Glossary · Writing & editing
What is a book blurb?
Definition
Blurb: A blurb is the short sales copy on the back cover and product page that tells readers what the book is about and why they'll want to read it.
In self-publishing, "blurb" usually means the book description — the short copy on the back cover and the store product page that persuades a browsing reader to buy or sample the book. (In traditional publishing the word can also mean a short endorsement quote from another author.)
A fiction blurb introduces the main character, what they want, what stands in their way and what is at stake, then ends on a question or hook rather than a spoiler. A nonfiction blurb names the reader's problem, promises a result, gives a few specific benefits and explains why the author is credible. In both, write for the reader, match the tone of the genre, and keep paragraphs short — many people read on phones.
Most good back-cover blurbs are roughly 100 to 200 words. Online descriptions can be longer, and some stores allow basic formatting such as bold and line breaks; KDP, for example, accepts a limited set of HTML tags. The first line or two matter most, because stores often truncate the description until the reader clicks "read more". Check each platform's current length and formatting limits.
Write the blurb early — it is a useful test of whether you know what your book is about — and revise it after the book is finished. You can update it after publication.