Youve written an entire novel of 50,000 to 90,000 words or more, and then you just need to write a few hundred more for your blurb so you can market your book. Basically, the name of the game with a blurb is to entice readers to buy your book. She lives in brooklyn, new york, with her husband and daughters. Remember that the main purpose of the blurb is to highlight the reasons why your readers should be reading your book right now rather than all that they can find inside the book. Topicbased book categories are howto, selfhelp, academic, anecdote or quote collections, academic, bigidea, and sometimes lyric essay. In the past, i hired a woman to write my blurb for me. How to write a blurb definition, examples, and more blurb. She says, i was inspired to write the little story blurb up above when reading about how story is important for communicating in a book written by alan alda. I wont tell you how the book ends, but be sure to have some kleenex. To order presentationready copies for distribution to your colleagues, clients or customers visit. Jul 11, 2017 i just recently finished writing a blurb for my novel reckless beginnings. The blurb is not meant to be a summary of the book.
While this book would be enjoyable for a singular reader, the points of view that emerge from discussing this book. Your backcover blurb is the second thing a potential buyer looks at after your front cover. How to write a winning book blurb profitable side hustles. Spoilers ahoy i bought if i stay at a bookstore, drawn by the usa today blurb on the cover that fans of twilight will enjoy it. Mia is the only member of her family to survive, and she finds herself in a coma. Why you need the perfect book blurb and how to write it.
They need hints to make them interested and eager to know what will happen. When a teacher or anyone else asks you to write a book summary, he or she is requesting that you read a book and write a short account that explains the main plot points, characters and any other important information in your own words. She realizes that the choice between life and death is in her hands. Compare yourself to other writers or your book to other books.
A simple outline for writing a killer book blurb ink and quills. Jan 14, 2019 the blurb is a promotional description, found on the back of the book. A blurb in a query letter is much like a short synopsis you have approximately 250 words in which to summarize your book in a concise, engaging. I had a ridiculous number of blurb drafts that all seemed cheesy and didnt do my story. Use powerful headlines whether youre a nonfiction or fiction author, you should always start the blurb with a powerful headline. At the end well deconstruct blurb examples for books in seven bestselling nonfiction categories on amazon, setting the. To begin writing a book, first create an outline that clearly lays out the beginning, middle and end, including chapter breaks if possible. While this book would be enjoyable for a singular reader, the points of view that emerge from discussing this book in a group greatly enrich the experience. But, if you have caught a potential readers attention, the blurb is what will sell your book and convert readers. Jul 25, 2020 one of the biggest mistakes i have seen authors do is focus on the front cover and book while dismissing the back cover.
Top tips on writing a book blurb that really sells nicholas. Simultaneously tragic and hopeful, this is a romantic, riveting and ultimately uplifting story about memory, music, living, dying, loving. Are you an advisor whos thought about writing a book. This book wasnt what prompted me to rewrite my blurb, though. A special anniversary edition of gayle formans breakout bestseller, if i stay, in a brand new look and with an additional chapter to mias story. The book basically alternates between mias outofbody viewpoint and flashbacks of her life, kind of like her life is flashing before her eyes. She is the author of just one day and just one year, and the companion enovella just one night, as well as the new york times bestsellers if i stay and where she went. Here are ten habits which will make writing easier and help you to write a successful book. The selfpublishing boom in 2010 influenced her decision to focus on editing, blurb work, and her own creative writing. In this series, i hope to help you find your way through the mass of information on book marketing and find a route through that works for you.
People are like sea glass, the longer and harder they are tossed around, the more beautiful they are. The story follows 17yearold mia hall as she deals with the aftermath of a catastrophic car. Your blurb should give the reader what they expect, and so starting a nonfiction book about gardening in a thrilling style would certainly confuse your reader. If a book isnt ordered within 15 days it will be automatically deleted. The characters are tangibly real, the plot is fascinating and will cause.
Top tips on writing a book blurb that really sells. Mar 01, 2021 how long will books remain on blurb s site. Introduce your main character s at its core, novels are a storytelling medium, and that means your blurb has to be about characters. Mia and her family get to enjoy a snow day at the beginning of if i stay. How to write a blurb, pitch or synopsis for your novel or book. Writing a great book blurb is a bit intimidating, isnt it. Sharon crosby, a blurb coach, wrote a blurb about the authors struggle with blurbs.
Consciously or not, readers check out the synopsis to see whether they want to spend time with your main characters. If you lack detail when it comes to the book blurb, it will show up. Aim to write the blurb in a tone and style that matches that of the book. Make it so droolworthy that everybody will want to buy a copy of your book. This copy is for your personal, noncommercial use only. So, if youre struggling with how to write a book blurb for your latest work of fiction or nonfiction, dont just write up a bland description and call it a day. Its a mix of tender moments and the characters are given a lot of depth, and overall an amazingly written story.
