Top mistakes authors make in their book blurbs
Top Mistakes Authors Make in Their Book Blurbs
A book blurb is the 200-300 word description found on the back cover or inside flap of a book. Think of it like a teaser; it’s meant to grab the reader’s attention and convince them to purchase your book. It’s the single most important piece of marketing text you will write as an author, and unfortunately, many authors make mistakes when crafting their blurbs. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Revealing Too Much
One of the biggest mistakes authors make is revealing too much about the plot in their book blurb. The goal of a blurb is to entice the reader, not give away all the surprises and twists in the story. Avoid giving away the ending or any major plot points. Leave the reader wanting more!
Mistake #2: Being Vague
On the other hand, being too vague in your blurb can also deter readers. If the reader doesn’t have a clear understanding of what your book is about, they may pass over it. Give them enough information to pique their interest, but not so much that you give away the entire plot.
Mistake #3: Focusing on Themes Instead of Plot
While themes are important in literature, they shouldn’t be the main focus of your book blurb. Instead, focus on the plot and the story. A blurb that simply lists the themes (i.e. love, loss, redemption) doesn’t provide enough information to hook the reader.
Mistake #4: Grammatical Errors
Your book blurb should be error-free. Grammatical errors will make your blurb look unprofessional and may cause readers to lose interest. Before you publish, be sure to proofread your blurb and have someone else read it as well.
Mistake #5: Overhyping the Book
While it can be tempting to exaggerate the greatness of your book, overhyping it in your blurb will only lead to disappointment for readers. Be honest about what your book is and what readers can expect from it.
Mistake #6: Using Cliches
Cliches are overused phrases that have lost their meaning. Avoid using cliches in your book blurb. You want to create a unique description that sets your book apart from others.
Mistake #7: Not Editing
Editing is crucial when writing your book blurb. Typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies will make your blurb look unprofessional and will turn readers away. Take the time to carefully edit and revise your blurb.
Mistake #8: Writing Too Much
A book blurb should be short and to the point. Don’t try to include every detail of your book in the blurb. Focus on the most important aspects of the story and leave the rest for the reader to discover.
Mistake #9: Not Knowing Your Audience
It’s important to know your audience when writing your book blurb. If you’re writing a romance novel, your blurb should appeal to romance readers. If you’re writing a thriller, your blurb should appeal to fans of the genre. Make sure your blurb speaks directly to your target audience.
Mistake #10: Not Getting Feedback
Finally, be sure to get feedback on your book blurb before publishing. Ask beta readers or other authors for their thoughts. You want to make sure your blurb is clear, concise, and compelling.
- Avoid revealing too much.
- Avoid being too vague.
- Focus on the plot, not just themes.
- Proofread for grammatical errors.
- Be honest about your book.
- Avoid cliches.
- Edit carefully.
- Focus on the most important aspects.
- Speak directly to your target audience.
- Get feedback.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a book blurb that is clear, concise, and compelling. Remember, your blurb is the first impression readers will have of your book, so make it count!