In the middle of April, Donna Fletcher Crow, asked me if I would write a jacket blurb for her latest novel, A Most Singular Venture.
My answer…
I’d be honored!!!
Approximately two months later I had the privilege of reading Donna’s book.
One of the benefits - I got a peak at this book before the masses :)
Isn’t the cover lovely? I think it’s wonderful with many layers to enjoy, just like the book.
Anyway, my review was due by mid-August. I took about three weeks to enjoy reading the novel, then I gave Donna several blurbs for her to choose from by early July. I also took the liberty of adding a little editing service and pointed out a few minor mistakes I’d found. Donna was grateful and that made me happy.
So here are the blurbs that Donna used:
You can also view them on Amazon (when you click preview), or you can always buy the book ;)
https://www.amazon.com/Most-Singular-Venture-Elizabeth-Literary-ebook/dp/B01LDZEW90/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1476432039&sr=8-3&keywords=donna+fletcher+crow
Now let's chat :)
Do you read blurbs in/on books? Do you like them?
I know I do!
Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Her short story, Disinherited Love, can be read in the anthology, A Kiss is Still A Kiss. Eva Maria Hamilton is also the owner of Lilac Lane Publishing, which has currently published, Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice Colouring & Activity Book featuring Illustrations from 1895 and Jane Austen’s Sense And Sensibility Colouring & Activity Book featuring Illustrations from 1896.
To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com
I always read the blurb on a book. Good blurbs make me want it. If the blurb doesn't hook me, I don't buy the book. From what others tell me, they have the same reaction.
ReplyDeleteExcellent, Karen! Thanks for sharing! I think the only time I don't read the blurb is if I'm going to read the book no matter what and so I don't want to spoil anything. For example, with an author whose work I love.
DeleteI also read the blurb. Cover first, though, and if it catches my eye, then onto the blurb. And like Karen, the blurb does have to catch my eye. Now my husband never reads a blurb, as he says it gives away to much, but for me they're very important.
ReplyDeleteI understand both sides. I think one of the biggest surprises to me when I first published a book with Harlequin was that authors don't write their own blurbs or tag lines. Thank goodness for great editors!
DeleteAbsolutely read the blurb. I expect it to give me the setting, characters and the tone of the book. If the book doesn't live up to the blurb I'm very annoyed and often don't finish the book. It's like the author broke her promise to me. Like Lisa it's the cover that makes me pick up the book in the first place, then the blurb. I also read page one and page one hundred. I heard somewhere that page 100 is important because the author sweat blood over page one, but mid book gives you a truer picture of her/his style.
ReplyDeleteThat is so interesting about page 100. I've never done that, but I'm going to now! Awesome suggestion! It's true, page one can be rewritten a million times :)
DeleteEva, yes I read the blurb … but not all the time. More often than not with a new author's work. An author I know I'll simply jump into the novel.
ReplyDeleteGood discussion and thanks for initiating it, Eva.
I'm with you, depends on the author. I have authors I love and I trust them to write great books :) I remember being so disappointed with reading the blurb for Charles Dickens' novel, Our Mutual Friend, because it gave away the twist! I would have loved to have figured that out on my own or been surprised at the end!
DeleteThank you all for stopping in!!!
ReplyDelete