BLURBS: The Start of a Novel Adventure

Start With a Question

Readers like a question that puts them into the middle of a story. You can ask 'What if?' until you find just the question to use.

Don't Tell Too Much

Tell just enough in the blurb to make the reader have to buy the book, but don't give too much away.

Keep the Audience in Mind

Read the back covers of several of your favorite novels. Notice how the different genres use word choice and tone of voice to appeal to their specific audiences.

Make the Reader Need Your Book

Know what your readers want to know about your book. Look hard at your novel. What makes your story special? You must put that something special into the blurb with word choice and atmosphere.

How Long Can It Be

As short as possible. I have heard 50-100 words mentioned, but I don't know if there is a strict word limit.

What Is It Like

Eye-catching. Exciting. Suggestive. Short. Snappy. Use attention-getters, clues, and buzz words. Let the language and the voice used tell about the tone of the book.

About the Characters

Remember that the book is about people, not historic facts or science. The characters are the important thing. Emphasize your characters.

Romance Novels

Begin by introducing your hero and heroine. Tell a little about the situation the characters find themselves in. Then describe what tears the hero and heroine apart, or why each thinks they can't be together. What do they have to accomplish? What do they have to lose? Which has the most at stake?

Basics Blurb Questions:

1. Who? (your protagonist)
2. What does he/she want? (goal)
3. Why does he/she want it? (motivation)
4. Why can't he/she have it? (external conflict)
5. What keeps the hero and heroine apart? (romantic conflict)
6. What makes this story unique, or what is the 'twist?" (story twist)

www.Rosecoloredglasses.com
Plotting lessons at this website 'Rose's Plotting Bootcamp.' Study the lesson 'Theme, Logline, Premise.' Look at the four steps she lists to build a blurb.

A short teaser for your novel, your blurb needs to be as succinct as possible.
Good luck on your quest for the golden blurb!