How to Write the Perfect Book Blurb for Your Query Letter: Dos and Don'ts

Writing your book blurb (also known as a summary) can be one of the toughest parts of the querying process. But rest assured there are some tried-and-true dos and don'ts that will help you craft the perfect summary of your novel. In this video, I clarify what a book blurb is (and what it isn't) and what it's used for, then offer specific tips for writing one that catches agents' attention.

DOS AND DON'TS FOR WRITING A BOOK BLURB:
05:33 - Do: Introduce the main character(s)
06:44 - Don’t: Use prefatory language
07:32 - Do: Specify the story’s main conflict
09:17 - Don’t: Give away too many details
09:49 - Do: Entice the agent to discover what happens
11:42 - Don’t: Spoil the ending

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GREAT BOOKS ABOUT WRITING/PUBLISHING:
Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer / https://amzn.to/3VE8dtt
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody / https://amzn.to/3Vyk2Bn
Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum / https://amzn.to/3Z4at03

SOME OF MY FAVORITE NOVELS:
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones / https://amzn.to/3vvWItt
Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips / https://amzn.to/3CFz4Pt
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid / https://amzn.to/3CjFFi5

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RELATED LINKS:
Writing the Dreaded Novel Synopsis:    • Writing the Dreaded Novel Synopsis: D...  
Strategic Tips for Querying Literary Agents:    • Strategic Tips for Querying Literary ...  
How to Choose Strong Comparable Titles:    • How to Choose Strong Comparable Title...  

ABOUT ME:
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with 7+ years of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey—whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.

Feel free to get in touch!

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