You’ve written a book. Congratulations! Now you need to write a book blurb that will make people want to buy it.
The book blurb is the short description of your book that appears on the back cover or on the online sales page. It’s one of the most important elements of your book marketing, yet it’s often overlooked by new authors.
A good book blurb will make people want to read your book. A great book blurb will make people want to buy your book. So how do you write a book blurb that sells?
Here’s a beginner’s guide to writing a book blurb that will make people want to buy your book.
The Elements of a Good Book Blurb
Before you can write an effective book blurb, it’s important to understand the fundamental elements of a good book blurb. A good book blurb should draw in the reader and provide enough information for them to decide if the book is worth reading. In essence, it should answer the question “What’s in it for me?”. It should also capture the essence of the book in a single sentence, while still leaving the reader wanting to learn more, all the while providing a glimpse of your main character and the main conflict in the story. This should be done in such a way that it intrigues the reader and makes them want to learn more.
Finally, a good book blurb should also provide a hint of the book’s genre, and the overall tone and mood of the book.
How to Write a Book Blurb That Sells
Now that you know what a good book blurb should include, it’s time to learn how to write a book blurb that sells.
The first step is to focus on the main story line of your book. This means you should think about the major plot points and the major themes that run through the book. Once you have these elements in mind, start putting together a few sentences that succinctly explain the book. Keep it short and to the point, but make sure you hit all the major points.
The next step is to pay special attention to the main character. Most readers want to read books that feature relatable characters, so make sure you create a character that readers can identify with.
Finally, think about the overall tone and mood of your book. You don’t need to use flowery language, but you should be able to capture the overall feeling of your book in a few sentences.
Examples of Great Book Blurbs
Now that you’ve learned the basics of writing a great book blurb, let’s take a look at some examples of great book blurbs.
Take J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, for example. The book blurb tells us that Harry has been living with his cruel aunt and uncle, then suddenly learns that he’s a wizard and is invited to attend Hogwarts. The blurb also introduces several of the major characters including Dumbledore and Hagrid and instantly draws us into the story.
Another great example is Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time. In this case, the blurb tells us that the main character Meg is searching for her missing father while being guided by three mysterious women. The blurb hints at larger themes of bravery, adventure and family, which captures the spirit of the book perfectly.
These short blurbs are perfect examples of how you can use just a few sentences to capture the essence of your book.
Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Book Blurb
Writing a good book blurb can be tricky, so it’s important to avoid a few common mistakes.
First, don’t make your book blurb too long. Keep it concise and to the point. Longer blurbs can be confusing and may lead potential readers to skip over your book.
Second, avoid using too much technical jargon that the reader may not understand. Instead, focus on using simple language to give the reader an idea of what the book is about.
Finally, avoid spoilers in your book blurb. You want to give enough information to make readers interested, but not so much that they know the ending.
Wrapping Up: The Power of a Great Book Blurb
A good book blurb is essential for marketing your book and making sure your book reaches the right readers. By understanding the key elements of a good book blurb and learning how to write one that captures the essence of your book, you can ensure that readers will be excited to pick up your latest book. Take some time to study others’ book blurbs, and experiment with crafting your own. With practice, you’ll soon master the art of writing a book blurb that sells. Happy writing!
