I’m leading a BAIPA workshop on “How to Write a Killer Book Blurb” on March 19 at 10 am.
The blurb is the book description that appears on the back cover of the book and on your online sales page. You might think of it as the teaser — it’s usually one to three paragraphs and less than 200 words. You want to reveal enough to entice your readers, but hide enough so they want to read more.
Only your cover and title are more important in attracting readers to buy your book.
This is a hands-on workshop. I will display your blurbs on our shared screen and we will work together to make them stronger and sharper.
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Here’s how to register and submit your blurb.
- Register here. The workshop is $25 for members, $40 for nonmembers. Members must log in to register.
- Submit a blurb of 200 words or less to johnbyrnebarry@gmail.com by Thursday, March 17. (Though shorter is better.) One blurb per participant. If you have a book cover, send that too, and I’ll include that on the slide next to the blurb
You need not have completed your book, or even started it, to participate. A compelling blurb can be equally important before you’ve written your book, because it can guide you as you write.
I will aim to give attention to all of the blurbs, but it’s first-come, first-served. We’ll go in the order I receive the submissions. We will cover fiction and nonfiction.
You’re welcome to submit a shorter blurb, for social media or Amazon ads, which limit you to 149 characters. (That’s how many are in this paragraph.)
You can participate in the workshop without submitting a blurb.
To find out more, take a look at my earlier blog post, which has more details about blurbs and the workshop — How to Submit Your Blurb for Our March 19 ‘Killer Blurb’ Workshop.
Author
One of my favorite things about BAIPA is its culture of generosity, the willingness — even eagerness — to share what we have each learned in the process of bringing stories to life. We provide educational programs, networking, marketing opportunities, encouragement, and information on industry vendors and services. And lots of one-on-one advice and mentoring.
We welcome all who have an interest in making connections within the world of independent publishing and learning more about how to publish and sell their work successfully. Together we are raising the standard of independent publishing and helping our members thrive.
Do join us!
—Becky Parker Geist, BAIPA Board of Directors, President
Quick Resources
Current BAIPA members do not need to register for our monthly meetings. The night before the meetings, they will receive the Zoom info. For workshop registration, members can buy a member ticket and will receive the Zoom info the night before the meetings, as well as in the confirmation email.