How to Write a Back Cover Book Blurb with Examples

Once you have written your book and it has been edited, and you have decided on your enticing title and found an impactful front cover, the next important step prior to self-publishing is writing the back cover blurb to ‘sell’ your book to potential buyers.

The book blurb is one of the most difficult aspects to write, as many authors struggle to find the words to succinctly tease the story without it reading like a summary or giving away the ending.

When you’re choosing a book, how often do you read the back cover blurb to see what the story or content is about? Usually, along with maybe the first page, the book blurb determines more often than not if you will buy it. This article discusses how to write a back cover book blurb with examples.

What is a Blurb on the Back of a Book?

A book blurb is a teasing and engaging outline of the story (fiction) or content (non-fiction) of 150 words on average.
This is used as the book description when selling ebooks on self-publishing platforms, for example Amazon, and to promote the book on your website and sites such as Goodreads.
It is also the background information where a description of your book is required, such as for an interview with your local paper, on writing blogs and forums, or sending to book reviewers.
It is found on the back cover of most paperbacks, and on the inside of the dust jacket on hardbacks.
Also, just to clarify, a book blurb is not a synopsis. A synopsis is a more detailed and lengthier outline of the book going through all the main aspects of the plot, who the characters are, what happens to them and the general storyline arc. There is some semblance of what happens in the beginning, middle and end, and the outcome/resolution at the end of the book is revealed. A book synopsis is sent along with a query letter when submitting to literary agents/publishers.

How Many Words Should a Blurb Be?

Most blurbs are between 100 and 200 words. 150-200 words being the average for mainstream authors’ back cover blurbs. The text is usually split into 3-4 paragraphs so it’s easy for potential readers to skim to see if their interest is piqued to read/buy the book.

Book Blurbs for Different Genres

How to write a blurb for a fiction book

Tempt readers to read your book without giving them all the details – the who, what, how, when and why. No spoilers, no revealing plot twists and no giving away the ending.
Think 'HELP': Hook. Enlighten. Language. Parting shot…
- Hook – Ensure your first sentence is compelling so readers want to know more.
- Enlighten – Tell readers in a succinct, dynamic and engaging way what your story/book is about.
- Language – use a tone and writing style that reflect your target audience. Also, use powerful words that arouse interest and captivate (see below for more on keywords).
- Parting shot – finish on a question, cliffhanger or intrigue so the reader has no choice but to read your book…
Your objective is to enthral a potential new audience to emotionally invest in your characters and embark on a journey as they read your story. They do not need to know what happens in chronological order, they just need to know what makes it interesting and why they should take the time to read it.

How to write a blurb for a non-fiction book

Tell the readers what questions your book answers, the solutions for the problems you discuss, and how you will help to enlighten, encourage or teach them about your subject.
Be clear about how your readers will benefit from reading your book and list the aspects, such as bullet points, showing the take-away messages/aspects from your content.

How to write a blurb for an autobiography

Talk in the third person, only include pertinent information and stick to the facts whilst being humble about yourself… Also, try to resist turning the blurb into an author bio, as this is another description often required for the front matter (front pages of a book) or inside the dust jacket on hardbacks and on your author profile page when selling on Amazon, etc.

See below for examples of bestseller book blurbs in different genres.

How to Write the Back Blurb for Your Book

Here is an outline showing how to structure your back cover blurb so it covers all the relevant points required to hook readers:

Introduce the main character.
Outline the main conflict.
What are the stakes at stake?
Dynamic words that evoke emotion and visual imagery (also use these as a basis for keywords when categorising your book on self-publishing platforms).

See the book blurb for Lies by T.M. Logan as an example highlighting these aspects:

(1) Joe Lynch is just an ordinary happily-married man – (2) until one split-second decision throws his life into crisis.

(3) When Joe sees his wife having a confrontation with family friend Ben, it's the first hint that she's been lying to him - about everything. And when he steps in to protect her, a harmless shove knocks Ben to the ground. And he's not moving…

(4) Gripping, unputdownable and packed with twists and turns from the first page to the very last, this stunning psychological thriller will make you question whether we can ever really trust the ones we love…

Blurb Examples of Bestselling Books

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

(1) Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun teashop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

(2) What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

(3) Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

(4) What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time. (128 words)

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

'Lock Cromwell in a deep dungeon in the morning,' says Thomas More, 'and when you come back that night he'll be sitting on a plush cushion eating larks' tongues, and all the gaolers will owe him money.'

(1) England, the 1520s. Henry VIII is on the throne, (2) but has no heir. (3) Cardinal Wolsey is his chief advisor, charged with securing the divorce the pope refuses to grant. Into this atmosphere of distrust and need comes Thomas Cromwell, first as Wolsey's clerk, and later his successor.

(4) Cromwell is a wholly original man: the son of a brutal blacksmith, a political genius, a briber, a charmer, a bully, a man with a delicate and deadly expertise in manipulating people and events. Ruthless in pursuit of his own interests, he is as ambitious in his wider politics as he is for himself. His reforming agenda is carried out in the grip of a self-interested parliament and a king who fluctuates between romantic passions and murderous rages. (162 words)

Blue Moon by Lee Child

It's a random universe, but once in a blue moon things turn out just right. In a nameless city, two rival criminal gangs are competing for control. (1) But they hadn’t counted on Jack Reacher arriving on their patch. Reacher is trained to notice things.