A blurb is the copytext that appears on the back cover of a book. How to write a blurb definition, examples, and more. Before you begin writing your blurb, do some research. How to write a catchy backcover blurb that sells 2021. The story follows 17yearold mia hall as she deals with the aftermath of a catastrophic car accident involving her family. Apr 02, 2009 gayle forman is an awardwinning, internationally bestselling author and journalist. The book description or the bullet points youd like me to cover dont send the book, please. However, in general, you want to stick to the same formula.
How to write an irresistible book cover blurb read blog. Jan 14, 2014 its ironic, after writing thousands of words to create your novel, that a 100200 word blurb pitching your baby to potential readers could completely stump you. Either fortunately or unfortunately, theres no single correct way. How to write the perfect blurb examples, formula, opening. It was ripe for discussion as to whether or not the right decision to stay or not to stay was made, and why. Over the years, ive written hundreds of books, mostly for clients. How are you supposed to condense an entire novel into a few lines or paragraphs. Firstly, highlighting your success in the bookwriting world. Jan 10, 2020 unlike a synopsis, your book blurb is not a playbyplay of your story. Each day, start to begin writing a book, first create an outline that clearly lays out the beginning. Its briefno more than 100150 wordsand creates interest in the story without giving away major spoilers or the ending. My 4step process for writing a nonfiction book blurb that. To write a good blurb, you have to make it short and exciting, yet relevant.
Jul 17, 2019 to simplify the blurb writing process, we need to understand that there are two types of nonfiction books. While theres no perfect formula for writing the best blurb for your novel, there are some patterns worth noting. Snow days should be less bloody, but mia doesnt have a choice yet. Ten things you need to know about writing your book blurb. Here are four steps for writing a blurb to boost your books success. Dec, 2019 writing a good book blurb can make all the difference when it comes to bringing on new readers and increasing sales. Jun 24, 2020 when you need to write a blurb for a movie, book, or other project, start by writing a clever and catchy hook that introduces some of the characters and setting of the topic.
How to write a dazzling blurb for your childrens book. It shouldnt be difficult, but those extra words need. A horrible car accident that kills almost the entire family instantly. Sure, its a long shot, but go aheadyou have nothing to lose. Most readers who browse online in search of their next read decide within ten seconds whether they want to find out more about this book or not. Jul 12, 2019 i know im not alone in this, but one of my least favourite aspects of the writing life is having to come up with the book blurb for my sales page. If i stay is the first book in the series and i ended up giving it 3 stars.
Keep the blurb so short that the reader can absorb it in a few seconds. Then, write 12 additional sentences that explain the plot of the story in a general way. How to write a fiction book cover blurb that can make your. This is the foundation of a good book blurb, because if you appeal to the. Then, and only then, write the manuscript that fulfills the promise. Once your book is ordered itll stay online until you the account owner delete it. Original and exciting, it is a novel about relationships, life and the people involved in both. Usually about a week but that is working on it for around an hour to get the main things down. Write an intriguing blurb for your book by catwriter. Oct 11, 2019 a template for writing a nonfiction book blurb nonfiction blurbs should definitely differ from fictional blurbs. If you think you have a book inside you, this is what you need to know. But ignore the blurb at your own perilit is the bridge between the mildly interested potential reader and the moneydown customer. To each genre their own, one thing to keep in mind when it comes to writing book. Glenna offers writing workshops and is the creator of mastering the art of writing the catchy fiction book blurb for indieself published authors.
Your blurb will be an important part of your marketing. If youre looking for a lot of great nonfiction book blurb examples, youve come to the right place. Anthony shanny is a writer, a reader, and makestuffuper who lives in new york. It might not be tonights page turner or your favorite. Writers are forgetting that a new reader is coming to a synopsis blind. If i stay is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. If you have a story youre itching to tell but dont feel confident in your writing, check out this guide to improving your writing. Its a testimony to the beauty of family and friendship that moved me as a mother, as a daughter, and as friend. How to write a great ya fantasy or scifi book blurb.
How to write an irresistible book blurb in 5 easy steps. But there are a few tricks to making your blurb a successful part of your book s marketing. While a fascinating book title is just half the battle of attracting a potential reader, an interesting blurb is a must. Great blurb examples for books a guide for nonfiction. This book is beautifully plotted, and makes an excellent case study if writers are planning a story with an alternating plot. Early rate through december 4 my fifth book is going through final edits as i t. It should introduce your main characters, give an insight on conflict, depict genre and arouse interest. A simple outline for writing a killer book blurb ink and. I do not lay claim to ownership of wattpad or any of its subsidiaries, this is only for educational purposes.
