The blurb, or “jacket copy” is the sales pitch for your book. It’s the text on the back of your book, and/or in the description box on websites and blogs, that tells readers what the book is about and why they should want to read it. It’s intended to entice and intrigue, to tell them just enough that they’ll want to pick up (or download) your book and read it.
Like a synopsis, or an elevator pitch, this can be one of the hardest things for a writer to put together themselves. It requires summarising thousands of hard-worn words into a couple of paragraphs, somehow capturing all the excitement of the story (in the case of fiction), or explaining the value of important information (in the case of non-fiction), without giving away too much.
If you’re working with a publisher, they will either help you do this, or will do it themselves. If you’re self-publishing, however, you usually have to do it yourself.
Sometimes it takes an outside eye, someone a little more removed from the work, to do this effectively.
With a background in copywriting (specifically for books!) Bothersome Words is well-placed to help you write your own blurb, or to write one for you.
Service
Blurbs are generally 250-300 words. A quick questionnaire will be provided so we can learn a bit more about your work and intended audience. We will also need a two-page synopsis.
The blurb-writing service includes up to two rounds of revisions following the first draft, with additional rounds charged at an hourly rate.
Rates
Each 250-300-word blurb includes two rounds of revisions. Additional revisions at $95/hr in consultation with you.
If Bothersome Words has already edited or assessed your book (within the past 12 months): $300 +GST
If Bothersome Words has not read your book: $350 +GST
If you’d like to book, or if you have any questions, or you’re not sure if this is the right service for you, you can email for a quote.
