Thread by @Joannechocolat

Perhaps we should have #TenTweets about BOOK BLURBS next. It seems rather timely, somehow. Follow the hashtag to collect them all! #TenThingsAboutBookBlurbs

1. A blurb, as opposed to a cover quote (which is usually a one-line comment by another author, saying how much they liked the book) is a short synopsis on the back of the book jacket, summarizing the contents for the reader. #TenThingsAboutBookBlurbs

2. That said, its sole purpose is to represent the book in a way that will draw in potential readers, in only a couple of sentences. That doesn't often make for subtlety or nuanced, in-depth analysis. #TenThingsAboutBookBlurbs

3. Most publishers will have either a designated copywriter for creating blurbs, or sometimes the blurb will be written by the author's editor. #TenThingsAboutBookBlurbs

It's also perfectly possible for the author to write their own blurb, especially if they have the conversation with their editor at the right time (ie, before the layout has been finalized); or to rewrite an existing one. #TenThingsAboutBookBlurbs

5. However, writing jacket copy is a specialized task, and not all authors feel able to do it well - although they are usually given the opportunity to discuss the process, and adjust the blurb as required. #TenThingsAboutBookBlurbs

6. If you're not offered this opportunity, ask your editor. The earlier you do this, the more involved you'll be in the process. #TenThingsAboutBookBlurbs

6. If your blurb sounds generic, that's probably because the person who wrote it is writing dozens of these things a day. You, as the author, only have one book on which to concentrate at a time. Personalizing yours should be a doddle. #TenThingsAboutBookBlurbs

7. If you do give it a try, it's worth bearing a few things in mind. First, your blurb is meant only to entice the reader to open the book. That means not trying to give out too much information. #TenThingsAboutBookBlurbs

8. It helps to know where the story is set (and why the reader should want to go there). It also helps to know who the main character is, and why you should care about them. #TenThingsAboutBookBlurbs

9. It also helps for a blurb to contain an unanswered question, in order to make the reader want to know more. And all this needs to deliver the goods in the five seconds the prospective reader picks up your novel. #TenThingsAboutBookBlurbs

10. So if you're writing a book blurb, choose your language carefully. Every word must earn its keep. Think of how the tone reflects the language of the novel. Don't over-use adjectives, and make the ones you do use work for you at maximum capacity. #TenThingsAboutBookBlurbs

10 b) And finally, remember this: it's ultimately your right to decide what goes on the sleeve of your book. But don't expect your publisher to chase you every two minutes for your opinions. If you want to be involved, get involved.