Knowledge Base
Find Answers to Your Self-Publishing Questions: Search Our Knowledge Base and Master the Terminology
Starting
Introduction To Childrens Book Publishing
Creating The Ideal Writing Environment For Childrens Book Authors
The Importance Of Crafting An Effective Book Summary
Brainstorming And Conceptualizing Ideas For Your Childrens Book
Planning
How To Plan And Choose The Right Genre For Your Book
How To Plan Your Story Using Flow
How To Develop Engaging Characters For Your Book
How To Plan The Plot And Key Conflict Of Your Story
Ideal Word Count For Illustrated Books Based On Age And Book Type
How To Define The Time Setting For Your Story
How To Write An Impressive Author Bio For Your Book
Should You Establish Your Own Publishing Company
How To Write A Captivating Book Blurb For Childrens Books
How To Plan The Ending Or Resolution Of Your Story
Setting Your Title And Author Name Before Applying For Copyright
How To Plan Where Your Story Begins
How To Conduct A Competitive Analysis For Your Book
How To Enter The Author Name For Your Book
How To Plan Distribution Options For Your Selfpublished Book
Understanding The Differences Between Fiction And Nonfiction
How To Plan Your Narrative Pointofview Pov
How To Plan The Plot Climax Or High Point Of Your Story
How To Plan The Theme Of Your Book
How To Choose The Right Book Type For Your Story
Typography And Text Design In Illustrated Books Best Practices
Understanding Book Types Formats And Sizes In Childrens Publishing
Structuring Your Childrens Book Plot Climax And Falling Action
Your Childrens Book Tone Theme And Point Of View
How To Define The Place And Setting For Your Story
Writing
Crafting A Compelling Plot In Childrens Books
How To Add Tags To Your Manuscript In Made Live
How To Plan Page Turns With Spread Breaks In Made Live
The Milestone Of Completing Your First Draft
Overcoming Writers Block In Childrens Book
How To Selfedit Dialogue In Your Book
How To Plan The Language And Tone For Your Book
Effective Techniques For Childrens Books
Registrations
How To Set Up And Modify Your Copyright Information In Made Live
How To Secure An Isbn For Your Book A Global Guide
How To Enter Your Isbn In The Section
How To Officially File For Copyright Protection As An Author
Designing
How To Check Your Storyboard And Design For Continuity
Revising Your Books Design And Layout For Optimal Flow
How To Add Back Matter To Your Illustrated Book
Choosing The Right Fonts For Your Book
How To Create A Title Page For Your Illustrated Book
How To Design The Back Cover Of Your Book
How To Set Up And Select Color Choices For Your Book In Made Live
How To Delete Extra Spreads To Avoid Blank Pages In Your Book
How To Add Your Barcode To The Back Cover
How To Check The Visual Appeal Of Your Book For The Target Audience
How To Modify Text Blocks In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Import Final Illustrations For Your Illustrated Book
How To Transfer Your Manuscript To The Storyboard
How To Create Effective Pacing In Your Illustrated Book
How To Use Visual Storytelling In Your Illustrated Book
Basics Of Book Illustration Style And Color In Childrens Books
Creating A Physical Book Dummy For Your Illustrated Book
How To Generate Or Import Placeholder Images In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Design A Book Cover For Your Book
How To Insert Copyright Information Into The Storyboard
Adding A Dedication Or Acknowledgements To Your Book
Prioritizing Accessibility In Childrens Book Design
Selfediting Your Book Layout Fitting The Story To The Format
How To Find And Hire A Professional Illustrator For Your Book
Choosing The Right Illustration Style For Your Childrens Book
Editing
How To Edit With A Final Read Aloud Before Sending To An Editor
How To Selfedit And Proofread For Grammar Punctuation And Spelling
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Illustrations
How To Selfedit For Filler Words
How To Review The Cover Design For Your Illustrated Book
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Clarity
How To Selfedit For Flow By Reading Your Manuscript Aloud
How To Selfedit For Punctuation In Dialogue
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Redundancy
Self Tips And Techniques For Aspiring Authors
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Vocabulary
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Consistency
How To Provide Clear Illustration Notes For Your Illustrator
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Story Structure
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Theme
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Pacing
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Your Audience
Steps To Finalizing Your Manuscript For Childrens Book Publication
How To Find And Hire A Professional Editor For Your Illustrated Book
How To Get Feedback On Your Manuscript
Publishing
Choosing The Perfect Title For Your Childrens Book
Preparing For International Distribution Language Translations And Multiple Formats
Going Global Preparing Your Childrens Book For International Distribution
Understanding Isbn Pcn And Pcip For Childrens Book
Navigating Legal Aspects Of Copyright And Infringement In Childrens Book
Navigating Contracts And Rights For Childrens Books
Navigating Self Vs Traditional In Childrens Books
Marketing
Building An Author Brand And Online Presence
Navigating Book Reviews And Publicity For Childrens Books
Connecting With Key Players Engaging With Schools Libraries And Bookstores
Mastering Book Launches And Promotional Events For Childrens Books
Maximizing Your Reach Utilizing Social Media And Online Platforms For Childrens Books
Mastering Effective Strategies For Childrens Books
Community
Joining Writing And Publishing Communities For Childrens Book Creators
Enhancing Skills With Workshops Webinars And Learning Opportunities In Childrens Book Publishing
Maximizing Your Publishing Success With Made Live Resources And Support
Building Connections Networking With Other Childrens Book Authors
Business
Navigating Literary Agents And Query Letters For Childrens Books
Advanced Marketing Techniques And Analytics For Childrens Picture Books
Leveraging Technology In Childrens Book Publishing
Staying Ahead Keeping Up With Industry Trends And Changes In Childrens Book Publishing
Embracing Diversity Exploring Diverse Themes And Representation In Childrens Books
Mastering The Query Process In Childrens Book Publishing
How to Write a Captivating Book Blurb for Children’s Books
How to Write a Captivating Book Blurb for Children’s Books
Overview: A book blurb is a short, descriptive paragraph that gives readers a glimpse into your story and piques their interest. It’s often featured on the back cover of the book or in online listings. For children’s books, blurbs should be concise (100 words or less) and use vivid details to appeal to the target audience. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between a book summary and a blurb, the purpose of a blurb, and how to write an engaging blurb for your children’s book.
