Writers spend lots and lots and lots of time writing their books. Well, most writers. Some writers can whip out a manuscript in a few weeks. That is not me. When you add in the research time, editing time, pre-book launch marketing time, etc., it really takes quite a long time to write a book of any substance.
Writers labor over every chapter, every paragraph, every sentence, and, sometimes, every word. Word choice is so important. Words evoke emotions with having to use any adjective or adverbs. A lot of words need no further description. For instance, you can say it was hot out. You might add that it was so hot you could fry and egg on the pavement, just so folks understand exactly how hot it really is outside. Or you could say it was sizzling. Sizzling is a much better, much more description word, right? But, when you’re typing along, “sizzling” may not be the first word that pops into your head so you simply type “hot,” maybe add a “how hot was it?” description and move on while the words are flowing. That’s where the editing process comes in. Find a better word, in this case “sizzling,” and you’re on your way to the best seller list.
Eventually your manuscript it is top form. It’s beautiful. It possesses very few adverbs, no clichés, no plot holes, nothing glaringly wrong. It’s ready to present to the world. But, before you publish, you must now tell the world what your amazing manuscript it about. You must condense all those 75,000 or more words into a couple of paragraphs for your back cover blurb. And . . . those two paragraphs must be the most awesome two paragraph you’ve ever written because . . . you must entice people to choose your book over someone else’s.
Okay. Got it. You spend the next week condensing your masterpiece into two very powerful, very enticing paragraphs. Now you’re ready to publish. But wait . . . there’s more. Now you’ve got to market that bad boy. You’ve got to tell the world that you’ve got a new baby and she’s a beauty and everyone’s going to want it. But . . . you’ve only got a few seconds to do that. Say what?
That’s right, now you must condense those two brilliant paragraphs into two uber-exciting sparkling sentences. Basically, you must take your entire manuscript, the one you’ve spent months writing, and reduce it to two stellar sentences. What’s your book about? But, don’t bore me answering the question. And, oh by the way, you’ve got fifteen seconds. Go!
It’s the most challenging part of writing any book. Reducing so many glorious, carefully chosen words, that you’ve spent a good portion of your life crafting, into a two-sentence elevator pitch. Gulp!! What do I say? I know my story so well I can tell you the entire plot. I don’t really want to simplify it down to a couple of sentences. That’s not doing my work justice! Yet, simplify I do.
Now, I’ve tried writing my elevator pitch BEFORE I start writing my book, but the end result is always a long way away from where I started. It’s almost impossible to write the pitch before the book. At least, in my humble opinion. Stories seem to take on a life of their own and a good writer just follows along and sees where the story’s going to end up. It’s part of the thrill of writing. I’m not thinking about my book in nutshell, I’m thinking grand scheme.
So, basically, telling someone what my book’s about is not really an easy thing to do. It’s about this, but so much more. The characters do this, but they also do other things. It’s a love story, but it’s also a mystery. Aye yai yai!!
So, I must ask, what influences you to buy a book? It is a recommendation from a friend? It is the cover alone? Is it the backcover blurb? Is it a two-sentence marketing pitch on Twitter or Facebook? Do you, as readers have a hard time telling someone else what a book is about when you’re trying to convince them they need to read it? Any secrets to writing a good book blurb? I’m all ears.
Word of the Day: Importunate
Fun fact about me: I have purchased at least one book based on the cover alone.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, October 2020. Images by Google and giphy.com.
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I’ve been through all these things with all 10 of my books. Unfortunately, I never figured out how to promote a book, so in nearly a decade since my first one I’ve only sold a handful of books. Oh, well. I enjoyed writing them.
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That’s the important part David. I think most writers do it because they love it. Marketing is not my forte but I’m learning. My problem is finding the right 2 or 3 sentences to hook readers. That is so challenging. That’s why I like trailers so much. Most people are visual and will remember a trailer before they’ll remember a 2 or 3 sentence tag line.
Yet, onward I go.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I always enjoy the conversation from others who “get” it. Have a great rest of the week.
Patricia
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This is a great take on the angst and rigors of writing. I just recently helped a friend publish a book and in the process learned much about that aspect. Now all I have to do is finish mine.
As for the short blurb I will use…..I’m thinking: “Buy this crime novel. If you don’t, I will find you and I will kill you!”
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Personally, I like your style. You may sell a copy or two with that approach. You’d certainly catch the eye of a lot of government officials. Hey, whatever works. At least people will be saying your name right? It’s good to know your readership.
Reminds me of this meme: (I don’t know how to attach a photo to a comment so I’ll just have to put the quote without the cool image.)
“You’re the worst writer I’ve ever heard of.”
“But you have heard of me.”
Take care and have a wonderful weekend.
Patricia
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Thank you for that quote. Now I will know when I have arrived as a writer. Ha, ha. You have a great week too!
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Write the book, then the real work begins. Arrrrgggh! Blurbs do sometimes convince me to buy books, but only after I check the opening pages to make sure the writing pulls me in. Secrets to writing a good blurb? Don’t make it about plot (“this happens, then this, then this…” yawn.). Good luck, you’ve got this!
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I’ve heard that advice before about not making the blurb about plot. That’s hard too because you want to tell the story. It’s so much harder than people realize.
I always read blurbs before I buy a book, but like you, I usually take a peek inside first as well. Not always, but usually. Fortunately, I’m pretty good about hooking a reader in the first chapter, but that doesn’t carry over into my cover blurb. (sigh)
Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation. Have a wonderful rest of the week.
Patricia
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I think the hardest part of any job is the one which comes last. I have never written a book – my father did and published it and a second edition. We discovered he wrote a novel, and we read the first few pages and decided the publisher was right….. there wasn’t a market for the novel.
I have found the last part of the teaching is the part where I sit down and assess the learning the students have done is the most challenging for me. I dread it and the feedback. I dread the questions…. of why a 9/10 and not a 10/10? or the why haven’t you graded my assignment? That’s where I find myself today. Two days remain in the quarter and we are still protected by screens and likely will be for some time. It’s gonna be a great day, I know it and I can feel it. Peace.
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I never thought of it that way, but you’re probably right. The toughest part of any marathon in that last mile. The toughest part of giving birth is that last push. The toughest part of making any decision is just before you decide. Perhaps if I change my mindset it’ll be easier. “I’ve finished my book – now comes the fun part – telling everyone in one sentence what it’s about!”
I don’t know, it might work. Thanks for suggesting it anyway.
Good luck with the end of the quarter challenges. Bright side – you’ll soon be starting a new quarter!! Yay!!
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!
Patricia
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