As a big reader, I have to say that formulaic blurbs that give away the story really turn me off - “What happens when a divorcee and a speed skater bump into each other at an AA meeting?” Those type of blurbs take away the magic and mystery of reading novels and allow readers to self-select into plots and characters, never challenging existing patterns. If you’re going to blurb, leave room for DISCOVERY and keep the magic of reading alive!
My book Lightning Flowers is a great example of a cover tweak to accommodate a last-minute "big" blurb... Terry Tempest Williams had to say no initially because she was judging the National Book Award that year and wasn't allowed to blurb anything. But she is an old friend of mine. Once she'd turned in the finalists, she secretly messaged me and said she could get me something as long as it wasn't released publicly on cover images until the NBA revealed its lists publicly. This was in September, I think-- the cover images probably got updated in late October or even early November (my release was 11/10/20). I was so grateful, as this has been my most important blurb!
No, her quote IS on the cover. We just couldn’t use that cover image on the Amazon, etc. listings until all the NBA stuff had passed. But it’s on the cover!
To piglets, porcupines, praises, and promises on the backcover (aka blurbs) from cookbook endorsers who genuinely took the time to read the ARC and actually made at least a couple of the recipes, to thereby reassure me (and other cooks) that what's on the inside pages will be worth buying, reading -- and cooking.
Yes, you have my permission to read between the lines. Recently, I'm finding far too many FEWS -- Famous Endorsers With Status (caps intended) -- who ooze accolades for the author, but leave me, a cookbook buyer who cooks, with recipes that are far, far from perfect.
P.S. Your charming "blurb" motivated me to buy...... wait for this .... PIGGYPINE -)
Usually capacity or being mindful about who they endorse to ensure that the exclusivity of blurbs from that person remains special. Also if someone doesn’t actually endorse the material and didn’t want to be associated with the work.
This title! 😆
Thank you!! I was hoping someone would appreciate it!
I could hear the opening song and see Larry David! 😆
my job here is done
😆
Thanks for this.
As a big reader, I have to say that formulaic blurbs that give away the story really turn me off - “What happens when a divorcee and a speed skater bump into each other at an AA meeting?” Those type of blurbs take away the magic and mystery of reading novels and allow readers to self-select into plots and characters, never challenging existing patterns. If you’re going to blurb, leave room for DISCOVERY and keep the magic of reading alive!
Yea I hear you! It’s meant to be intriguing, not a spoiler summary!
My book Lightning Flowers is a great example of a cover tweak to accommodate a last-minute "big" blurb... Terry Tempest Williams had to say no initially because she was judging the National Book Award that year and wasn't allowed to blurb anything. But she is an old friend of mine. Once she'd turned in the finalists, she secretly messaged me and said she could get me something as long as it wasn't released publicly on cover images until the NBA revealed its lists publicly. This was in September, I think-- the cover images probably got updated in late October or even early November (my release was 11/10/20). I was so grateful, as this has been my most important blurb!
Oh wow this is a great example! So you ended up using it for promotion/marketing but not on the cover? Can it be included for future printings?
No, her quote IS on the cover. We just couldn’t use that cover image on the Amazon, etc. listings until all the NBA stuff had passed. But it’s on the cover!
Oh awesome!
Read through every last bit of this because I've always wondered how these blurbs work and will be bookmarking this for future use! Thank you, Sally!
Blurbs from writers also help promote a book on Edelweiss to potential reviewers and buyers.
Yes! Great point
Fantastic blurb process/blurb ask insights, Sally — thank you for sharing!
This was a great read, Sally! Saving it for future reference :)
Thanks Grace!
So, basically a blurber is an influencer who actually knows their -- and your -- subject, and has a day job to prove it. ;-)
Ha, yea and id say expert!
I hate doing this. I hate it. I hate it I hate it I hate it I hate it.
😝😜😝
To piglets, porcupines, praises, and promises on the backcover (aka blurbs) from cookbook endorsers who genuinely took the time to read the ARC and actually made at least a couple of the recipes, to thereby reassure me (and other cooks) that what's on the inside pages will be worth buying, reading -- and cooking.
Yes, you have my permission to read between the lines. Recently, I'm finding far too many FEWS -- Famous Endorsers With Status (caps intended) -- who ooze accolades for the author, but leave me, a cookbook buyer who cooks, with recipes that are far, far from perfect.
P.S. Your charming "blurb" motivated me to buy...... wait for this .... PIGGYPINE -)
Another gem !! That email template is gold!
Why would anyone turn down the opportunity to blurb? It seems rude : )
Usually capacity or being mindful about who they endorse to ensure that the exclusivity of blurbs from that person remains special. Also if someone doesn’t actually endorse the material and didn’t want to be associated with the work.