I’ve told you what I want in a blurb – the tease, the ride, grab me and pull me in. So what doesn’t work for me?
Giving everything away.
Sounds obvious doesn’t it, but too many times I read a blurb and get the feeling I’ve just been told the whole story. Why should I bother with the book? Think movie trailers which take the best scenes – the only best parts of the whole movie. Happens with books too.
Or worse, what’s told on the back cover (trailer bits for movies) never show up in the book (movie). Not that I want a word for word copy, but I sure don’t want the back cover to be the best part.
Uhm, yeah, I also don’t really care what so-in-so says about your book. Those quips from someone – famous or little famous – they are great for us the writer, but don’t do a thing for me. They take up valuable picture space – story or tag space.
Maybe I’m too picky or in the minority of the audience you’re trying to reach with these thoughts. Let’s go with the fact we all have something to offer and that’s what I’m trying – hopefully.
In the end, you can drive yourself nuts trying to figure a reader out. Do your best, listen to others and sometimes it’s just a crapshoot. You won’t know what works unless you try.