The intention is the same as a book blurb to pique the potential bossclients attention. You should have the following goals and ideas in mind. To write a good blurb, you have to make it short and exciting, yet relevant. It uses twilight as an example, but dont hold that against me. You must make your selfdescription blurb as interesting as possible. Your blurb will be an important part of your marketing. Writing it out fortunately for the fiction writers out there, writing a book blurb for a memoir is incredibly similar to writing a description for a fictional story. She took my poetry samples and current book blurb and wrote something amazing. How to get awesome book cover blurbs build book buzz.
So youve written your book, youve chosen your title and cover design, and youre breathing a sigh of relief. Here is an example of a shout line, taken from one of my own books. Writing your back cover blurb dorrance publishing company. A blurb is a short description of a book that is written for promotional purposes. You have one shot at introducing your story to your reader make it count. Aug, 2015 put the bulleted list in the middle of the copy you write for your back cover. You want to try to attract the attention of your future employer.
The five s of blurb writing check these 5 awesome tips editage. The back of your book is the second biggest marketing tool you have. How to create a back book cover blurb that sells kindlepreneur. As paperback publishing developed, readers began seeing the blurb appearing on the back cover. How to create a back book cover blurb that sells i just published a guest post which goes into this with some examples.
Many authors write the book blurb as an afterthought. Oct 10, 2016 the origin of the word blurb may have been german or american. Sep 12, 2018 a blurb is a short description of a book that is written for promotional purposes. Apr 28, 2017 how to write back blurb for your book duration. The blurb is the short description on the back of the book. Jun 11, 20 the blurb is the short description on the back of the book. One way to write this primary reason is to present it as a question. Put the bulleted list in the middle of the copy you write for your back cover. Heres a question for you about back cover copy for a nonfiction book. He lives in new york city and is tall for no reason. This short video is brought to you by publishnation.
Think about your favorite blurbs and what about them draws you in. Most fiction book blurbs start with a situation a, introduce a problem b and promise a twist c. However, this task typically comes just when youre at your least able. See more ideas about writing, writing a book, nonfiction books. As the author notes, it is difficult to condense a novel of thousands of words down to a hundred to three hundred words for the short blurb, then take it down further to a single sentence blurb. If youve ever bought a book on impulse, it was probably due at least in part to the blurb on the back or the sales copy on the website. For writing and marketing tips consider subscribing to my youtube. Writing the blurb for your selfpublished book is one of the privileges of being an indie author.
Ive seen about the author information, testimonials, brief description of the book and benefitoriented sales copy. Discover how to write a back of the book blurb my word. This is because writers dont really understand what a blurb is meant to do. Explanations and back book cover examples for both fiction and nonfiction. How to write a blurb definition, examples, and more blurb blog. Its briefno more than 100150 wordsand creates interest in the story without giving away major spoilers or the ending. Forget the book, have you read this irresistible story on blurbs. The blurb that appears on the back cover of your book. Nine tips on how to write a compelling back of the book blurb, including. For ebooks, the description is posted on a book s purchasing page, along with the book cover and price.
The next thing you do is read the back blurb, or if you are online, you read the first excerpt which is usually the same thing. Many writers find writing book blurbs really difficult. I was about halfway through the writing of my book when i was asked to write a blurb for the back cover. Writing the perfect back cover copy blurb for your book. The occult art of the poetry book blurb rachael mead. Blurb distinct from the back book cover blurb is this 12 line endorsement of a book by a celebrity or another author that sits on the books front cover. Most run several paragraphs, but some publishers want them shorter or in a special format so be sure to check with your publishers guidelines before you begin work.
Creating a book blurb, while still technically writing, is closer to a science than an art. Steps to writing your own back book blurb and back cover. Blurb are a wellrenowned printondemand company, and they offer numerous book printing options, with a variety of paper types, book bindings and other options. I will explain that i will read a blurb what you usually find on the back cover of a book. Once your title and cover have drawn the reader in, the blurb is what is going to make the difference between a missed opportunity and a sale. Whatever the old adage might warn, there is a bit of merit to judging a book by its cover if only in one respect. Good cover copy, the description of your book that appears on the back and on the pages of online stores, is critical. It may be written by the author or publisher or quote praise from others. Examples of blurbs to share in your primary classroom. How to write a catchy backcover blurb that sells 2020. Your back of the book blurb is the second thing a potential buyer looks at after your front cover. If you are looking for someone to write a fresh blurb for your poetry book, you must hire her.
