We recently sat down with OkadaBooks best selling Author Osar Adeyemi (IG @OsarAdeyemi) over an Instagram Live session to talk about what makes a great book blurb, why budding authors should start paying more attention to theirs, and how to go about making this change. Rewatch the recorded session HERE if you missed it, or you can continue reading if you prefer a text summary of some of the highlights of that insightful discussion.
A book blurb is a short description of your book written for promotional purposes. When it comes to selecting an eBook to read on OkadaBooks, a reader has few things to rely on, especially when the book is from a relatively unknown author, chief amongst them is the book blurb. Therefore, as a writer about to publish a book, your blurb has to be enticing enough to enrapture readers from the first sentence. A blurb is short, so every word counts.
To reiterate, a blurb is not a book summary or a review, it is a short (typically under 200 words) yet descriptive account of your book containing any information that represents the book’s best parts and intrigues the reader.
Below are five tips to bear in mind when writing your book blurb:
1. Know your genre
Before you write your book blurb, it is imperative that you look at other books in the genre you have written in and understand how such blurbs are typically written. For example, bullet points that work well in business book descriptions won’t compel readers to read a romantic novel. Likewise, the intrigue and suspense and hints at plot twists used in fiction book blurbs will not assure shoppers looking for self-help books that your book holds the solutions to their problems. Before you begin, make a list of the best blurbs in your book category and research them.
2. Introduce your main character(s)
In a few sentences, let the reader know who the book is about. Remember, your book blurb is like an elevator pitch. Show less, but give enough to make the reader want to know more about your main character.
3. Set the stage for your primary conflict
Conflicts are what drives your story. The more relatable, the more emotionally invested your reader is going to be. Don’t go overboard. Stick to one idea, preferably the main conflict. And keep it short.
4. Establish the stakes
End the book blurb by establishing the stakes in your story. What happens after your character accomplishes their goal(s)? What are the possible consequences? Laying this out will pique the reader’s interest causing them to want to know more, therefore driving sales.
Examples of a Book Blurb
Some good book blurbs on the OkadaBooks store to take a look at:
Book blurb Example #1
Echoes of the Past by Osar Adeyemi
Genre: Faith-based romance
Corporate guru, Fola Lawal, has mastered the business world and is at the top of his game. Abandoned as a day-old baby, Fola spent his early years in an orphanage. But despite his difficult start in life, he has achieved success by dint of hard work and his intellect. His mantra in life is to distrust everyone and depend on no one.
Derin Phillips knows she should not be attracted to a man like Fola. His lifestyle and beliefs are against everything she has always known, but she seems unable to stop the pull she feels towards him. She relocated from the UK to deal with the loss of her best friend; getting attracted to her new boss was not part of her plans. Can Fola let go of his carefully concealed hurts from the past? Will Derin be able to stand firm on her beliefs? Can they both learn to trust and find true healing in the hands of the greatest physician?
Book blurb Example #2
Dating Intelligently by Laju Iren
Genre: Self-help
Dating is the time to love Intelligently, marriage is the time to love blindly. Whether you’re single or dating, this is your common guide to courtship. Scripture founded, common sense laced and Holy Spirit Inspired.
Book blurb example #3
A Very Gidi Christmas by Tomilola Coco Adeyemo
Genre: Romantic-comedy
Abi has asked for 12 things this Christmas. Her list includes money, romance and a promotion at work.
What Abi did not ask for is a demotion, a sack and an international movie star who she is sure will never be interested in a real relationship.
However, what Abi doesn’t know is that she can control the requests but she can’t control the manner in which the answers will come.
What Abi will get is the most surprising Christmas she’s ever had.
Which blurb left you with a burning desire to buy the book after reading it? Tell us the book title in the comments.
Rewatch the recorded IG Live session HERE if you missed it.
Compiled by Precious Obiabunmo
Edited by: Arinze Talius Dike
Wow! All three blurbs are captivating, but “Echoes of the past” is my favourite.
I’m glad you liked this post. Thanks for reading and commenting.
They are all captivating, but I prefer echoes of the past.
All three here are awesome!
Every book’s word coinage are diligently applied
Nice. I learnt something new. I also love the first blurb. Piqued my interest.
A very Gidi Christmas. It made me laugh outright and hints at sweet romance too.