A book blurb also called a backcover blurb or a book description is a short description of the books main character and conflict, usually. Remember this is just a starter layout, you can customize your covers, or any area of your book to your liking using the wealth of bookwrights editing tools. There is a big difference between writing a cover blurb for a novel and writing a cover blurb for nonfiction. If your work is funny then the back cover should be humorous. How to write a killer book synopsis aka back blurb or. How to write back cover blurb for your nonfiction book. I usually decline the invitation to blurb the book, but not because im not interested or. A blurb is the book description you find on the back of a book or online to describe a book s contents. One way to write this primary reason is to present it as a question. Book cover blurb examples from good nonfiction books. In addition to the example provided in lesson one of a wellwritten book blurb, im including a few examples from bestselling memoirs which have their blurbs perfected. However, there are some similar patterns that have proved successful. Use language that reflects the toneemotion of your novelcompilation.
If your book is scary than you must include elements of horror, if your book is romantic make the reader care about your characters. The third example shows how part of the back cover copy the author bio, in this case can show up on the inside flap of a hard cover book. Sep 25, 2016 a blurb is the description of the story found on the back cover of a book. How to write an irresistible book blurb in 5 easy steps.
How to write a fiction book cover blurb that can make your. If you only had 10 seconds to tell potential readers why they should buy. Whereas novels focus on creating intrigue and use blurbs that attempt to lure in the reader, blurbs for nonfiction books need to take a different approach. 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 confused than engaged. As paperback publishing developed, readers began seeing the blurb appearing on the back cover. When you hear about authors being asked to blurb a book, its this endorsement theyve been asked to provide. Our friends at bookbub carried out an ab test in which they sent group a a book description with a testimonial and group b.
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. But, if you have caught a potential readers attention, the blurb is what will sell your bookand convert readers. The back of a book cover is the perfect place to put this social proof. You will need three for the back cover of your book. Authors can find themselves to close to their story to know how to write a blurb effectively so it hits the right notes, without revealing to much of the story or waffling on. To set yourself apart is good, to be too different from the rest is not. Call to action carrie morgridge has written a mustread primer for anyone considering philanthropyread this book and learn from one of the best. Instead, start writing, then rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. A successful back cover text is the result of a careful balance between the needs of the publisher and the needs of the reader. Our softcover option is available for most every type of project, whether a photo book, a trade book, or a magazine. In ebook and selfpublishing, a book blurb is whats used on the main online sales page. It may be written by the author or publisher or quote praise from others. Notice the calltoaction words in the bullet points.
This should be broader in scope than the reasons you put in your bulleted list. 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. It should introduce your main characters, give an insight on conflict, depict genre and arouse interest. 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 book s front cover. Youll also find some useful links to websites with further information. Blurbs are a brief description of a book typically found on the back of a book or within the book sleeve of a hardcover book. A book blurb is the marketing text found on the back cover of a physical copy and in the book description found in online bookstores. To write a good blurb, you have to make it short and exciting, yet relevant. This one is from jack mamos the marriage code book, which we worked on this cover blurb is 179 words. Your back cover blurb is what they will use to decide whether to buy your book or to move on to the next book.
In marketing tags back cover blurb, back cover copy, blurb, book blurb, book description, book design, book publishing, how to promote a book, market your book, sell more books, writing a book blurb cover blurb for a novel and writing a cover blurb for nonfiction. The backcover copy also functions as the primary ad for your book. Blurbs are there to tell readers why they should pick up a copy of the book, not to offer a summary or synopsis of the book. How back cover blurbs for novels are similar to back cover copy for compilations. In marketing tags back cover blurb, back cover copy, blurb, book blurb, book description, book design, book publishing, how to promote a book, market your book, sell more books, writing a book blurb apr 28, 2016 the back cover copy you write for your book is among the most important marketing messages youll craft. Get a professionally written book blurb that will sell. There is no rigid formula for a fiction cover blurb, as there is with query letters. In this post, we tell you how to write a book blurb in five easy steps. How to write good blurbs and back pages for your book. How to write a blurb for your fiction book book cover cafe. Extra blurbs are often put on the first page of the book, in front of the title page. This book covers a wide variety of blurbs and related items, including elevator pitches and various types of burbs.
How to get awesome book cover blurbs build book buzz. How to build the back of a book cover with template. When your front cover is complete, click on the back cover and edit the text fields to your satisfaction. Sophie, ive been writing back cover copy and catalog copy for a publisher for thirteen years, nearly 2,000 books, both nonfiction and fiction. It uses twilight as an example, but dont hold that against me. You want the right people providing cover blurbs for your book. Aug, 2015 after the book title and front cover, the back cover is the next thing readers look at when deciding whether to make a purchase. Many news releases start with a blurb above the headline. Put the bulleted list in the middle of the copy you write for your back cover. Most of the time, their books have no connection to me or my expertise. Are you writing a back cover blurb for a nonfiction book.
Writing a short book blurb is not only fun, but great practice for writing promotional copy of any kind. A simple outline for writing a killer book blurb ink and quills. But, if you have caught a potential readers attention, the blurb is what will sell your book and convert readers. May 12, 2020 some readers might buy a book based on the title and cover art, so your books cover design is hugely significant, but the vast majority will read the books backcover blurb or overview if theyre purchasing online to see if the storyline sounds interesting. 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. Jan 14, 2019 the blurb is a promotional description, found on the back of the book. Its briefno more than 100150 wordsand creates interest in the story without giving away major spoilers or the ending. It typically serves as the foundation for your online book descriptions, as well as any press releases or pitches you make to the media. How to write a catchy backcover blurb that sells 2020.
