So You Want To Be A Thriller Writer, A Discussion Group discussion

I call a "Book Blurb" the short eye catching summary of one's book, the reader finds on Amazon, Goodreads, etc.. What do you include in your blurbs without giving out to much and still capture the reader's attention?

The hardest two paragraphs you’ll ever write.

The biggest mistake people make writing their novel blurb is telling too much about the story. They will *describe* their book rather than *sell* their book. That is, they literally write a summary of the plot and action of the book. "The hero discovers this, takes it to so-and-so who plans to steal it, and tries to kill hero who goes on the run."

You have to think of the blurb as marketing copy. It's purpose is to sell the book to the reader. It's got to be short, well paced, and have a hook that snags the reader's interest.

And the blurb has to be well written and edited.

Pete says it best that writing a blurb can be the most difficult part of the writing process.

I think that's a great idea.

Pete wrote: "The hardest two paragraphs you’ll ever write."

Agree.

There is a painful and laborious process known as writing a synopsis.

A synopsis is a summary of the story, from beginning to end, that no one will ever read. Even agents don’t read synopses. Mine asked me for two, one short and one long. Months later I asked her what she did with them. “Nothing,” she said. "I just wanted you to go through the process."

Still, I mention it because, as painful and futile as it is, it is definitely an exercise worth suffering through.

It is also one that, at the end of the process, gives you more clarity when you get to writing a blurb.

Here’s an excellent piece by a friend of mine (also one of my past editors) that asks and answers a critical question:

What is your book about?

http://robbgrindstaff.com/resources/a...

Actually, it's so good that I want to read this book, Gail. Some suggestions: cut out many of the adverbs ( not needed).
Eg: "...dark mystery reveals the disturbed mind of a reclusive man who is given haven in the basement where he works, as long as he keeps it hidden.....tucked away from society, he becomes obsessed with secret longings of a successful life. Intelligent but wounded, Pinch feels his freedom will come only when he seeks revenge from past hurts." You could lose words like 'strangely, which, and a few others. Lead me to the place I can buy this.

Two comments, Gail, does your book only come in Kindle? I only read print books.
Another thing, your blurb can also be shortened; I tried to copy and paste it into e-mail to work on it, yesterday, but for some reason, it didn't work.

There appears to be a very fine line between providing too much information about the storyline of the book and not enough. As a reader what do you want to see? As a writer what do you want to provide the reader to purchase your book?

Short, Michael. I don't read long book blurbs because the writers seem overly-eager and self-indulgent; for the same reason, I don't read LONG reviews.

I like things to the point and not drawn out. What do you prefer to read in a blurb?

Hi Gail,

Your blurb draws me in. As a reader, I want to know a little about the book. Your blurb gives me just enough to spark my interest, as well as tells me the type of book it is. I think this is a good example of providing a short and precise blurb, without giving away the story. Good job!

Gail, you can also lose some of the over-load language: eg: not more and more; lose some of the modifiers;
( I would love to read this), and I wish your books were available in print.

Let me try to copy and paste it into an e-mail and rewrite it for you.

Gail wrote: "How about this one... For "Between the Trees"?
As Anaya Green's private life becomes more and more surreal, we are drawn into the mysterious and newsworthy drama of her job as a newspaper reporter...."

As Anaya Green's private life becomes surreal, the reader is drawn to the drama of her job as a news reporter. While Anaya researches a suspicious suicide, she becomes involved with the investigating detective. However, she turns his theory upside down when she stumbles upon a mysterious message in her backyard that claims the death is a murder. Anaya is personally drawn to a unique family of trees; consequently, fantasy is interwoven with human drama in this unusual story of love, humor, transformation and conflict.

I did it and please let me know when the book comes out in print.

Gail wrote: "Skye wrote: "Let me try to copy and paste it into an e-mail and rewrite it for you."

Fantastic... Can u suggest a good price for my new paperback novel... I guess it will be paperback??"

It depends on size and are you doing it by POD?

Michael, are any of your books in print? I sure would love to read Nik's book.

Print on Demand

Gail wrote: "Skye wrote: "Gail wrote: "How about this one... For "Between the Trees"?
As Anaya Green's private life becomes more and more surreal, we are drawn into the mysterious and newsworthy drama of her jo..."

Just send them along to me.

Skye wrote: "Michael, are any of your books in print? I sure would love to read Nik's book."

I hope soon, Skye.

Me. too.
One of the books I'm reading now can be categorized as ( ha, ha) a psychological mystery, legal thriller, police procedural and a suspense.

That sounds interesting. May I asked the name of the book? The genres are right up my alley.

Immoral

by Brian Freeman: it's his debut,

OK...I want a copy as soon as it's released.

:)

Skye wrote: "by Brian Freeman: it's his debut,"

Great author. I read The Bone House, a few months back. I really enjoyed it. I will definitely check out Immoral. Thanks, Skye.

It is good, Michael, and I also reading Amber Foxx'x The Calling
It is so very interesting and well written, too.

Thanks, Skye.

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is such good news, Gail!!