For me, I think more than blurbs it's the authors that champion the book elsewhere (like author's newsletters/ social media) that grabs my attention (sometimes it's highlighting that they blurbed the book, sometimes it's a book that they didn't blurb but just liked). Recommendations like this feel more like you are getting a genuine opinion, rather than x number of words written on assignment. That being said, good blurb writers can really give a sense of the feel/ vibe of the book with how the blurb is crafted (more that this popular thing meets this other popular thing) and that's probably why it resonates more with sellers and librarians because it helps with pairing readers with books based on other things they like.
Genuine--that's an interest point. Writing them, I think you feel some pressure to write a blurb that will get a reader's attention. I always feel some pressure to write something that gives the flavor about the book, as you mention. But mostly it seems publishers want you to say Buy it! Don't miss this one! Does that really help?
If I ever ask you for a blurb, you will be on my A-list. I didn't do any blurbs for my last novel, and it sold almost exactly the same as the previous novel which had great blurbs. My bet is they're helpful for debut novelists trying to establish themselves but less helpful for midlist people unless you get a real powerhouse on the cover.
Will you blurb my novel? lol… I think blurbs will continue to be a marketing tool. I read them when I’m book shopping and it doesn’t matter if I know the author who wrote them, either.
Book nerd here. I read every single blurb and review quote before I start a book. Kind like an appetizer course. Alma, I actually do take your recommendations seriously because I like your work plus you had another life and experience before writing full time and that is useful information.
I'm flattered that you consider my blurbs in picking your reads. Funny,I was talking to a bookstore owner friend before this article posted and she thought readers took blurbs into consideration more than they let on, perhaps.
Ah, blurbs. I don't care much about them but once in a blue moon I would pick up or avoid a book depending on the blurb. I'd rather read a good blurb that actually says something useful about the book. 😊
Thank you all of you for sharing this little unknown part of the Book writing universe! Also yes vote for techs, Awesome bit about the Marvel blurb and any other stories you want to share from the CIA are welcomed :)
Alma, I treasure your blurb of THIS WRETCHED VALLEY and feel gracious that you read it! But yes, blurbs are a very awkward and weird part of this industry.
It's funny; I hate, hate, HATE asking for blurbs, but whenever someone has asked me for one, I'm flattered to death. Honestly, while a blurb from an author I really respect might catch my attention, I usually choose books based on other factors.
And I for one would love to read your tech/societal articles.
Unless you have a Stephen King or a Dennis Lehane blurb, I doubt there will be any spike in the sales ... for non-famous (yet!) writers like us, when we blurb, and the blurbs we get probably don't make a dent. It would be nice to be able to be able to do without. It's hard enough to get people to post reviews, lol!
I believe the author of the blurb article was Christopher Buckley. William Buckley died in 2008, although he still couild be writing from the grave.
Ah, thank you! That's how old I am...
For me, I think more than blurbs it's the authors that champion the book elsewhere (like author's newsletters/ social media) that grabs my attention (sometimes it's highlighting that they blurbed the book, sometimes it's a book that they didn't blurb but just liked). Recommendations like this feel more like you are getting a genuine opinion, rather than x number of words written on assignment. That being said, good blurb writers can really give a sense of the feel/ vibe of the book with how the blurb is crafted (more that this popular thing meets this other popular thing) and that's probably why it resonates more with sellers and librarians because it helps with pairing readers with books based on other things they like.
Genuine--that's an interest point. Writing them, I think you feel some pressure to write a blurb that will get a reader's attention. I always feel some pressure to write something that gives the flavor about the book, as you mention. But mostly it seems publishers want you to say Buy it! Don't miss this one! Does that really help?
Who says you're not an A-list writer?
I'm a realist :-)
If I ever ask you for a blurb, you will be on my A-list. I didn't do any blurbs for my last novel, and it sold almost exactly the same as the previous novel which had great blurbs. My bet is they're helpful for debut novelists trying to establish themselves but less helpful for midlist people unless you get a real powerhouse on the cover.
You're too kind.
As always, good insight.
Will you blurb my novel? lol… I think blurbs will continue to be a marketing tool. I read them when I’m book shopping and it doesn’t matter if I know the author who wrote them, either.
Thanks for weighing in!
Book nerd here. I read every single blurb and review quote before I start a book. Kind like an appetizer course. Alma, I actually do take your recommendations seriously because I like your work plus you had another life and experience before writing full time and that is useful information.
I'm flattered that you consider my blurbs in picking your reads. Funny,I was talking to a bookstore owner friend before this article posted and she thought readers took blurbs into consideration more than they let on, perhaps.
Ah, blurbs. I don't care much about them but once in a blue moon I would pick up or avoid a book depending on the blurb. I'd rather read a good blurb that actually says something useful about the book. 😊
Thank you all of you for sharing this little unknown part of the Book writing universe! Also yes vote for techs, Awesome bit about the Marvel blurb and any other stories you want to share from the CIA are welcomed :)
Alma, I treasure your blurb of THIS WRETCHED VALLEY and feel gracious that you read it! But yes, blurbs are a very awkward and weird part of this industry.
Writing a blurb is a pleasure when the book is as well done as THE WRETCHED VALLEY
Enjoy your regular posts. Another perspective for me since I live in the Midwest and am no longer part of the Baltimore/DC milieu.
Thanks for being so supportive, Dallas :-)
I like blurbs. I do read them. However, the two authors who sway me the most are you and Stephen King.
Hope I haven't steered you wrong yet
It's funny; I hate, hate, HATE asking for blurbs, but whenever someone has asked me for one, I'm flattered to death. Honestly, while a blurb from an author I really respect might catch my attention, I usually choose books based on other factors.
And I for one would love to read your tech/societal articles.
Thanks for the thumbs up for more articles :-)
It is flattering, isn't it. But man, so time consuming...
Great post Alma! Will be interesting to see how blurbless books do in the marketplace. Also, I enjoy your tech pieces, always eye-opening!
Unless you have a Stephen King or a Dennis Lehane blurb, I doubt there will be any spike in the sales ... for non-famous (yet!) writers like us, when we blurb, and the blurbs we get probably don't make a dent. It would be nice to be able to be able to do without. It's hard enough to get people to post reviews, lol!
If the blurb is from an author I enjoy reading then it does help me decide to try that book.