Laura Antram Editing

Book blurbs

I’ve been thinking about blurbs and how those few sentences give readers a taste of what to expect from a book. The reader gets a snapshot of the author’s writing style and through the synopsis of the book can be more willing to wait for certain reveals and plot points that are alluded to in the blurb. It also means a book can appeal to both existing and new readers, whether the book is part of a series or a standalone.

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5 responses to “Book blurbs”

  1. Sarcasticus Rex Avatar
    Sarcasticus Rex

    Back when my focus was on writing screenplays, the log line and tag line were vital. The tag line was the short, eye-catching sentence on the front of the poster. The log line was like the blurb. It was part of the pitch, to draw in the producer, or whoever you were trying to convince your script was good. Either way, getting someone interested in a work, is of the utmost importance. Without the reader, or producer, your creation goes nowhere.

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    1. lauraantram Avatar
      lauraantram

      I imagine, similar to a book blurb, the log line required you to summarise the premise of your screenplay in a limited number of words. That sounds challenging.

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      1. Sarcasticus Rex Avatar
        Sarcasticus Rex

        Exactly. It was suggested one paragraph/ three or four sentences. It could be challenging, especially when you had to verbally pitch your story/ idea.

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      2. lauraantram Avatar
        lauraantram

        A paragraph doesn’t seem much to summarise something as potentially complex as a premise for a screenplay.

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      3. Sarcasticus Rex Avatar
        Sarcasticus Rex

        Its similar to the description written on the back of a video case. But yes, it isnt much room. So you make sure you make it count. I would think a blurb on the back of a book would be more difficult. There’s usually a lot more substance in a book than a movie. Either way, it can be difficult.

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