What is a Book Blurb?
A book blurb is a brief, captivating description that highlights the main elements of your book, such as the main character, setting, and central conflict. It’s meant to entice readers, giving them just enough information to spark their curiosity and motivate them to pick up the book.
Unlike a book summary, which provides a comprehensive overview of the entire story (including the ending), a book blurb is more focused on generating excitement and leaving readers wanting to know more.
Differences Between a Book Summary and a Blurb:
- Book Summary: A detailed overview of the story, covering the main plot points, character arcs, and resolution. Typically used for internal purposes, like publisher pitches or catalog descriptions.
- Book Blurb: A short, compelling paragraph (100 words or less) that teases the story without revealing too much. It focuses on creating intrigue and encouraging readers to take action, like purchasing the book.
The Purpose of a Book Blurb
The primary purpose of a book blurb is to hook potential readers and entice them to read more. It’s the first impression readers have of your story and can play a significant role in influencing their decision to buy or read the book.
Why a Blurb is Important:
- Hooks the Reader: Captures attention with vivid language and compelling details.
- Establishes Tone and Theme: Sets the mood and gives readers an idea of what to expect.
- Highlights Key Elements: Introduces the main character, setting, and central conflict without giving away the ending.
- Encourages Action: Motivates readers to buy the book or explore it further.
Tips for Writing a Captivating Book Blurb
1. Keep It Concise and Descriptive
Children’s book blurbs should be 100 words or less. Focus on using descriptive language that engages young readers and their parents. Avoid overly complex language or long sentences.
- Stick to 100 words or less to keep the blurb concise and easy to read.
- Use vivid, age-appropriate language that appeals to children and their parents.
Example:
Join Max, the mischievous little dragon, as he discovers the magic of kindness in a colorful forest filled with unexpected friends! Can Max learn to use his fiery breath to help others instead of causing trouble?
2. Highlight the Main Character and Central Conflict
Introduce the main character and hint at the central conflict or problem they face. This gives readers a sense of what the story is about and what the main character needs to overcome.
- Introduce the main character and what makes them unique or relatable.
- Hint at the central conflict without giving away the ending.
Example:
When a shy rabbit named Bella finds a mysterious map, she must decide whether to leave her safe burrow to uncover the hidden treasures of the Whispering Woods.
3. Focus on Themes and Emotions
Emphasize the themes or emotions that readers will experience. This helps set expectations for the type of story and the overall message or lesson.
- Highlight themes like friendship, bravery, or self-discovery.
- Evoke emotions that resonate with the target audience, such as excitement, curiosity, or empathy.
Example:
Discover the power of believing in yourself as Timmy, a tiny turtle with a big dream, sets out to prove that no dream is too big for a small turtle.
4. Use an Active and Engaging Tone
Use active language and a conversational tone to draw readers in. Avoid passive sentences or overly formal language, as it can make the blurb feel distant or less engaging.
- Use active verbs to create a sense of movement and excitement.
- Speak directly to the reader to create a connection.
Example:
Can Luna the fox outsmart the sly crows and save her forest friends before it’s too late?
5. End with a Question or Call to Action
Leave readers with a sense of curiosity by ending with a question or a hint of what’s to come. This encourages them to pick up the book to find out how the story unfolds.
- End with a question that leaves readers wondering about the outcome.
- Include a call to action, like “Join the adventure!” or “Discover the magic today!”
Example:
Will Felix find the courage to face his fears and become the hero he’s meant to be?
How to Use Your Book Blurb
Once you’ve written your book blurb, use it in the following places to help promote your book:
- Back Cover of the Book: Featured on the back cover to give readers a quick overview of the story.
- Online Book Listings: Used in online marketplaces like Amazon or Goodreads to attract potential buyers.
- Author Website: Featured on your book’s page to introduce it to visitors.
- Social Media Posts: Used in promotional posts or advertisements to generate interest.
Final Notes:
Writing a book blurb for children’s books requires a concise, engaging, and descriptive approach. By focusing on the main character, central conflict, and themes, and using vivid language that appeals to young readers, you can create a blurb that captures attention and motivates readers to pick up your book. Use this guide to craft an effective book blurb and start drawing readers into your story.