Blurbs were originally printed on the back or rear dustjacket of a book, and are now found on web portals and news websites. I often receive blurb requests from authors who subscribe to my newsletter. Often people think back cover copy will be easy to write because its short. Our friends at bookbub carried out an ab test in which they sent group a a book description with a testimonial and group b a version without a testimonial. October 22, 2015 by diana urban writing your author bio can be a daunting task, but a wellcrafted bio can help readers learn more about what makes you and your books so interesting. A blurb is a short description of a book that is written for promotional purposes. Writing a book blurb for your back cover, and other promotional uses, is one of the hardest steps for many authors. When writing a back cover blurb, you want it to set you apart from other books in your genre. Or even examples of blurbs that do anything but entice the reader. Back cover blurbs for books tips for wrting blurbs that sell books.
A simple outline for writing a killer book blurb ink and. The occult art of the poetry book blurb rachael mead. Your blurb will be an important part of your marketing. How to write a nonfiction book cover blurb that sells. Nonfiction back cover copy for nonfiction, establishing yourself as an expert and differentiating your book from the others written about the same topic will help sell your book. Back cover copy includes the book summary and author bio. Jan 14, 2014 dont expect to write your blurb and be done. How to write a fiction book cover blurb that can make your novel a. Generally, 150200 words are more than enough for a full blurb. Polgarus provided me with terrific blurbs on a tightdeadline. Gather a bunch and use the best ones for a particular purpose. Sep 12, 2018 a blurb is a short description of a book that is written for promotional purposes. How to write a blurb definition, examples, and more blurb.
Examples of blurbs to share in your primary classroom. How to write a blurb for your nonfiction book blurb blog. Jun 01, 2015 so getting back to my use of the word relationship you get a blurb for a book of poetry by asking poets that you know and respect to read the proofs of your manuscript and write something complimentary about it, along the lines of what they think your poetry is trying to say and how brilliantly youve said it. How to write good blurbs and back pages for your book by lynn serafinn on july 17th, 20 lynn serafinn shares a template for writing good marketing copy for your wholesalers, and discusses what to put on the back cover and back pages of your book.
This blurb also features a clever play on words by incorporating the little league baseball theme core to the book s plot line. How to write the perfect blurb examples, formula, opening. A blurb is a short promotional piece accompanying a piece of creative work. A strong, descriptive blurb is easily one of the most important and powerful selling tools for your book. How to write a blurb definition, examples, and more. Testimonials are incredibly persuasive in transforming potential readers into readers. The fiction category alone is broken down into 140 subgenresthats a lot of book. 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. How to write a romance blurb blog author rosalind james.
Traditionally, it would be found on the inside back cover of a hardback. Learn how to write a back book cover blurb that not only intrigues readers but gets them to buy. The book industry study group offers 51 significant subjects for books. Its one of the hardest parts of creating a back cover. Back cover copy is the blurb on the back of a book. Above the list, speak directly to the readers, and give them the primary reason why they should read your book.
For ebooks, the description is posted on a book s purchasing page, along with the book cover and price. Apr 26, 2018 aka a book blurb or synopsis this is specifically for fiction writers who have a great book and need help showcasing it for an agent or for selfpublishing. How to write a back cover blurb with examples book editing. Jan 09, 2017 sophie, ive been writing back cover copy and catalog copy for a publisher for thirteen years, nearly 2,000 books, both nonfiction and fiction. Its the essence of your books most exciting features, distilled into a few hundred words. This article gives you simple steps to follow to write a book blurb, and gives examples of both fiction and nonfiction back cover blurbs. The average length of a book blurb or back cover copy, whether it be a young adult adventure novel or an adult romance is about 200 words long. How can we write that back cover copy that hooks a passing browser, and. Traditionally, it would be found on the inside back cover of a. Printing is done on the front cover, back cover, and spine.
Back cover blurbs for books tips for wrting blurbs that. After writing and polishing a complete book, many writers are surprised at just how difficult it is to write a few effective paragraphs for the back. Writing your back cover blurb dorrance publishing company. So now weve made it clear that every aspect of your book s packaging should sell the book and nothing else, lets see what you should be putting on the back cover. A book blurb also called a back cover blurb or a book description is a short description of the book s main character and conflict, usually between 100 and 200 words, that traditionally is included on the inside cover or on the back of a book. It simply wouldnt make sense on the cover of any other book. How to create a back book cover blurb that sells kindlepreneur. Youre setting the expectation for the book in the blurb, so make sure that your themes, ideas, and issues match. Your back cover blurb is what they will use to decide whether your book is. The softcover features durable library binding and a flexible, highgloss laminated cover. Next, follow up with approximately five bullet points to share the most important topics in your book. 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.
Your book blurb must be wellwritten to get a readers attention. How to design your books back cover ny book editors. To each genre their own, one thing to keep in mind when it comes to writing book. Not only will it appear on the book itself, but youll probably use it as your amazon description. Dec 04, 2019 a book blurb also called a backcover blurb or a book description is a short description of the books main character and conflict, usually between 100 and 200 words, that traditionally is included on the inside cover or on the back of a book. The book blurb is one of the most difficult aspects to write, as many authors struggle to find the words to succinctly tease the story without it reading like a summary. The book blurb s main purpose is to lure readers in and captivate them enough to buy the.