How to write an amazing blurb

All too many authors won’t spend more than an hour or two on their book’s blurb. Big mistake! Book buyers will evaluate your entire book based on that short paragraph or two at the back of your book. So you’d think that these authors would spend more time perfecting it.

Anyway, I’ve put together this quick guide to writing that perfect blurb. Hope it helps.

1. Read lots of blurbs. Before you even start crafting your blurb read at least fifty blurbs in your genre. Guaranteed you will learn a thing or two.

2. Use your blurb to tease and entice. Give readers a tantalizing glimpse into your story but remember not to give away too much, too fast. Just give them a taster that leaves them hungry for more. So hungry that they’ve got to buy your book.

3. Never use clichés and avoid boasting. You may think your book is a “must read” but your potential customer will probably have seen numerous other “must reads” that day. Just concentrate on writing a captivating blurb and let the reader decide if she’s going to buy it.

4. Start with a bang. Your first sentence should be so loud that the reader simply has to read the second line. Don’t just say something like “John was an ordinary boy in a small town.” BORING!

5. Add endorsements. If you got a great review from a reputable source then by all means stick it on your blurb.

6. Consider cutting your bio. Do you really need your bio on the blurb? Or is it just to satisfy your ego? Unless you need to demonstrate your expertise in relation to your book I’d leave it out, and leave out the name of your cat – NO-ONE CARES!

7. Observe good writing practices. You know what I’m talking about here: spelling, grammar, consistent verb tense for a start. AND DON’T USE CAPS!

8. KISS. It means Keep it Simple Sucker. The shorter and sharper the blurb the better.

9. You’re not a tour guide. Some authors insist on showing readers everyone and everything that’s going on in their fictional word. BORING! Stick to the essential plot and the main character.

10. Write at least five variations of your blurb. Then ask opinions on which is best. This minimizes the risk of publishing a crappy blurb and tarnishing your name.

These writing tips were bought to you by Philip Roberts. Why should you listen to me? Well, because as a ghost writer I see these elemental mistakes all the time, and they annoy me immensely. If you want to learn a thing or two about writing then I suggest you check out this AuthorHouse writing tipssite, or this Squidoo lens. Peace!