How to write a blurb definition, examples, and more. In this post, we tell you how to write a book blurb in five easy steps. Just as the title says, the author, quentin cope, provides one hundred and one examples of both the short blurb and the single sentence for a variety. Blurb provide multiple options for creating books, allowing you to use either their booksmart software, webbased bookify, a plugin for adobe indesign, or you can do your own thing. Mar 20, 2014 the lesson will start with me reading a blurb from the hunger games by suzanne collins. Joanna penn has a great how to write back blurb for your book some more writing tips on crafting a blurb for your book. Its your best opportunityand sometimes the only oneto snag your readers attention and convince them to take a chance on your book. A blurb is the book description you find on the back of a book or online to describe a books contents. Mar 18, 2012 one of the things an author is expected to do from timetotime is to produce at least a short biographical blurb.
A blurb is a brief summary of your life and work experience. Blurbs are the second most important selling tool you have for your book, so. The back cover of your book is prime real estate for promoting your book. But there are parts that you can write at any stage of the process. Click look inside or download free sample to see how this guide can help give your book the success it deserves. Think of the book blurb not as an annoying step between you and selfpublishing, but instead as an opportunity.
A simple outline for writing a killer book blurb ink and quills. Your book blurb must be wellwritten to get a readers attention. How to create a back of the book cover blurb that sells 1. When writing a novel, there are few selling tools as important as a solidly written book blurb. However, many self published authors treat it like the hellstrip in front of their house between the sidewalk and a busy street. But, if you have caught a potential readers attention, the blurb is what will sell your bookand convert readers. Oct 21, 2019 sample books and paper samples we dont offer free books or free paper samples but you can view our paper and book customization options by doing one of the following. Blurbs were originally printed on the back or rear dustjacket of a book, and are now found on web portals and news websites.
The endorsement blurb recommends another writers book. Now you have to decide what goes on the back cover. Kinnells landmark the book of nightmares was published in 1971. Mar 02, 2016 great ideas to write a blurb that works for your book. One element of the practice of bookselling falling back on the shoulders of the writer is the book blurb or jacketcopy. This should be broader in scope than the reasons you put in your bulleted list. Brooks posted on march 19, 20 december 6, 2014 categories staff articles tags bios for authors, example of a bad biography, good bio, how to write a bio blurb, how to write a biography, how to write a good bio blurb, tips for authors, tools for authors, writing a biography 30 comments on lets talk about me. It should introduce your main characters, give an insight on conflict, depict genre and arouse interest. Introduce the situation and characters in the case of a memoir, you are likely to be the main character.
Basically, the name of the game with a blurb is to entice readers to buy your book. The occult art of the poetry book blurb on taking up writing it had not once occurred to me that one of the tasks of being a writer might be to come. For example, if youve written a nonfiction selfhelp book and the back blurb reads more like a thriller novel, thats going to leave readers more. Keep in mind at all times the blurb is what sells the book. One of the things an author is expected to do from timetotime is to produce at least a short biographical blurb. How to get awesome book cover blurbs posted on february 26, 2020 by sandra beckwith 21 comments affiliate disclosure.
Your backofthebook blurb is the second thing a potential buyer looks at after your front cover. Purchase a swatch kit that contains samples of all the different blurb papers with photos and text printed on them. I will not reveal the title or author but students familiar with the novel should pick up on it. You pick up a book because the cover or title looks interesting. I have seen nonfiction blurbs that are more about the author than the content of the book and i have seen fiction blurbs that are a synopsis of the story and even tell the reader the ending.
