Hello wonderful fans and followers. So great to have you here this week. Why? Because we're featuring the awesomeness of Author Gregory Faccone!
Read on to discover some incredible tips
on back cover blurbs
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Making a Superb Back Cover Blurb
~or~
Blurbs? How hard can it be… right?
by: Author Gregory Faccone
The back cover blurb may
be the three most important paragraphs to whoever picks up your print edition.
In those 150-175 words, your potential readers may decide if they are
going to become actual readers. And even if you are published in eBook
formats only, the ever present description box needs the blurb to accomplish
the same thing.You might let your literary agent do it, or your publisher. But it is your book. Want to give it a go? (If you are self publishing, you will have to.) Now there are places online where you can get good tips for writing a blurb. I just want to highlight a few as I see them.
First, keep it lean and to the point. Do you have an ensemble cast? There is not a lot of room for, “Meanwhile, back on Tau Ceti 5, the brother-in-law discovers…” Focus on your protagonist and keep the description to their key arc. That is really what your book is about, isn’t it? The rest of the supporting content is good, but belongs in the book interior.
"Keeping it real (readable). I wanted a little color and flavor on the back cover blurb letters. Not just plain white. But readability had to come first. In the end the dark background frame worked well, fading out before the ships."
Also, I recommend a classic format. Introduce your protagonist in paragraph one. Are they relatable? Even the most way out character has something to which a reader can relate. Paragraph two sets up your conflict. It upsets you lead’s world and often starts with an action word. And finally, the third paragraph is the big tease. You’ve set up your protagonist and the conflict, now hint at the journey, the stakes, and the awesome forces at odds. But do not give away too much.
And lastly, some practical advice. Have you paid a professional artist to make your cover art? Your blurb and that art need to coexist. Make sure your text is not tiny, is easy to read, and not some crazy font that gives customers headaches. I decided to not obscure my fine cover art with an opaque text box. I wanted it to blend in organically, and even have some color and life to it. So many little things go into a professional book. You know this if you are doing it all yourself. Whether you are or not, it is YOUR book. Make sure all the ingredients comprising your fine creation are the best they can be.
Hey Gregory -
Thanks so much for sharing your insight with aspiring authors. It was our pleasure having you as a featured guest on the JLB Creatives Blog. We hope to have the opportunity to feature you and your wisdom again in the future.
Be sure to check out Gregory's book, Tethered Worlds Unwelcomed Star. Be prepared to be dazzled and amazed. Here is where you will find Gregory's work:
