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The
book blurb is the second most important thing you will write (the first
being your book). Think of it as the
shop window for your story. It will tell
readers what they might expect when they read your book so, make it enticing by telling enough about your story, but not too much.
The elements of your book blurb
- Approximately 250 words max - three or four paragraphs depending on the length of your book.
- Start with a hook.
- Introduce one, perhaps two characters, and the setting.
- Present the main conflict.
- Don't reveal too much! Leave your reader desperate to read your book.
Now,
let's face it, compressing your entire manuscript’s story into three or four short paragraphs is a daunting task. You have to make every word count. So how do you tackle this?
- My first suggestion is to look at the blurbs of the books on your bookshelves at home. Also, the blurbs of books on Amazon and Goodreads, perhaps. Just to get a feel for what is needed.
- You can choose a particular spot in the manuscript to focus on as I did in the blurb for Once Upon A Lie. I centred on the victim's death.
Little
did, businessman and entrepreneur, Michael Rossi know that the telephone call
he answered on that fateful Friday would be the catalyst for his death, and the
subsequent recovery of his body from the waters of Sydney Harbour the following
morning.
- Or you might choose some words from your manuscript spoken by a particular character that will hook your reader.
- Alternatively, you can start by introducing your protagonist, the setting, and his/her quest as I did in The Celtic Dagger.
When university professor Alex
Wearing is murdered in his study, Detective Inspector Alistair Fitzjohn is
assigned to the case. A detective from
the old guard, whose methodical, painstaking methods are viewed by some as archaic,
Fitzjohn begins his relentless pursuit for the killer, seeing Alex’s brother,
James, as a key suspect in his investigation.
However you choose to start, make sure your last
paragraph leaves your reader wanting to read your book. Here are a few examples of last paragraphs in your book blurb.
Unaware
of her nephew’s fate, Esme Timmons retires for the evening, unsuspecting of the
events about to unfold; events that will, ultimately, expose a grim lie, buried
deep in the past.
or
Feeling compelled to clear
himself of suspicion, James starts his own investigation and finds himself
immersed in a web of intrigue, ultimately uncovering long hidden secrets about
his brother’s life. Is this why Alex was
murdered?
Your
main purpose in writing a blurb for your book is to convince readers that it's a book that will provide them with what they are looking for be it mystery, romance etc., and that, according to the blurb they have just read, your book is going to do just that. But there is one more thing that is very important and that is - remember to be honest in what you
say. Don’t write anything in your blurb
that is not in your book.
PART 1 - Self Publishing an eBook - Formatting your manuscript
PART 1 - Self Publishing an eBook - Formatting your manuscript
Get All Your Self Publishing Information In One Pocket Guide
This self publishing pocket guide takes you through what you need to do
in order to self publish your book. From
information on formatting your manuscript, deciding on a cover and book blurb
to decisions on price, ISBN, and choice of categories, it also includes helpful
web site links plus marketing and author platform ideas to enable you to start
your self publishing journey with confidence.
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