How to write a blurb

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 2

How to write a blurb

What do you think a blurb is?

A blurb is a short, catchy description of a book, movie, or product that gives you a quick idea of what it's about. It's usually found on the back cover of a book or in promotional material. The purpose of a blurb is to grab your attention and make you interested in checking it out. Think of it as a teaser or a mini-summary!

How to write a blurb guide

Know your main idea 

• Before writing the blurb, think about the main thing you want to share. What’s the most important part of your book, movie, or product? This is what the blurb should focus on.

Hook the reader

• Start with a sentence that grabs attention. This could be a question, an exciting statement, or something mysterious. You want to make the reader curious.

Example:

"What would you do if you could time travel?"

Introduce the Key Characters or Elements

• Briefly mention the main character(s) or the main topic of your book, movie, or product. Keep it simple and focus on what will interest the reader.

Example:

"Meet Jane, a young girl who discovers she can travel to the past."

Add the Conflict or Problem

• What challenge or problem does the character face, or what’s at stake? This adds excitement and shows why the story or product is interesting.

Example:

"But when she changes history, she must face the dangerous consequences of her actions."

Keep It Short and Sweet

• A blurb should be brief—usually just a few sentences. You don’t need to explain everything, just enough to make people want to learn more.

End with a Teaser

• Finish with a question or hint that leaves people wanting more. Make them curious about how the story ends or what happens next.

Example:

"Can Jane fix the past, or will she destroy the future?"

Check for Clarity and Excitement

• Reread your blurb. Does it sound exciting? Is it easy to understand? If not, try to make it clearer or more exciting.

Example Blurb for a Book:

"The Time Traveler’s Secret"

"What would you do if you could time travel? Jane never thought she’d find the answer—until she discovers a hidden secret. But when she changes history, she must face the dangerous consequences of her actions. Can Jane fix the past, or will she destroy the future?"

Time to start writing

Think of a film or series you have seen recently. 

Write a blurb.