This is the question on every author's lips when they've reached their final draft. Your book cover is created or in the making, and you need to sum up your 70,000-something-word book in less than 200 words to grab the attention of your audience and set your book apart from the rest. It may seem impossible, but I promise you, it is not! You will be able to write an amazing book blurb.
What is a book blurb?
A book blurb is a summary of your book (maybe 150–200 words long) typically found on the back cover. It gives readers a sneak peek into your book's storyline, characters, and themes, enticing them to pick it up and take it to the till.
Essential elements of a compelling book blurb
There is no clear-cut way of creating a compelling book blurb. However, there are some things you can focus on to make your book stand out on the shelves.
You may want to do some research; read a few blurbs of books in your genre to see if there’s a certain way authors describe their book or whether all blurbs are different so you can make it your own.
For example, some self-help books only use reviewers' quotes, whereas a fantasy novel will likely have a blurb showcasing the amazing world the author built and its intriguing plot.
The opening sentence of your blurb should grab the reader's attention so they keep reading. Consider starting with a question, a bold statement, some dialogue, or even a quote to pique their interest.
Briefly introduce the main characters of your book without giving away too many details. Nobody wants a spoiler! Try to focus on what makes your characters unique and compelling.
Where is the story based? Is it a big city, a scary castle, or a dystopian future? Can you give the reader an idea of the atmosphere? Can you transport readers into the world of your story?
It's always a good idea to highlight the central conflict or dilemma that drives the plot. You can even hint at the challenges your characters will face and the stakes that are on the line.
You may want to end the blurb with a cliffhanger that will leave potential readers eager to discover what happens next.
Blurb examples for inspiration – different genres (I took some random books from my bookshelf)
Don't be afraid to be creative!
It may take you a few tries to get the blurb right. It's always a good idea to test your blurb before publishing. You can share your blurb with family, friends, and beta readers to get feedback and make improvements.
You can even write different versions and let your friends/betas read them to see which one works best.
After all, a well-thought-out book blurb can be the difference between a reader picking up your book or leaving it on the shelf.
Tips for crafting an irresistible book blurb
So, we discussed the following:
Keep your blurb around 150–200 words long. Make sure every sentence serves a purpose.
Focus on the main storyline.
Choose your words wisely! You want your potential reader's interest piqued, without spoilers!
Test it out before publishing.
Let us know how you got on with creating your book blurb. Did you find it easy or challenging? How many versions did you try before committing to a blurb? Let us know in the comments.
I provide beta reading, copyediting, and proofreading services to help authors of all levels perfect their work. Whether you’re seeking early feedback or professional editing, I'm here to assist you at every stage of your writing journey.
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