In this post, we are going to look at creating a compelling book blurb for the back cover (and online description) for your novel. We will explore the theory of a good blurb, as well as examine one from a successful published book.
Crafting an enticing back cover blurb is crucial for capturing the interest of potential readers. Keep in mind, most readers will only spend up to 15 seconds reading the blurb, so it had better start off in a compelling way!
Here are the top 5 best ideas for creating a back cover blurb for a novel, each with an example to illustrate the concept:
Start with a Strong Hook: “When a forgotten letter is found in a secret drawer, Sarah’s humdrum life is turned upside down. Who sent it, and why now?” This hook creates immediate intrigue and raises questions that the reader will want answered, drawing them into the story.
Introduce the Protagonist in a Compelling Way: “Meet Emily: a talented artist trapped in a corporate job she despises. But when a mysterious stranger offers her a chance to change her life, will she take it?” This introduction sets up the protagonist’s current situation and hints at upcoming changes, making readers invested in her journey.
Outline the Stakes Clearly: “With the throne in jeopardy and his own life at risk, Prince Aiden must choose between the crown he was born to inherit and the love that could save his kingdom.” Here, the stakes are high, both personally and universally, compelling the reader to find out how the protagonist will navigate these challenges.
Hint at the Conflict or Dilemma: “Caught between an alliance that could secure peace and the spark of rebellion in her heart, General Kelly must decide where his loyalty truly lies.” This teases the internal and external conflicts, presenting a complex character whose decisions will have significant repercussions.
End with a Question or Mysterious Statement: “Is the price of eternal life worth paying if it means sacrificing the human emotions that define us?” Ending with a provocative question or statement like this leaves readers pondering deep themes and eager to dive into the book to explore the answers.
These strategies not only highlight key aspects of the narrative but also engage readers by sparking curiosity and emotional investment.
Real-life book blurb example
Let’s take a look at a very effective blurb from an actual published book. We are specifically looking at Emergency Deep (The Peter Vornado Series Book 1) by Michael DiMercurio. You can find the book here.
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US Navy submarine commander Peter Vornado is at the top of his game in underwater warfare when a devastating illness takes him out of the service — and almost to the grave. Without duty, honor, or something to fight for, his life is as good as over.
But the CIA needs a man like Vornado….
A terrorist cabal has acquired a scrapped Soviet sub from the Cold War — a technologically advanced failure still able to outrun any torpedo or enemy vessel and strike at will. With a nuclear payload, it will enable the terrorists to fire directly on Israel — and throw the world into chaos. All that remains is to modernize the sub with the latest technology.
Only one man can infiltrate the group, take the helm, and stop a holocaust — a man who has already stared down death, and is ready to do battle once more….
The novel blurb is very effective for several reasons:
Engaging Protagonist
Character Depth: Peter Vornado is introduced as a skilled submarine commander who has faced a life-altering illness. This immediately adds depth to his character, making him more relatable and intriguing.
Redemption Arc: The blurb hints at a redemption arc for Vornado, moving from a state of near hopelessness to becoming a crucial player in a high-stakes mission. This personal journey appeals to readers’ emotions and interest in character development.
High Stakes
Global Threat: The blurb outlines a clear and significant threat — a terrorist cabal with a nuclear-armed Soviet sub aiming to attack Israel and destabilize the world. This establishes high stakes that can captivate readers who enjoy intense, global-scale conflicts.
Urgency: The modernization of the sub and the impending attack create a sense of urgency, which is essential for keeping readers hooked and eager to find out how the story unfolds.
Unique Premise
Cold War Relic: The use of a scrapped Soviet sub as a central element adds a unique and intriguing historical twist. It combines elements of espionage, military technology, and historical context, which can appeal to a broad audience, including fans of military fiction and historical thrillers.
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Technological Edge: The sub’s advanced technology, despite being a Cold War failure, adds an interesting layer to the plot, promising sophisticated underwater warfare and strategic battles.
Clear Conflict
Man vs. Terrorist Group: The conflict is straightforward and compelling — Vornado must infiltrate the terrorist group and stop their plans. This direct and clear conflict helps readers quickly understand the stakes and root for the protagonist.
Personal Motivation: Vornado’s personal battle against his past illness and his need for a renewed sense of duty and honor add an additional layer of conflict, enriching the narrative.
Heroic Undertone
Heroism and Sacrifice: The blurb hints at themes of heroism, sacrifice, and resilience. Vornado is portrayed as someone who has already faced death and is ready to do so again to save the world, which can inspire and attract readers who appreciate courageous and selfless heroes.
Pacing and Structure
Concise and Tense: The blurb is concise, with a tense and engaging narrative that quickly sets up the premise, stakes, and protagonist’s journey. This efficient storytelling draws readers in and encourages them to want to read more.
Overall, the blurb effectively combines a compelling protagonist, high stakes, a unique premise, clear conflict, heroic themes, and concise storytelling to attract and intrigue potential readers.
In conclusion
The blurb is arguably the second most important sales tool you have, second only to the cover. Take time to craft it carefully. Put yourself in the shoes of a potential reader. Create a blurb that will make it impossible to put the book back on the shelf, or scroll to the next title.
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