Every blurb writer needs to know their audience and what the reader is looking to buy. The person you really need to marry tracy mcmillan tedxolympicblvdwomen duration. The lesson will start with me reading a blurb from the hunger games by suzanne collins. Jun 01, 2015 the occult art of the poetry book blurb on taking up writing it had not once occurred to me that one of the tasks of being a writer might be to come up with those concise, quippy phrases on the covers of books. Indeed, it can help you focus if you write your blurb before you even start writing the book. The blurb is a product description for the books backcover and amazon page, designed to entice readers. Share your backcover blurb discussion in publishing started by cat cherry, apr 27, 2016. Sep 27, 2015 whatever the old adage might warn, there is a bit of merit to judging a book by its cover if only in one respect. Vintage romantic tales of fright, i struggle with writing back cover copy, also known as, the blurb.
How to write the perfect blurb examples, formula, opening. Traditionally, it would be found on the inside back cover of a hardback. According to matthews, blurbs in 1906 were becoming more and more. Above the list, speak directly to the readers, and give them the primary reason why they should read your book. This is my second time working with authoreva and she has given me another outstanding experience. Please type your blurb in ms or open office word, print it, and bring it to class on thursday. Sample books and paper samples we dont offer free books or free paper samples but you can view our paper and book customization options by doing one of the following. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, i will receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Feb 10, 2016 how to create a back book cover blurb that sells i just published a guest post which goes into this with some examples. It appeared, as an example, in author and scholar brander matthews 1906 book, american character, and it was used to described short promotional descriptions printed on the front of a books dust jacket. In journeying to june, the poet dives deeper into her childhood, imagining a world that mightve existing during the moment of her birth in 1982.
Consider the blurb, one of the most pervasive, longestrunning and, at. After the breakout success of her first book of poems mountain climber, poet june smith returns with an even more enduring tale of love and loss. In journeying to june, the poet dives deeper into her childhood, imagining a world that mightve existing during. How to write your companys blurb practical ecommerce. Oct 16, 2014 writing the blurb for your selfpublished book is one of the privileges of being an indie author. The origin of the word blurb may have been german or american. In sextons blurb, one cant help but hear an additional echo of plaths the blood jet is poetry. Getting a feel for different types of blurbs can give you inspiration to write yours. It matters not only what a blurb actually says but who said it and when.
The blurb should include any information that represents the. These may be used for an interview, a book jacket, or even an event program in which you are a presenter. This is a worksheet intended to be used for planning to write a blurb for a novel study. Jun 12, 2015 the back cover book blurb can be the hardest part as an author condensing your book into a few, short paragraphs in a way that makes your book impossible to overlook. The blurb is a promotional description, found on the back of the book. Inspired by this thread and this thread, i thought it might be nice to make a space for workshopping backcoveramazon blurbs. Bookwright will automatically check for updates each time you open it as long as your computer is connected to the internet. Book blurbs are an oftoverlooked part of a writers marketing planafter youve spent so much time writing a new book, it can feel.
This article gives you simple steps to follow to write a book blurb, and gives examples of both fiction and nonfiction back cover blurbs. Writing a short book blurb is not only fun, but great practice for writing promotional copy of any kind. Generally, 150200 words are more than enough for a full blurb. Share your backcover blurb creative writing forums. New authors sometimes rush this decision, writing the first thing that comes to mind. A blurb is the book description you find on the back of a book or online to describe a book s contents. In simple terms, a blurb is the short yet descriptive account of the book that goes on the back cover. Great ideas to write a blurb that works for your book. If you previously downloaded and installed bookwright, theres no need to download it again to get the latest version. Grade 5 lesson on blurbsadapt by using whatever book your. To help prevent you from falling into this unfortunate group, weve put together a few tips that should help you write a winning book blurb, whether its for the latest fantasy novel or for a nonfiction selfhelp guide. The book blurb s main purpose is to lure readers in and captivate them enough to buy the book.
Adam silvera was born and raised in the bronx, new york. Look at samples go to amazon and click on the bestsellers in your genre. Every blurb should be active, evocative, and avoid cliche. If you are a novelist, your back cover should provide a short summary of what your book is about.
488 274 1289 1467 183 521 414 487 796 1489 873 61 1466 70 250 1293 1301 1254 831 397 390 950 516 1367 1032 587 1252 502 880 1054 649 200 937 1462 333 689 1378 214 793 60 840 794 217 979 192 4 1472 294 505