How to Write a Book Blurb
We bookworms are spoiled for choice. I’ve heard it said that we were born with a reading list that we will never finish, and with the literal hundreds of titles published each year—both traditionally and independently—choosing which we want to spend precious time on can be overwhelming.
This is why so much focus is put on obtaining a striking cover to lure readers. But what is just as, or perhaps more, important is the book blurb. Also known as back cover (or jacket) copy, a well-crafted blurb should not only capture the essence of your book but also entice readers just enough that they are unable to resist choosing your book over all the others.
Key Elements of an Effective Blurb
A typical blurb is only 150-200 words long. So crafting a compelling blurb is essential, especially as it is one of the first interactions a potential reader has with your book. Whether they are browsing in-store or online, you have just a few short seconds to capture their attention.
With that in mind, an effective blurb needs to include the following elements:
Hook/tagline: Reach out and grab readers right away! Short and snappy, this line should compel the reader to learn more. Note this is especially important when you consider that on many websites, this may be the only line the reader sees.
Introduction to the main character(s): Give readers a taste of who your protagonist is by naming them and adding a defining characteristic. This will help build that emotional connection. If you have an ensemble cast, it may help to focus on their role or on their shared goal.
Mention of the conflict, and what is at stake: We all know the protagonist is going to have to overcome some obstacles to get what they want. That is the conflict, but what truly piques a reader’s interest is what the consequences will be if that goal isn’t achieved.
You’ll also want to match the tone of your blurb to that of your book. If you’ve written a dark, disturbing horror, you don’t want a blurb that reads like it’s a light, sweet romance. You want your ideal readers to get excited for what’s in store, and let those readers for whom your book is not for know it immediately! For this reason, don’t rely on broad and clichéd phrases like “a sweeping family saga” or “a compelling tale of self-discovery.” This may be what your book is about, but it lacks personality and could describe thousands of other books. Focus on what it is that makes your character’s journey unique.
Crafting the Perfect Book Blurb
Creating the ideal blurb takes practice, and as with your novel, you’ll go through a few drafts before it’s ready. I recommend studying the blurbs of other books in your genre. What do you like about them? What captured your attention and made you feel a connection? What do you feel is off-putting? What phrases turned you off?
For now, let’s break down the blurb I wrote for Bad Blood: Book One of The Aphotic by Tobin Elliott using the key elements above.
Hook/tagline: Pose a thought-provoking question, set the scene using some vivid imagery, or begin with a bold or surprising statement. Given that Elliott’s novel is a dark horror, focused on family bonds (or lack thereof), I used: Sometimes, the ties that bind can break you.
Introduction to the main character(s): Sketch your protagonist in broad strokes, and further establish tone. This is the meat of your blurb, so it should also be the longest section. For example:
It’s 1975, and nine-year-old Talia is not happy. Everything has been different since her little sister Alex came along. Since her dad left. Since all her mother’s attention has been focused on anyone and everything but Talia.
It’s definitely all Alex’s fault. Talia hates Alex. She just wants things to be like they used to be. When her dad was home. When everyone cared about her. When there was no Alex.Mention of the conflict, and what is at stake: By now, we have a pretty good idea of Talia’s world. Things are not great. But what’s not clear is what the true conflict is. An unhappy kid who hates her sister is not compelling enough. So why should the reader care? This is where the conflict and stakes come in. These parts often end with a final statement or question that helps tie everything together.
Then she’s given a book. One that’s special. One that seems only for her. One that can help her take all her anger and frustration and rage and … unleash it. Now, Talia will make them all pay.
But everything comes with a price. And some things must be paid in blood.
Now go forth and write that copy! Then edit it. :p I hope these tips have helped, and please leave any questions below or share if you found this helpful.
Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to keep creating!
(Cover Image by cottonbro studio on Pexels)