How I Write Book Blurbs
Seems to be working!
So just the other day (Friday, I think?) I was trying to write my next book blurb and stumped as usual.
Most authors complain that blurb writing feels tougher than writing the book itself, and I get it.
You have to condense an entire story into 100-200 words. How do you pick and choose what to include? How do you switch that writer brain from fiction to marketing?
I’ve kept it simple so far, for both The Fall of Selvandrea and Skyfold, with very similar approaches to both after some research and even a few mini-courses and webinars (some were more useful than others).
Some key elements I go for:
Hook their attention. Fun taglines and curiosity bites from the story go a long way. Grab them as soon as possible.
Introduce the main character and *some* of the worldbuilding (keep it focused on essentials and what will pique your reader’s curiosity).
Show the stakes and the inciting incident. Avoid spoilers where you can, but don’t be so afraid that your reader has no sense of tension — or they won’t bite.
Close it off with some highlights (the more unique/weird/attention-grabbing the better) and genre tropes (marketing gold, right there).
Maybe a final hook (not the same you started with, but maybe building off it?) to seal the deal.
Here’s what that looks like for my upcoming fantasy horror novel, The Father of Shadow and Death:
Beneath the splendor of empires, there ever beats a poisoned heart.
In the city of Naemralda, a glorious capital of untold wealth and glamor, the people of Ceremai live in exile — content but loathed, and ever dreaming of the homeland they left behind. Only a scorned arbiter and failed priest, Braddock Tuzzein, knows the truth.
That the lands they seek, the lands their ancestors escaped at great cost, are home to a fallen god.
Hakaz, the Dark One, whose waking spirits nearly shattered Braddock’s mind with a single touch.
And now, the wolves of the fallen god are coming for them all.
A tale of grisly murders, monsters, and madness, The Father of Shadow and Death follows one man’s doomed quest to save his people — from the wrath of a vengeful god, and the traitors who hound his every step.
But woe to those who would break a man’s soul.
For the shame of the father begets wrath of the son.
Dar’shenna Cere Ma’z.
“Glory to the children of wrath.”
Tentative launch date: November 7, 2025
Cover reveal and ARC release coming very soon!
In other news, I’m finally listening to Far Removed by C.B. Lansdell while wrapping up a short beta read. Otherwise, I’m neck deep in final editing and launch prep. And yes, there WILL be an audiobook for The Father of Shadow and Death. I may stagger the release from the ebook/physical launch depending on how long it takes to record/edit and to see how the response is from initial ARC readers.