Twelve top tips for writing an academic book blurb helen. Jul 25, 2020 whether you are writing for an online audience or trying to sell your book in a store, its important to entice your audience to read your story. Write your fiction book blurb in the style of the actual book. From my experience, i have decided to share with you, my tips on how to write a good blurb. This is because, having spent months, perhaps years, with a book, a book that has become your baby, boiling it down to a handful of sentences to go on the back cover is really horrible. How to ask people to blurb your book without fainting from. Not since twilight have we seen as emotionally moving a book for a youth audience with this kind of crossover appeal. How to write a back cover blurb for nonfiction pages.
Aug 02, 2020 aim to write the blurb in a tone and style that matches that of the book. Start by studying some blurbs of books in your field. If your story was written in firstperson pov, your blurb should also be written in first person. But thats exactly how i felt after writing the first two books of the conjurors series. First, id strongly recommend getting a copy of bryan cohens book how to write a sizzling synopsis. If your book is zany and playful, get some of that into your blurb. Dec 20, 2012 luckily for blurb seekers, there are writers like shteyngart and a. I have always been intrigued by modifications in the automobile industry, and my book is about the evolution of the selfdriving car. How to write a great blurb for your selfpublished novel.
Told from adams point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined if i stay, where she went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance. If i stay is one of those great rare books with a deeply authentic voice that can speak for and move a generation. Before we launch into the art of blurb writing and it is a craft in its own. Im hoping you would be interested in reading my book, and possibly writing a blurb for the cover. This practice can be a great way to start your blurb literally the opening line, or step one in the snowflake method used to craft your book description. Sep 25, 2016 a blurb is the description of the story found on the back cover of a book. Your book blurb must be wellwritten to get a readers attention. Sep 03, 2018 understanding the writing industry, book design, marketing tips, publishing tips caitlin berve august 27, 2018 ignited ink writing, llc book covers, book cover design, back book cover, book blurb, author bio, fonts, emotion, emily st. Secondly, introducing the protagonist in a way that creates intrigue without delving into details. This novel will stay with me for a long, long time. Early rate through december 4 at least a few times a week i receive messages from people asking me how to write a book.
Jacobs, a writer best known for cheeky, fullimmersion reportage for books like the year of living biblically in which he tries to live by every rule and guideline found in the bibleand the knowitall in which he reads all 32 volumes of the encyclopedia britannica. We can stop at bookbarn on the way back, mom says, as if to entice me. A collection of classical records is not the kind of thing you advertise. Start with describing the tone of your book, identify the conflict and promise a twist. In this article, youll find out why blurbs are critical to the success of your book sales and youll learn everything you need to know to craft the perfect blurb.
That oneliner can also be placed on the front cover of your book to draw in readers at first glance. You arent pitching to a publisher or agent, youre pitching to a wide number of readers and they dont need to know the insandouts of your story to take an interest. Apr 01, 2020 blurbs are extremely important to market your book. If youre an entrepreneur who has been through the ringer in life or business and willing to share, selfpublishing can be powerful. Keep the writing so simple the reader can understand it during a quick scan, without needing. May 02, 2015 writing a book blurb by far, the weakest part of many selfpublished books is the synopsis. Writing a decent blurb is an art form totally separate from writing a book. Chances are, you will write a better book if you let the blurb guide you. The humble blurb can easily be forgotten, overshadowed by its more pressing rivals, the edit, the marketing campaign, and the cover design. Apr 20, 2008 the blurb can also be a sentence or two of glowing praise written by a fellow author to help market your book, but for this article well focus on the copy that appears on the back cover of a book. Its her choice, just like the title of the book, if i stay. When writing a novel, there are few selling tools as important as a solidly written book blurb.
You can apply the above structure to pretty much any type of book. Tips on how to write a good book blurb by author tina hogan grant. How to write a nonfiction book cover blurb that sells. In the back they keep a stash of twentyfivecent classical records that nobody ever seems to buy except me. How to write a book blurb for fiction that sells not just. This book was the most recent choice for our book club. I had a hard time connecting with the first book but this book being told from adams pov was captivating. Lets go over the structure, formula, and some tips for writing a good book blurb. I let it sit for a few days to a couple of weeks, then go back to it to distill it down. Authors, myself included, often feel this is their least favorite part of the process. Focus on the core dilemma the main character faces. If i stay follows the story of seventeen year old mia hall who is extremely talented at playing the cello and has.
Once you upload a book you have 15 days to order a printed copy. Your blurb needs to hook in those first few seconds, or theyll click on to another book. If i stay is a young adult novel by gayle forman published in 2009. If i stay by gayle forman storytelling tips slap happy larry. Twelve top tips for writing an academic book blurb helen kara. Blurb writing and analysis while your cover is the first thing to catch a readers eye and entice them to click through to your book page, its your blurb that will convert that curiosity into a sale. I remember the british playwright david hare being interviewed a few years ago, and he was asked what his new play was about. How long did it take you to write the blurb of your book. I picked this up when it was launched, just over a month ago.
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