Blurb
A blurb is a short description that appears on a book's back cover or online listing that helps sell the book to potential readers. It's like a mini-advertisement that gives readers a quick taste of what the book is about without revealing too much. Publishing professionals use this term when talking about these promotional descriptions. You might also hear it called a "book description," "jacket copy," or "cover copy." Creating effective blurbs is an important skill in publishing because they play a key role in marketing books to both retailers and readers.
Examples in Resumes
Wrote compelling blurbs for over 200 fiction titles that increased online click-through rates by 25%
Edited and refined blurbs and jacket copy for the entire spring catalog
Trained junior editors in writing effective blurbs and back cover copy for both print and digital formats
Typical job title: "Copy Writers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Copy Writers
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Industry Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you approach writing blurbs for different genres of books?
Expected Answer: Should explain how different genres require different approaches - mystery needs hooks without spoilers, literary fiction focuses on themes and writing style, non-fiction emphasizes benefits to readers. Should mention adapting tone and length for different audiences.
Q: How do you measure the effectiveness of a blurb?
Expected Answer: Should discuss metrics like conversion rates on retail sites, A/B testing different versions, reader feedback, and sales data. Should mention experience analyzing what works across different platforms and formats.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What elements make a successful blurb?
Expected Answer: Should mention hook/opening line, establishing stakes, creating intrigue, appropriate length, call to action, and maintaining genre expectations while avoiding spoilers.
Q: How do you adapt blurbs for different platforms (Amazon, retail stores, social media)?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how different platforms have different length requirements, formatting needs, and audience expectations. Should mention experience in adapting content accordingly.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's the difference between a synopsis and a blurb?
Expected Answer: Should explain that a synopsis is a detailed plot summary for internal use, while a blurb is a short, engaging marketing text for readers that avoids spoilers.
Q: What research do you do before writing a blurb?
Expected Answer: Should mention reading the book or detailed summary, understanding the target audience, checking successful blurbs in the same genre, and reviewing publisher guidelines.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic copywriting skills
- Understanding of book genres
- Ability to summarize plots
- Knowledge of basic marketing principles
Mid (2-5 years)
- Strong copywriting and editing
- Experience with multiple genres
- Understanding of marketing psychology
- Ability to adapt copy for different platforms
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced marketing strategy
- Leadership in copy development
- Proven track record of successful blurbs
- Training and mentoring abilities
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to write concisely
- Lack of understanding of different book genres
- Poor grammar and proofreading skills
- No knowledge of book marketing principles
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