WRITING TIPS - How to Write the Blurb?

Argh! The blurb, the blurb! 😬
Many a meme and cry of despair has gone up on The Internet from so many writers.

A novel, generally accepted at 50,000 words; we can write that many, so why is writing 150 so hard?
Well, the very small number of words is the crux of the problem, isn't it?

The task:
Write a short summary of your wonderful book, in just a few words, giving lots of enticing information, but without giving away the plot. 
How do you give information but not??
It can seem like an impossible feat. It becomes daunting and scary, and many of us have quivered in the corner, holding our empty coffee cup, worrying over it.
"Just a few words. I can't even write a few words. All those other words in the book must be crap if I can't even write a few words." (this may or may not be a direct quote of myself)

As always, I state openly - I AM NOT AN EXPERT

I am just sharing what I've learned so far. 

Before we start, the term a lot of people use is "book description". 

Many will argue it is not technically a blurb. 

But dictionaries list a blurb as:

"A short description of a book, film, or other product written for promotional purposes."

- the blurb on the back of the book will touch your heart. 

This is what we're talking about here; the bit on the 'cover' of the book, telling readers what your book is about. 

I'm a fiction writer, so that's what I'll be discussing here. It's a slightly different approach for non-fiction.

Point 1: 

This is a very different writing skill to the one you've used to write the book itself. 

So, please relax. Take a breath. 

You just need to learn a new writing style/approach. 

Point 2:

You are NOT trying to summarise the entire book. 

Please don't explain the entire thing. Your readers want to discover that for themselves.

Hint at the story. You only have 150-200 words to do this in. 

Drop in main points:

i) a situation  ii) a problem iii) a twist iv) the mood

What is the primary conflict of your story? 

What's at stake? 

What your protagonist is experiencing at the start. 

What conflict/challenge occurs.

What are the perils of them not achieving their goal/s?

Point 3: 

Your first line is your hook, and should be no longer than 6 words. 

Advertisers will call this a strap line, or perhaps a USP. It's your click bait.

You can use bold/italic text to really make it zing (using html).

What is it about your book that makes it unique? 

Short and snappy,. You have about 2 seconds to get your potential reader's attention. 

Create intrigue. Introduce your character (especially if your target market is female, apparently). 

I'm using someone else's research here; but I've seen it said that women are character driven, men are plot driven. A general rule of thumb used by marketing peeps. 

e.g. Love Bites (which I had lots of blurb help for)

Shakira didn’t fit in.

- introduces Shakira. Why didn't she fit in? Reader hopefully wants to read more blurb. 

You have about this much space that readers will see in Amazon before they need to click 'read more': 

Point 4: 

Use your voice.

You have written your book in your own style. Your blurb should reflect this too. 

Don't get so bogged down by blurb rules that you then lose the tone of your novel. 

Blurbs are usually written in the third person. Doesn't have to be, but this is the general expectation.

This is you selling your book, telling readers why they want to read it.

Point 5: 

Don't be afraid of hyperbole. But avoid clichés. 

Having been so cautious in your book, it can feel odd to over-emphasise in your description.

But your book needs to be advertised. Maybe there's an "incredible" event in your tale? Or a "never before" character? 

Be flamboyant. Yes, I know you're an author. Yes, I know you're probably an introvert. But this is part of our challenge when writing the blurb. 

Exaggerate and emphasise your book's highlights. 

Point 6:

Know your keywords.

If you're going to be using AMS advertising and/or Facebook ads, their algorithms will seek out your keywords, so include some naturally in your blurb. But don't ram them in. They need to be part of it, not stand out like sore thumbs. 

Point 7: 

End on a cliffhanger - the reader now knows what your book is about. What is it that will make them click 'buy' and read? They have to find out more! Have a call to action. 

Point 8:

Do check the best sellers in your genre. 

What have they done? Does their blurb make you want to read their book? 

Be inspired.

My PNR (paranormal romance), Love Bites - example blurb 

Shakira didn’t fit in.
The reason why is tragic…
…but the solution is unbelievable.

Moving to Wales is her chance for a new start; a quest for somewhere to belong.

Whispering to her subconscious, pulling on her inner compass, something unknown draws Shakira to the seemingly random location

But things don’t always go as planned.
First to emerge are the dreams of strange beings with glowing eyes, haunting Shakira from the darkest depths of the forest.

Then she meets him.
Can one kiss magickally change her life?
Who is this stranger than strange male who sets her pulse racing and catapults her into a new existence?

She doesn’t believe in fairy tales. But then again, this is no bedtime story; not all change is for the better. And when one comes face-to-face with a feisty fae, it’s a bit harder to deny their power.

With dark forces lurking in the shadows, can Shakira become the peacemaker she was destined to be? Or will the clan carry out their execution order?

If you like paranormal romance, you’ll love this story of triumph with witches, elinefae and a dragon.
A rich tale for all who dare to believe.

---
NB This is part 1 of The Darkness & Light Duology.
Mature content.
May not be suitable for vegetarians.

**READERS' FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS 2018 MEDAL WINNER**

OK, that's it for this post.
I really hope it's helpful.


Like I said, I'm not an expert. I'm still learning too.
There's some great groups online (try Facebook or Goodreads) who will help with blurbs, but be open to critique.

Always in love and light,

TL

Don't forget to check out my books on Amazon and all other good online stores