We’re talking about covers. Part of a
book cover is the blurb.
The book blurb is part of your sales
pitch. After a reader picks up the book because of the title and the cover,
they read the blurb.
How do you create your blurb?
Here are a few suggestions.
-Look at samples - Go to Amazon and click on the bestsellers in your genre. Read their blurbs and select some of the ones that got you really interested in the book. Analyze what structure they have used and also note the words that made the greatest impact.
Use a formula: Most fiction book blurbs start with a situation (a), introduce a problem (b) and promise a twist (c). They usually end with a sentence that emphasizes the mood (d) of the story.
-Use words that cater to your audience: The words you use should evoke a certain atmosphere and meet the expectations of readers of the genre.
-Give readers a setting
-Use Hyperbole: Words like "never before", "incredible", "unimaginable" and "inconceivable" are powerful tools to spark curiosity.
-Keep it short: Most blurbs are only between 100 and 150 words long
-Use short sentences:
-Use fresh eyes: Once you are happy with your blurb, let it rest for a day or so before you look at it again.
Blurbs can be fun or scary to write. I like to end with a cliffhanger question!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good way to end and grab a reader.
DeleteBlurbs are hard. Thanks for the advice.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I hope it helps a little.
DeleteI do a heroine type description and her dilemma. Then the hero and then end up with a question.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds a like a great 'formula.' Thanks for sharing.
DeleteGreat advice. Blurbs are harder to write than the story
ReplyDeleteI agree. You have lots of time to get everything in writing a story. A blurb you only have a few sentences to grab a reader.
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