WHY BOOK BLURBS ARE SO IMPORTANT

We can't all get J K Rowling or Stephen King to write eloquent word of praise about our books so what's a writer to do?

When I first began my journey to become a published author, I didn't even know what a book blurb was. I imagine there are still plenty of people out there who have no idea that certain verbiage found on the back of every book has a technical name. But does it really matter who's thoughts are on the back of our books?

I think it does. Book blurbs are kind of like an Oscar nod for your writing. It tells the world that an industry professional has read your story and believes it has merit. The strength of your books sales can be determined, in part, by the people you have in your corner, particularly if you write nonfiction.

There are a few things to keep in mind as you line up the individuals who will provide the blurbs for your book.

WHO SHOULD PROVIDE THE BLURB?

If you are writing nonfiction, this is especially important. Think of it this way. If you were writing a cookbook and had the chance for Martha Stewart to say she liked your book versus your mother saying she was so proud of her baby girl trying to do that 'little cooking thing', which do you think would sell more books? If you are publishing a picture book, then another established children's book author would be the right person to pen a few words in favor of your work.

WHERE DO YOU FIND THESE PEOPLE?

Well, if you've been networking and making connections before your book actually comes out, you should have a number of people who might be willing to help another author out. Look through your friends list and think about who might be willing to review your manuscript. Once you have a few people in mind it's as simple as asking them if they would provide a blurb for your book. What's the worst that they could say? No? It's not the end of the world and there are always other people you could ask.

If you are writing a nonfiction book, look for local professionals in your area who are considered experts in their field and ask them. You never know who might be willing to write a few sentences about your story.

REMEMBER TO SAY THANK YOU

Good manners go a long way in this industry. People may not remember your name but they WILL remember how you treated them. Even if the person you ask is unable to fit writing a blurb into their schedule or simply decide your book isn't something they could get behind, remember to thank them for their time. To the world, the person expounding the virtues of your book is putting their personal stamp of approval on your writing and if for some reason the reader finds your work lacking then it can also reflect on the reputation of the blurb writer. This makes some people hesitate writing book blurbs at all.

CHOOSE YOUR WORDS CAREFULLY

Should YOU ever be in the position of being asked to write a book blurb for one of your writerly friends, but sure to put some thought into your answer. Choose your words carefully because once that story is published, you want to make sure readers are encouraged to take a chance on your friend's book by what they read in your recommendation.

Book blurbs are a call to arms. They ask a reader to take a journey into a world of the unknown. To open the pages of a new book and discover the magic hiding within. Make sure those words create a journey they want to take...



I hope you learned something new today and be sure to check back tomorrow for the next post in my month long celebration!

You can preorder my book, THE STORY CATCHER, now through Amazon, www.amazon.com, or Barnes & Noble, www.barnesandnoble.com. It is available in both ebook and print copies. Here is the book blurb and book trailer.

 Blurb:
  Addie comes from a long line of readers, or "story catchers," as her family likes to call themselves. Every time Addie tries to catch a story on her own, though, the words play tricks on her. Addie tries everything she can think of to corral those wiggly letters, but it will take a little faith to become the next STORY CATCHER.
  Trailer: