The Art of Blurbage
By Mandy M. Roth & Michelle M. Pillow
Ever try to fit a stadium full of people into a Yugo? Picture herding them one by one, cramming, shoving, resorting to chainsaws and needing waders to avoid the blood spillage only to find out that no matter how hard you push, it’s not gonna work. That’s how writing a blurb feels to me.
*Michelle jumps in.* Hey, now, let’s not scare these good people.
*Mandy eyes Michelle’s outfit* Me scare people? I’m not the one in a pink tutu and princess crown.
*Michelle sways back and forth in her pretty princess dress* Uh-hem, as we were saying….
Taking a 100k novel and condensing it into a two hundred word bait-and-buy paragraph. Not always fun to do, but I’ll be the first to admit it’s important and must be done. Some houses do this for you. (To you, we offer our first-born.) Others want it done only to have someone fine tune for you. Finally, at some houses the buck stops at you. It’s your responsibility as the author of the book to write your own blurb.
*Michelle looks at Mandy, confused* What’s that noise? Nails scratching down a chalkboard?
*Mandy shakes her head* That’s the sound I make before I sit down to work on my blurb.
If you find yourself in the position of writing your own blurb, there are several things to keep in mind to make this process easier.
1. This is not a synopsis. You don’t need to give away the ending, or even the middle of the book. Not every character needs to be named and not every plot point needs to be hinted at. Don’t add spoilers. Focus instead on what makes your book unique.
2. Keep it short. Normally a few hundred words are sufficient to get the reader hooked.
3. Give just enough to tease the readers and make them want more.
4. Use action words, keep it exciting.
5. Don’t mislead. Readers could become disappointed if your blurb promises one thing but the book delivers another.
6. Use the blurb to set the tone of the book. Is it dark and mysterious? Comical? Let the blurb portray that style.
7. For ideas, go to bookstores and read the blurbs of some bestselling authors.
8. Try writing two completely different blurbs for the same book. Have a few people test read them for you and see which one gets the best response.
9. Double check your publishing house to make sure they don’t have any set guidelines. For example, some places do not want you to end your blurb with a question.
*Michelle mutters under her breath* There is nothing wrong with my outfit. Besides, you’re wearing skulls and a witch hat.
Keeping these tips in mind will definitely help ease the blurb writing burden.
*Mandy rolls her eyes, whispering back* I like my skulls. They’re classy.
About the Authors
Michelle M. Pillow and Mandy M. Roth are published romance authors. Michelle’s newest release, Recipe for Disaster, will be on bookshelves June 10th. Mandy’s newest release, Daughter of Darkness 3: Bella Mia, comes out the end of June. Check their websites for more details.
Michelle’s Links
Website, www.michellepillow.com
Blog, www.michellepillow.com/blog
Mandy’s Links
Website, www.mandyroth.com
Blog, www.mandyroth.com/blog
The Raven
Website, www.ravenhappyhour.com
Radio Show, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ravenradio
June 14th, 2008 at 8:41 am
“Don’t mislead”
My personal main peeve with something like 99% of blurbs. As a reader: thank you for addressing it.
Good luck with the releases this month.
June 14th, 2008 at 9:05 am
I bet writing those blurbs is a bit painful…since for many people they are what get them to buy the book. I agree that it is important not to mislead or give too much away…not that I ever have or ever will have to write a book blurb…no talent here.
I am certain that you both look ravishing in your own special ways!
June 14th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Great post, ladies!
I sure do hate that blurb writing…
June 14th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Great post ladies. You know what’s weird? I SUCK at writing synopsis, but I’m actually pretty good at writing blurbs. Go figure!!! One thing that has always helped me is to think of blurbs like you would a movie trailer.
Denise A. Agnew
http://www.deniseagnew.com
June 14th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I agree with Azteclady. I hate blurbs that mislead.
June 19th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
That’s it, I’m budding up to Denise every time I have to write a new blurb.
Thanks for the well wishes!
June 19th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Hi everyone! Thanks for taking the time to comment and for checking out our new releases.
*pushing mandy down well with that creepy The Ring chick* Denise is MY new friend.