Anyone
looking to make a sale has to be prepared with the proverbial elevator pitch –
the chance to hook the buyer in a short time and with as few words as possible.
Literally imagine getting into an elevator with a publisher and this is the
only time you have to convince her to buy your book.
Book
blurbs are used in query letters and often on back covers – both are used to
sell your story whether to a publishing house or a customer in a book store. It’s
that quickie that is meant to be memorable and desired, to make your reader
want more. It is important to know how to write an effective book blurb.
Even if
you are the author, and especially if you aren’t, read the book and focus on the
key points. Know the first few chapters and the events leading up to the major
conflict. See the conflict from the main character(s) viewpoint, what problems does
this predicament cause the hero/heroine? Is there something specific in the
central character’s past that affects the way he approaches this crisis.
A book
blurb is not the place for a spoiler. Build the tension but don’t give the
story away. Give the reader a need to read the rest of the story to discover the
twists, the resolution and the well-being or not-so-well-being of the
hero/heroine. Summarize in very few words the important steps leading to the
height of tension and find the best place to leave your “cliffhanger” in place.
Don’t
try to write your blurb in one sitting. Write the first draft and if you can
let it sit for an hour or even a few days, do so. Come back with a fresh look,
be honest, does your build-up want to make you read more? What catches your
attention in what you wrote? Is there anything in the actual story that sticks
in your mind that you don’t see in your blurb? It’s time for your second draft.
Trim unnecessary words, add forgotten key points.
Once
again, take a short breather before taking another fresh look. Make sure that
your blurb flows smoothly. Trim your words. Keep the language simple. Ideally your
final blurb should be about 300 to 350 words although some publishers will want
book blurbs of shorter (or longer) length. Don’t despair, once you have your
approximately 300 to 350 word blurb, it will be easy to lengthen or shorten. Best of all, the blurb you’ve
written will be terrific when writing queries for potential publishers.
Finally,
after you’ve completed your successful blurb, extract a simple, short catch
phrase of no more than 75 to 100 words, The catch phrase can be used on blogs,
FaceBook, or online retailers to spark the interest of folks who didn’t realize
they wanted to read your book before. Get in the practice of writing your blurb
and catch phrase shortly after typing “The End”.
Writing Exercise: This
is a three-part exercise. [1] Clip (or circle) five current news articles.
Using a highlighter, pick out no more than five key words that exemplify the
story content. List these words on paper and try to use each five in a single
sentence; if you can’t use all five, use as any as you can. [2] Think of a recent TV show episode and
write no more than two sentences about the episode’s plot; think of what you
might find in a TV listing in the newspaper. Remember, NO spoilers. Finally [3] summarize the plot of your most
recent WIP, work it into a blurb. If you don’t have your own work, use the plot
of a recent book you enjoyed. It doesn't matter if your story is fiction or
fact, find the key that will hook a reader.
Writing Prompt: Think
of the story of your life. List the top ten to twenty words you would use to
describe the highlights and significant facts of your life to date. Try to use
single words, not phrases or whole sentences.
