WHAT IS A BLURB?

A blurb is a short description of a book that is written for

promotional purposes. Traditionally, it would be found on the
inside back cover of a hardback. As paperback publishing
developed, readers began seeing the blurb appearing on the
back cover. Generally, 150-200 words are more than enough
for a full blurb.
WHY DO BOOKS HAVE BLURBS?
● To make readers want to read the book.
● To tell the readers what the book is about.
● To hook the readers with the protagonist.
● To highlight the major conflict or issue.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD BOOK BLURB?

Here are the five “S”

to remember when
writing a blurb:
 1. SIMPLE
A book travels the world. You never
know which reader, in which part of
the world, will lay their hands on
your book. Keeping in mind the vast
readership that your book will target,
it is always best to keep your blurb as
simple as possible. Long and
convoluted sentences, jargon,
specialized terminology—all make the
blurb appear complicated and limit
the readership. The blurb should be
written in layman language.
2. SHORT
Most people don’t have the patience, or
the time, to read a page-long description
of a book. A short, crisp blurb that says a
lot in a few words should be sufficient to
pique the interest of a reader. Coming
back to McDonald’s, “I’m loving it!” is a
short yet catchy tagline that people all
over the world remember—and it’s just
three words. Also, most bookselling
websites have a word limit and your
entire blurb might not be visible to the
readers, unless they click on “read more.”
 3. SAMPLES
Look at as many blurb samples as you
can. Visit a bookstore, browse
through blurbs for all genres. You
might find something that fits your
book’s requirements. If not a
bookstore, then any bookselling or
book review website should give you
access to a pool of blurbs. This
should help you discover what will
work best for your book, and give
you an idea about what authors are
writing and what readers look for in a
blurb.
4. STORY
Does your blurb tell a story? Will it
make the readers want to know
more? A good story can begin from a
blurb. Particularly in fiction titles,
there is often a “twist” that makes
the book sound interesting, and the
blurb is the perfect space to drop
hints about the twist. Even in the
case of non-fiction titles, a good
story connects with the readers
instantly.
 5. SELLING POINT
The blurb should highlight the selling points of a book—the hook. Discover
the selling points of your book and make a list:

● What is it that the readers would want to know?

● How can my book add to the existing literature?
● What makes my book different?
● Who am I selling my book to?

By answering these few questions, you can gain more clarity about your
work, and will know what exactly to include in a blurb.
 WRITING BLURBS- TIPS & STRATEGIES
■ A blurb is not just a summary, but to mention the protagonist and
setting. Maybe focus on a small moment.
■ It should have the author's name.
■ It should have illustrations of the book cover.
■ Introduce the main conflict. What is special about the plot?
■ The last line is the most important; Leave the reader wanting more—
Close by hinting at some major struggle or drama the protagonist has to
go through. Consider using an enticing question.
■ Hint at important themes or big ideas in the book—What questions
should and will readers ask themselves?
SAMPLE 1
SAMPLE 2
SAMPLE 3
 Video link
https://www.yo
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ch?v=rhqMj5q5
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 Page 65,
English
Propel Book,
Volume 2
4. Now, share the pointers of making a blurb.
Make that organiser in the space given below.

Page 66,
English
Propel Book,
Volume 2
 HOME ASSIGNMENT

Page 67, English Propel Book, Volume 2