The art of the blurb

In the publishing world, the ubiquitous back cover sales pitch known as the blurb is an essential tool for any book. It is the first impression potential readers will have of a book and can ultimately determine whether they decide to purchase it. While some may prefer to skim through a few chapters before deciding, this is not always possible, as many books in stores come wrapped in polythene to maintain their newness. Therefore, a well-crafted blurb offers readers a sneak peek into the book’s contents.

Contrary to popular belief, blurbs are not limited to novels and works of fiction. Even puzzle books like the Su Doku require a blurb to entice potential buyers. For instance, The Times’ 2007 edition of Su Doku offers 150 previously unpublished puzzles, ranging from the mercifully mild to the unforgivingly super fiendish. The impact of this blurb on sales is a testament to the power of a well-crafted pitch.

It is important to note that a blurb is not a plot summary or review of a book. A plot summary would spoil the twists and turns of the story, rendering the book pointless for readers. Similarly, a review only offers a glimpse into the book’s salient plot lines, characterisation, and central themes. The blurb, however, is designed to appeal to the reader in the here and now. It is aimed at busy shoppers browsing bookstores or book sections at shopping malls, offering them only one chance to decide between books. Therefore, a book’s blurb must be excellent, as it only has one opportunity to capture the reader’s attention and entice them to choose it over other options.

As an author, one of the biggest challenges is getting readers to buy your book. To create a compelling blurb, consider it a movie trailer – intriguing, intense, and evocative. It should introduce the protagonist and the crisis they are facing, with a twist or two that relates to the genre of the book. The language used should engage all of the reader’s senses and leave them eager to dive into the story. A perfect example of this is the blurb for the first Harry Potter novel, which sets the stage for an exciting adventure with words that capture the reader’s imagination:

“Harry Potter has never experienced the thrill of flying on a broomstick or the wonder of an invisibility cloak. Instead, his life is miserable, living with his cruel relatives in a tiny cupboard under the stairs. But when a mysterious letter arrives, inviting him to a world of magic and friendship, Harry’s life is forever changed. With aerial sports, new friends, and a great destiny waiting for him, Harry must survive the challenges ahead. The blurb should be a solid punch to the gut, leaving the reader eager to turn the pages and discover what happens next.”