This week we are working on your story's blurb. Funny word, yes, but the blurb is oh so important for attracting readers. Let's get started.

What is a Blurb?

A blurb is a brief description of a story typically found on the back cover of a book. On Wattpad, it's the description under Story Details. The blurb's main purpose is to lure readers in and make them want to read chapter one.

Here are some tips we believe to be the most essential to crafting a good blurb.

1. Start with a hook

If the first sentence is dull, readers may not even bother with the rest of the blurb. Startle them with an opening line that catapults them into the setting and the mind of the protagonist.

2. Entice, don't summarize

The blurb is not meant to be a summary of the book. The purpose of the blurb is to highlight the reasons the book is a great read without giving away spoilers. But here's where things get a little tricky. You want to tell readers enough about the plot that they'll want to know more. Teasing them about the secrets but not revealing them.

3. Use a formula

Most blurbs start with a situation, introduce a conflict or problem, and show the stakes if the main character fails. They usually end with a sentence that emphasizes the mood of the story.

4. Aim for 250 words or less

Keep your blurb short and to the point. Just like this tip.

5. Write in the third person / present tense

Your blurb should always be written in third person / present tense regardless of which point of view or tense the story is written, just like the summary.

6. Appeal to your readers' emotions

Most of us read novels to escape, so give readers a blurb that makes them want to get lost in the story. Give them action and suspense. Give them intrigue and passion. Give them characters they want to spend time with. Make sure that when they get to the end of the blurb, they just have to read on.

Genre: Crime / Thriller

Word Count: 120

After witnessing her boyfriend, Malcolm, brutally kill an undercover cop in a drug sting operation, seventeen-year-old Natalee Crogan takes refuge in a small town in Maine to wait out the days until her testimony. Her protection detail, US Marshall Jason Westcott, gets placed on high alert after Malcolm puts out a contract hit on her.

Both Jason and Natalee know that the violent drug runner will stop at nothing to silence the witness who can put him on death row. Now every person on the street could be a potential killer. All Natalee can do is watch her back and hope that Jason will protect her. But it turns out that Malcolm isn't the only one who wants Natalee dead.

See the next chapter, Blurb Activity. for instructions on your assignment.