From standoutbooks, a simple formula for effective blurb writing:
1. Hook (context; why this story is interesting, usually because of a setting or character).
2. Conflict (what goes wrong).
3. Teaser of how the story might develop, the possibilities for triumph and disaster.
4. An indication of how the story might make the reader feel.
5. Involve the reader with the word “you”.
The post makes the point that structuring a blurb this way gives the potential buyer the experience of already reading the book and wanting to read more.
I would warn, though, especially for indie books, if you praise your own book too much in step 4 (“a stunning triumph of literature such as you’ve never read before”), it’s more likely to repel readers than attract them. Use that step like a restaurant sign: this is the kind of experience the book offers. In other words, give genre clues, so the potential purchaser can decide whether that’s the experience they want today.
I would add to that comment about not praising your book too much, also don’t compare your work to some other more known writer. “(A modern-day Hemingway!”) (I’ve seen writers do this a lot and it never makes things look more professional.) Just let it stand on its own, and let readers make their own comparisons. It will save you pain down the road.
I would add to that comment about not praising your book too much, also don’t compare your work to some other more known writer. “(A modern-day Hemingway!”) (I’ve seen writers do this a lot and it never makes things look more professional.) Just let it stand on its own, and let readers make their own comparisons. It will save you pain down the road.