A blurb is the book description you find on the back of a book or online to describe a book s contents. How is it that a writer can write a story spanning tens of thousands of words but stumble at a 250300 word book blurb describing it. How to write a blurb definition, examples, and more. A blurb is a short promotional piece accompanying a piece of creative work.
For ebooks, the description is posted on a book s purchasing page, along with the book cover and price. 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 book blurb stand back and hover above. Just as the title says, the author, quentin cope, provides one hundred and one examples of both the short blurb and the single sentence for a variety of topics. The next thing you do is read the back blurb, or if you are online, you read the first excerpt which is usually the same thing. Oct 16, 2014 writing the blurb for your selfpublished book is one of the privileges of being an indie author. They say you cant judge a book by its cover, thats true, but remember a books cover includes the stuff on the back.
Jun 01, 2015 the occult art of the poetry book blurb on taking up writing it had not once occurred to me that one of the tasks of being a writer might be to come up with those concise, quippy phrases on the covers of books. A blurb is a short description of a book that is written for promotional purposes. This is the brief and compelling introduction to the book that sits neatly and beautifully on the back cover. There is one big difference though between a book blurb and a synopsis. One element of the practice of book selling falling back on the shoulders of the writer is the book blurb or jacketcopy. Purchase a swatch kit that contains samples of all the different blurb papers with photos and text printed on them. Perfect for teaching figurative language, this brightlyillustrated picture book includes the definition of a simile, as well as a brief introduction to idioms and cliches and examples on every page of different sayings and similes. Put the bulleted list in the middle of the copy you write for your back cover. Kinnells landmark the book of nightmares was published in 1971. Im not overstating the case to say that reading that book helped prod me to. Youll also find some useful links to websites with further information.
Your blurb can usually be used as your pitch in your query letter or when you are. See more ideas about blurb book, family yearbook and project life. The 5 core elements of a book blurb and why you should know. See more ideas about writing, writing a book, nonfiction books. For another childrens book i wrote, i used a simile to tease the readers curiosity. The back cover of your book is prime real estate for promoting your book. A blurb is the back cover teaser that lures a reader or an agenteditor into wanting to buyread your book. Add comments for more like this author, back cover blurb, back cover copy, book, collection, compilation novel, how to write, novel, selfpublishing back cover blurb, selfpublishing compilation, short stories, short story, short story collection, short story compilation, writing back cover blurb, writing tips. A simile story by loreen leedy, my dog is as smelly as dirty socks. The three examples above show the variety of similes that can be found in the book. Like the book cover is one of the biggest selling points for any book, a book blurb helps sell the idea of the book to those who are in search of reading something either new or out of their usually picked genres. Sep 14, 2015 the next thing you do is read the back blurb, or if you are online, you read the first excerpt which is usually the same thing. It typically serves as the foundation for your online book descriptions, as well as any press releases or pitches you make to the media. I just published a guest post which goes into this with some examples.
Discover how to write a back of the book blurb my word. This should be broader in scope than the reasons you put in your bulleted list. Youre setting the expectation for the book in the blurb, so make sure that your themes, ideas, and issues match. It can be a daunting task, so heres pins giving you a step by step approach for creating your fiction or nonfiction book blurb. At exam time, the high school student was as busy as a bee. How to create a back book cover blurb that sells kindlepreneur. The blurb that appears on the back cover of your book, and on your amazon page, will either. One way to write this primary reason is to present it as a question. It has to be almost an exaggeration of your story that entices the reader to buy, or at least download a. Embossing, foil stamping, and other customizations. Whats the difference between book blurb and synopsis.
Your blurb can usually be used as your pitch in your query letter or when you are doing an actual facetoface pitch session with an agenteditor. Here is an example of a back cover description from my first. On back covers of books there is usually a summary which attempts to get the. The fact that they appear in celebrated works of literature makes them none the less so. In sextons blurb, one cant help but hear an additional echo of plaths the blood jet is poetry. Jun 12, 2015 the back cover book blurb can be the hardest part as an author condensing your book into a few, short paragraphs in a way that makes your book impossible to overlook. Apr 28, 2016 the back cover copy you write for your book is among the most important marketing messages youll craft. Generally, 150200 words are more than enough for a full blurb. O my luve is like the melodythats sweetly played in tune. The glow of the tubelight was as bright as the sunshine. Its briefno more than 100150 wordsand creates interest in the story without giving away major spoilers or the ending. Remember the blurb gives the start of the plotline, but dont give away the end. Its the essence of your books most exciting features, distilled into a few hundred words. 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.
While many authors refer to their books description as their blurb, the established publishing industry uses book blurb when referring to a book testimonial or endorsement from someone who influences target. Oct 21, 2019 sample books and paper samples we dont offer free books or free paper samples but you can view our paper and book customization options by doing one of the following. Firstly, highlighting your success in the bookwriting world. Blurb are a wellrenowned printondemand company, and they offer numerous book printing options, with a variety of paper types, book bindings and other options. We write synopses for all kinds of thingsany type of fiction or nonfiction book, academic papers, journal and newspaper articles, films, tv shows, and video. How to get awesome book cover blurbs build book buzz. Blurb is a basic service useable for basic book printing. He strongly suggests we read the blurbs of other authors to get a feel for what we want to say. Learn how to write a back book cover blurb that not only intrigues readers but gets them to buy. Make them feel something emotional appropriate to the tone of your work. The occult art of the poetry book blurb rachael mead. When you hear about authors being asked to blurb a book, its this endorsement theyve been asked to provide. As a poetry reader, i know both the power of a good blurb and the equally potent effect of a good name on the back of a book.