(2) He’s on a Greyhound bus, watching an elderly man sleeping in his seat, with a fat envelope of cash hanging out of his pocket. Another passenger is watching too … hoping to get rich quick.

(3) As the mugger makes his move, Reacher steps in.

(4) The old man is grateful, yet he turns down Reacher’s offer to help him home. He’s vulnerable, scared, and clearly in big, big trouble. What hold could the gangs have on the old guy? Will Reacher be in time to stop bad things happening? The odds are better with Reacher involved. That's for damn sure. (143 words)

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

(1) Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. ‘Jess and Jason’, she calls them. Their life – as she sees it – is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy.

(2) And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough.

(3) Now everything’s changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s only watched from afar.

(4) Now they’ll see; she’s much more than just the girl on the train… (114 words)

The Beast of Buckingham Palace by David Walliams

It is 2120 and London is in ruins.

(1) The young Prince Alfred has never known a life outside Buckingham Palace – (2) but when strange goings-on breach its walls and stalk the corridors in the dead of night, he is thrust into a world of mystery, adventure and monsters.

(3) And when his mother, the Queen, is dragged away to the Tower of London, Alfred must screw up his courage and battle to save her, himself… and the entire city.

(4) In a future of myths and legends, join the bestselling David Walliams and venture forth into his most enthralling tale yet! (98 words)

The Salt Path by Raynor Winn

(1) Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years, is terminally ill, their home is taken away and they lose their livelihood. (2) With nothing left and little time, they make the brave and impulsive decision to walk the 630 miles of the sea-swept South West Coast Path, from Somerset to Dorset, via Devon and Cornwall.

(3) Carrying only the essentials for survival on their backs, they live wild in the ancient, weathered landscape of cliffs, sea and sky. Yet through every step, every encounter and every test along the way, their walk becomes a remarkable journey.

(4) The Salt Path is an honest and life-affirming true story of coming to terms with grief and the healing power of the natural world. Ultimately, it is a portrayal of home, and how it can be lost, rebuilt and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways. (143 words)

An Improbable Life: The Autobiography by Trevor McDonald

(1) Sir Trevor McDonald is an extraordinary man - and he has led an improbable life. Now in his 80th year, he is known and loved by people the world over for his humility, charm and natural ease. As a natural storyteller and communicator, he has few equals.

(2) In An Improbable Life, Sir Trevor recounts his personal experience of world events and interviews with globally famous - or notorious - figures. (3) He has witnessed war and death and risked his own life to meet and talk with despots and liberators. We read about his first trip to South Africa, and obtaining the first British television interview with Nelson Mandela; his reflections on the Windrush generation; and experiencing Barack Obama's momentous inauguration as President of the USA. We are also present at his dramatic meetings with Saddam Hussein (the first and only one by a British television correspondent) and Muammar Gaddafi.

(4) Engaging, intimate and moving, this is the life story of an exceptional journalist and broadcaster who over decades has expertly revealed to us history in the making. (176 words)

Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness by Vex King

How can you learn to truly love yourself? How can you transform negative emotions into positive ones? Is it possible to find lasting happiness?

(1) In this book, Instagram guru Vex King answers all of these questions and more. (2) Vex overcame adversity to become a source of hope for thousands of young people, and now draws from his personal experience and his intuitive wisdom to inspire you to:
(3)
- practise self-care, overcome toxic energy and prioritize your wellbeing
- cultivate positive lifestyle habits, including mindfulness and meditation
- change your beliefs to invite great opportunities into your life
- manifest your goals using tried-and-tested techniques
- overcome fear and flow with the Universe
- find your higher purpose and become a shining light for others

(4) In this book, Vex will show you that when you change the way you think, feel, speak and act, you begin to change the world. (149 words)

Top 12 Tips When Writing Your Book Blurb

A book blurb is not a summary of your book; it’s to intrigue and attract potential readers.
Try to stick to 150 words (the guide is to aim between 100-200) usually written in 3-4 paragraphs.
Spend a lot of time on your first sentence. Many people won’t read any further if they’re not tempted to find out more. Think impactful and engaging and whether you would want to read the book after reading this blurb.
Use short sentences and separate paragraphs so it’s easy to digest.
Know your target audience and use words and language and words that ‘speak’ to them.
Once written, your back cover book blurb also provides the book description when uploading onto self-publishing platforms (such as Amazon) and on your website, etc.
Think of your book as ‘product’ you are trying to sell and how you would promote it so people buy it. How do companies use tag lines, hooks and ‘calls to action’ to sell their products or services – a book blurb is a very similar premise as it is your sales pitch.
When you have acquired 5-star reviews, add these to your book blurb and Amazon description as extra marketing power.
Don’t give away the ending, plot twist or spoilers in your blurb. Think about film trailers and how they give all the pertinent information and dramatic plot points – they intrigue and enthral.
Be true to the genre: if you’ve written a contemporary romance, don’t write your blurb as though it’s a mystery or thriller.
Write in the third person and avoid clichés or well-worn phrases.
Don’t forget to have it proofread! It won’t look professional if it has spelling mistakes, or punctuation and grammar errors.

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