Characters. A good
blurb will only introduce one character in an intimate way. Your book may have more than one main character, but because the
mini-synopsis is limited in length, there’s usually not enough room to introduce more than one person. Pick the character
who is most sympathetic and focus your blurb there. Let any other characters be introduced via the experience (and perspective)
of your one main character—always keeping the focus on the “MC.” That way, the reader can develop a bond
with (and root for) your character. The most common mistake we see in blurb writing is naming too many characters in a single
blurb.
Focus
on specific conflict. Rather than talk about how your main character wishes to “get right with her family,” go into
detail about her efforts to achieve her goal. What specific steps does she take? What specific obstacles stand in her way?
Skip
the thematic descriptions. Some blurbs are so burdened with theme descriptions that there seems to be no story. Toss out vague sentences
like “This book is about peace and love.” Or “This story will warm your heart as the main character learns
to stand on her own and make the best of things. She sees how important family is and tries hard to reconnect with those from
her past.” Both of these ways of talking about theme are too fluffy to have any bite. If your theme is strong, you shouldn’t
have to point it out. It will already be there, inherent in the story itself.
Appeal
to the human element. To create a good blurb, be sure that your story appeals to universal human emotions and desires—elements
that everyone can relate to. Show what specifically your characters want, then go for the kill. Ask the reader (in not so
many words), “Don’t you want to find out if she will make it in showbiz/save her family from danger/repair her
relationship with her aunt?”
Length. A book
blurb should be no more than one or two paragraphs. You want to focus on the highlights, not the details, of your story.
Flashiness. A blurb
is not the best place to show off your billion-dollar vocabulary or your ability to construct sentences the length of football
fields. Keep it simple for ease of reading. Agents will be skimming your letter to start with, so make it easy for them. If
your story looks promising, they’ll give your letter a more thorough read.
Subplots. A blurb
should focus on the main plot of your book. Although you (rightly) love your subplots, your blurb must be short. Use the two
paragraphs you have to drive the main focus of your story home, and leave out the extra.
Endings. A blurb
should NOT necessarily tell the ending of your story. Think of your book blurb as a sales pitch: the idea is to make literary
agents so eager to know what happens to the characters that they simply must request the complete manuscript to find out what
happens.
Precision. Because
a blurb can’t go into detail, you’ve got to find precise, gripping language to convey your plot. Choose strong
words over weak ones. Pick exact verbs instead of spineless ones like “seem” or “being.” Also, go
for language and phrasing that reflect the tone and style of your book.
