Writing the Perfect Blurb January 31, 2025
What convinces readers to buy a book? You might think it’s the cover—but while that grabs their attention, it’s the blurb that seals the deal. That’s why crafting the perfect blurb is so important. But don’t worry! Below, we’ve got some helpful tips to guide you in writing a blurb that will have readers eager to take your book home.
More than just a summary
The blurb is not just a summary of the plot – it's your most important promotional tool. It's the first impression that readers get of your book, so should highlight what makes it special as quickly as possible. Readers want to be engaged and intrigued, or they may not finish reading.
That's why your blurb shouldn't be too long – the reader doesn't want to read a novel just yet! Keep it snappy, structured and error–free.
Starting strong
Attention spans are dwindling. If the beginning of your blurb doesn't grab the reader, the rest usually won't matter. Try starting with the protagonists and the central conflict – this immediately immerses the reader into your story while introducing key characters.
The ending is just as important as this will stick with the reader. A well-placed cliffhanger, intriguing question or compelling final lline can spark curiosity and make a reader eager to turn the first page.
Setting the right mood
Your blurb should convey the mood of your book – no reader wants to feel confused or misled. A romantic comedy should make you smile, a thriller should create suspense and a drama should evoke emotion. To have these effects on readers, you should consider your choice of words, keywords and the length of sentences.
A gripping thriller, for example, should have short and sharp sentences with adjectives that can function as keywords such as dangerous, relentless or threat. A romance, by contrast, should use more flowery language, describe the characters in more detail and use stylistic devices like metaphors to create a warm and immersive feel.
Don't know where to start? When readers pick up a book they consider these five areas:
- Time period and setting
- Character type and roles
- Plot theme
- Special situations and events
- Genre
Do some keyword research to discover what books in your genre are using to attract your target audience.
Keeping things interesting
No reader will take home a book if the blurb is just a list of events and characters. A strong structure is extremely important to present information in an engaging way. Before writing, think carefully about which plot points are best suited for a short summary that will entice the reader to bring together in a well-rounded text.
The same applies to characters: it makes no sense to describe as many people as possible, only those that influence the main plot the most. This normally only includes the protagonist and a possible second lead.
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Of course, these are only some useful tips for your blurb. The most important thing is to let your individuality and creativity come through to connect with your readers. Don't be discouraged if it takes you a few tries to craft a blurb that feels just right. Practice makes perfect!
Good luck and happy writing – we can't wait to read what you come up with!