Back cover blurbs
A blurb is a short summary usually placed on the back cover that hooks readers by introducing the story’s core: character, conflict, and stakes but without giving too much away. Writing it early can help you clarify your premise and stay focused but many author’s prefer to work on it once they’ve finished the story.
Basic Blurb Structure
Usually around150 to 200 words long and written in third person, present tense. However, this has begun to change and there are some great blurbs that use first person, present tense.
It can be tempting to include lots of details that you feel readers need to know, but it’s best to aim for clarity and focus on the following.
1. Main Character & Setting
2. Inciting Incident
3. Goal & Stakes
4. Conflict
5. Final Hook
Main Character & Setting
Introduce the protagonist in their ordinary world. Think about where they are, what their life is like, and what defines them right now. Set the tone and hint at the genre. Give the reader a glimpse of what’s missing or flawed in the character’s current situation.
Inciting Incident
The moment everything changes and something unexpected disrupts the character’s routine or sense of stability. This event pushes them to make a choice or react, even if they’re not ready. Without this, things would stay the same.
Goal & Stakes
What does the character want now and what drives them after the inciting event? Make clear what’s at risk for them personally or how it will impact others if they fail.
Conflict
What stands in the way? Is it internal doubts, external threats, or both? Choose the biggest obstacles and show how they force the character to adapt, grow, or risk everything.
Final Hook
End with a punchy line or teaser that makes the reader want more. Offer a glimpse of what’s to come, a mystery, or a turning point. This should raise a question or promise a payoff that only reading the full story can deliver.
Below are a couple of examples taken from a successful fantasy novel and a long-running post-apocalypse emp series.
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Tagline: ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem and terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.
Main character & setting: With ailing family to support, Evie Sage’s employment status isn’t just important, it’s vital.
Inciting incident: A mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer—naturally, she says yes.
Goal & Stakes: Evie must figure out who is sabotaging her boss and make sure they pay—without falling for him in the process.
Conflict: Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat… and someone wants to take the Villain—and his empire—down.
Hook: After all, a good job is hard to find.
Survive the Unrest by Grace Hamilton
Tagline: In the aftermath of disaster, safety comes with a price…
Main character & setting: It’s been one year since the NWO was defeated. A year since the world got a fighting chance to claw its way out of darkness. But the road back is a long one, and the journey is fraught with danger.
At first, Austin Merryman is relieved to see soldiers in town, tasked with restoring order. He’s intrigued, as well.
Inciting incident: Dr. Lydia Koble is working to establish a regional government in the aftermath of the EMP. And she wants to meet community leaders like Austin.
Goal and stakes: Austin and Amanda set off for a meeting with the doctor, leaving Savannah, Malachi and Andy at the homestead. But they quickly discover Koble is not the benign leader she pretends to be. She craves power—and she’ll do whatever it takes to get it.
Conflict: Meanwhile, Savannah slowly realizes the soldiers at their farm are not there for her protection. She, Malachi and Andy are little more than hostages.
Hook: And their battle for survival is not over yet…
Final thoughts
Remember, these are only guidelines and don’t need to be followed rigidly. You can make any changes you think benefit your story and write it the way you think is best. Have fun and enjoy the process.
Love what you write, and write what you love.
