unique individuals. Part of the story are five psychologists including Dr. John Forsyth and Dr. Mark Katz as well as Mabel Katz, an expert in the Hawaiian philosophy of Ho’oponopono.

[Dwayne, Head of Lettuce]

Jason wrote: "Could I get some feed back..."

Go to the Writers Workshop folder and start a thread. Don't hijack someone else's post, please.

[Tony]

I agree with others that the first draft of the blurb was too long. Just indicating that millions of Americans suffer with MS, yet many of them lead successful lives, would be good enough in my opinion. The professional status of the people in the blurb could be helpful, but not necessary, since it might give the impression that only exceptionally well educated individuals could cope with the disease. I have a close friend, average intelligence, mother, who is doing quite well with MS.