Writing A Good Book Description

And why it’s just so gosh darn hard!

Argh! The blurb, the blurb! 😬 Many a meme and cry of despair has gone up on The Internet from so many writers.

A novel is generally accepted as containing 50,000 words (plus). We can write that many words, so why is writing a mere 150 so hard?

Well, the very small number of words is the crux of the problem, isn't it?

The task:

Write a short description of your wonderful book, in just a few words, giving lots of enticing information but without giving away the plot.

How do you give information but not??

It can seem like an impossible feat. It becomes daunting and scary, and many of us have quivered in the corner, holding our empty coffee cup, worrying over it.

"Just a few words. I can't even write a few words. All those other words in the book must be bad if I can't even write a few words." (this may or may not be a direct quote of myself)

Before we start, the term a lot of people use is "book description".

Many will argue it is not technically a blurb. But dictionaries list a blurb as:

"A short description of a book, film, or other product written for promotional purposes."

This is what we're talking about here; the bit on the 'cover' of the book, telling readers what your book is about.

Let’s look at fiction books. It's a slightly different approach for non-fiction as they tend to address a need.

So, what are fiction book blurbs about?

Point 1:

This is a very different writing skill to the one you've used to write the book itself. It is ‘advertising copy’, not storytelling.

So, please relax. Take a breath.

You just need to learn a new writing style/approach. We’re going to go through this here. It’s OK.

Point 2:

You are not trying to summarise the entire book. Read that again!

Please don't explain the entire thing. Your readers want to discover that for themselves. No spoilers! We’re aiming at enticing readers – use your allure.

Hint at the story. You only have 150-200 words to do this in.

Think of it like this: You’re standing in front of a stranger who has shown an interest in your genre. Tell them what you book is about.

Point 3:

It is a good idea to look at the top sellers in your category and see how they approach their book descriptions. Would you want to read their book? Why?

There are subtle differences between genres and even subgenres. Know what your readers’ expectations are.

What does a good book blurb contain?

Book descriptions are generally written in the third person.

First:

• Add an introductory line in bold or italics with up to six words – a hook. Set the scene and hint at the genre.

Advertisers will call this a strap line, or perhaps a USP (unique selling point). It's your click bait.

You have about 2 seconds to get your potential reader's attention.

You want the reader to wonder, “What? Why?”

e.g. Shakira didn’t fit in – Love Bites, my PNR

or Isabel has never met her husband… - Love in the Roses, my medieval romance

Then your first paragraph needs to:

• Start with your main character’s emotional state as the book begins.

• Set the scene for the inciting incident (the big thing).

• And what is it that changes everything? How does your character feel about that?

The second paragraph:

• How does your main character react?

• Hint at the big challenge/hurdle.

• End on a cliffhanger – what are the stakes (hint; make this as dramatic as possible)? It’s often a life or death situation tbh.

What are the perils of them not achieving their goal/s?

What is it that the reader has to find out more about? They need to click buy now!

The main character needs to be seen to take action. What mess are they going to get into? And what might they do about it?

It’s also a good idea to try to casually use a couple of keywords. Don’t be blatant about it, just drop them in naturally if at all possible.

These can be researched on things such as KDP Rocket. They are the words a) you can use when uploading your book onto retail sites and b) which can be used in advertising – either way, they feed the algorithm.

Use your voice!

You have written your book in your own style. Your blurb should reflect this too.

Don't be afraid of hyperbole. But avoid clichés.

Having been so cautious in your book, it can feel odd to over-emphasise in your description.

But your book needs to be advertised. Maybe there's an "incredible" event in your tale? Or a "never before" character?

Be flamboyant. Yes, I know you're an author. Yes, I know you're probably therefore an introvert. But this is part of our challenge when writing the blurb.

Exaggerate and emphasise your book's highlights.

Let your inner Drama Queen shine for once.

Read your description a few times. Would you want to read this book?

Then ask some friends and/or other authors you trust. We’re often more than willing to help another author and may even be better at helping others than ourselves – we don’t know your story as intimately as our own, so it’s easier to detach and get a higher viewpoint.

That being said, authors are very very busy. If you ask and we politely say no, please don’t be upset – it’s nothing personal. Also, build a relationship with us first – don’t jump straight in with asking for stuff.

Hopefully, this has helped you. Do let me know in the comments any thoughts you have on this.

Always in love and light,

TL