How to Write a Catchy Back-Cover Blurb That Sells

A book blurb (also called a “back-cover blurb” or a “book description”) is a short description of the book's main character and conflict, usually between 100 and 200 words, that traditionally is included on the inside cover or on the back of a book. In ebook and self-publishing, a book blurb is what’s used on the main online sales page.

Blurbs are a key part of book marketing: they are supposed to entice readers to buy the book. They’re a sales pitch that should sound interesting and should represent what’s in the book without giving too much away. If a blurb makes a reader want to read more, it’s successful; if a blurb bores or overwhelms the reader, it needs to be rewritten.

To write a blurb for your book, you’ll need to know their basic structure. Most good blurbs follow a specific structure—they have three essential elements, and they’re usually in this order:

1. 1. Hook. The hook is the first sentence or two of a book blurb, and it should immediately stand out and grab the reader’s attention. To figure out what part of your book premise would make the best hook, ask yourself what is unique or interesting about your book. If it’s a fiction novel, consider what makes your plot unique. If it’s a nonfiction book, consider what unique perspective or problem you’re trying to solve. Figure out what’s interesting, and make that your first line.
2. 2. Character. A good blurb should also give readers a feel for the main character (or main characters). Since the main character is someone your readers will need to spend time with for a few hundred pages, readers will need assurance that they will enjoy reading about this character’s life. You don’t need to summarize their backstory—just give a sentence or two that hint at their personality or lifestyle to get readers invested.
3. 3. Conflict. Every good book centers on conflict—readers will be bored immediately if everything always goes perfectly for your main character. Your book’s conflict (the thing in the way of your main character’s goals) is what makes readers want to read further, because they want to see how the conflict gets resolved. You need to tease the main conflict in your blurb and establish the stakes, but don’t give the resolution away—the goal is to make it impossible for potential readers to put the book down after they’ve read the blurb, because they feel like they need to know how the conflict turns out.

Many blurbs also include a quote from a favorable book review or testimonial, or mention any past awards or accolades the writer has (for instance, if they’re already a bestselling author)—but these aren’t required, and most first novelists and indie authors shouldn’t worry if they don’t have anything like this yet.

Here are a few writing tips to help you craft a great blurb:

1. 1. Give readers what they want—but not everything. Your blurb should tease the main conflict and encourage readers to feel concerned for your characters, but don’t go too far and include any big spoilers. A blurb isn’t a book summary or synopsis: it should give only enough details to intrigue readers and end in a painful cliffhanger that will make readers want to buy the book.
2. 2. Make sure it’s appropriate for your genre. Your blurb should match the tone of your book so that you attract the right readers. If you’re writing a suspenseful thriller, your blurb should feel urgent and should clearly establish the stakes; if you’re writing a casual self-help book, your blurb should feel conversational and friendly and discuss the problem you want to help solve. If you stray too far from your book’s tone when writing the blurb, you run the risk of selling to the wrong target audience, and those people will have the wrong expectations and may not enjoy your book.
3. 3. Focus on readability. Readers aren’t going to sit down and read your blurb carefully; in fact, most readers will skim a book blurb to see if it sounds interesting before they give it their full attention. Make your blurb simple and easy-to-read—short sentences, short paragraphs, and simple descriptions of your plot and characters are great ways to write a blurb that sells. Remember that readers don’t have all day—a short blurb will be more memorable and interesting than a two-page summary.
4. 4. Read examples. If it’s your first time writing a book blurb and you’re still wondering how to do it, the best way to learn is to read examples. Pick up (or look up) a few of your favorite books and see what those authors did to hook readers.

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