The back cover copy you write for your book is among the most important marketing messages youll craft. Your book blurb must be wellwritten to get a readers attention. The blurb about a new book, film, or exhibition is information about it that is written. Blurbs are the second most important selling tool you have for your book, so. The backcover copy also functions as the primary ad for your book. Blurb definition is a short publicity notice as on a book jacket. Its safe to say that a wellwritten blurb is absolutely essential to your poetry book s overall success and reputation.
Blurb definition and meaning collins english dictionary. It uses twilight as an example, but dont hold that against me. Generally, only poets shell out good money for slim volumes of poetry. 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. In her book gone with the wind, mitchell uses a variety of similes to help make her writing more vivid and descriptive. How to write a book description that attracts readers. How to write a blurb definition, examples, and more blurb blog. Even great authors drop the ball sometimes, and it is in the creation of simile that they most often do so. When writing a novel, there are few selling tools as important as a solidly written book blurb. Blurb provide multiple options for creating books, allowing you to use either their booksmart software, webbased bookify, a plugin for adobe indesign, or you can do your own thing.
As paperback publishing developed, readers began seeing the blurb appearing on the back cover. Youve written your book, but now you have to publish it and kdp has a box that you dread. This is a group for flickr members interested in or have already created their own photography book using. Nine tips on how to write a compelling back of the book blurb, including. Above the list, speak directly to the readers, and give them the primary reason why they should read your book. In winter, when it rained, he climbed into bed and felt as snug as a bug in a rug. In the first, mitchell uses a simile to describe how the girl walked slowly and absentmindedly, as if she was sleepwalking. Writing the blurb for your selfpublished book is one of the privileges of being an indie author. You could create it on your computer or on paper with pens, pencil, paper, crafts, etc. Blurbs are a brief description of a book typically found on the back of a book or within. When you buy a swatch kit, your confirmation email will include a discount code equal in value to the price of the kit to use on your next. Their technical staff is obtuse and they use a biased color profile. Aug, 2015 put the bulleted list in the middle of the copy you write for your back cover. Examples of similes can be seen in classic literature, such as in the poem a red, red rose by robert burns.
Simile examples, definition and worksheets kidskonnect. If youd like for me to read the entire book instead of just. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, i will receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. I was about halfway through the writing of my book when i was asked to write a blurb for the back cover. Blurb definition in the cambridge english dictionary. That stuff, also known as a blurb, typically goes a long way in determining a potential readers likelihood of purchasing and reading your book. After the book title and front cover, the back cover is the next thing readers look at when deciding whether to make a purchase. Your backofthebook blurb is the second thing a potential buyer looks at after your front cover.
Its safe to say that a wellwritten blurb is absolutely essential to your poetry books overall success and reputation. Put simply, being concise is hard, and being concise about something you know insideandout can seem downright impossible. Quick as a cricket by audrey wood, crazy like a fox. Thats why you want to write a book blurb that sells. We dont offer free books or free paper samples but you can view our paper and book customization options by doing one of the following. Secondly, introducing the protagonist in a way that creates intrigue without delving into details. It has to be almost an exaggeration of your story that entices the reader to buy, or at least download a sample to their kindle or ipad. Popular similes books meet your next favorite book. What should be included in the back of the book blurb. The back of your book is the second biggest marketing tool you have. Your back of the book blurb is the second thing a potential buyer looks at after your front cover. I have been a long time user but they are unable to print photo books true to the original images. Examples of blurbs to share in your primary classroom.
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. 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. The key with fiction is to excite and engage your reader. Traditionally, it would be found on the inside back cover of a hardback. However, many self published authors treat it like the hellstrip in front of their house between the sidewalk and a busy street. Copywriting is a completely different skillset to creating fiction, and im here to help you get that blurb in tiptop shape. A blurb is the description of the story found on the back cover of a book. Demille, to everyones amazement, sent back the following blurb. Apr 21, 2017 a book blurb is your way of selling your book. This article gives you simple steps to follow to write a book blurb, and gives examples of both fiction and nonfiction back cover blurbs. Oct, 2014 they say you cant judge a book by its cover, thats true, but remember a book s cover includes the stuff on the back. Basically, the name of the game with a blurb is to entice readers to buy your book. It may be written by the author or publisher or quote praise from others.
If theres any doubt at all about your content or the path of the narrative, then youll struggle to write those few hundred words that make up your back cover blurb or online book description. One element of the practice of bookselling falling back on the shoulders of the writer is the book blurb or jacketcopy. 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. Make sure you supply me with a general synopsis as well. All you have to do is provide me with some information and i will write one undeniably catchy blurb. While theres no perfect formula for writing the best blurb for your novel, there are some patterns worth noting. But fear not, because theres a secret science to writing the perfect book blurb. The market for poetry is overwhelmingly other poets. Aug 08, 2009 examples of blurbs to share in your primary classroom. To write a good blurb, you have to make it short and exciting, yet relevant.
A simile story by loreen leedy, quick as a cricket by audrey wood, seven blind mice by ed young, duke ellingto. Blurbs were originally printed on the back or rear dustjacket of a book, and are now found on web portals and news websites. A blurb is the book description you find on the back of a book or online to describe a books contents. The book blurb s main purpose is to lure readers in and captivate them enough to buy the book. Vintage romantic tales of fright, i struggle with writing back cover copy, also known as, the blurb.
Not only will it appear on the book itself, but youll probably use it as your amazon description. 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. By day, clumsy panda po works faithfully in his familys noodle shop, but by night he dreams of becoming a true master of the martial arts. Spiegelman conceived of a great, overarching metaphor structure, and. The cover of a book is designed to do several things. Your blurb will be an important part of your marketing. However, this task typically comes just when youre at your least able. For you, the author, walking this fine line, and getting it right, means you have to have the utmost clarity on what youre writing.
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