The Blurb Doctor Is In: New Before/After "Tangled Ties to a Manatee"

[MeiLinMiranda]

Three blurbs in two posts: two of my own recent releases, and Kalen Cap's Tangled Ties to a Manatee:

http://blurbdoctor.blogspot.com/2012/05/beforeafter-tangled-ties-to-manatee.html

I have openings right now, but move quickly: they close up fast!

[JRTomlin]

That's great. You're on my list of people to contact for my next novel.

Good luck!

[MeiLinMiranda]

Thanks, JR! I look forward to it.

[E.W. Saloka]

This is our first book so I have no idea what is a good or bad blurb.  They just said write something to catch the reader's eye.

I tried to convey the intro to the story , but our poor little thing is collecting virtual dust.  If you think my blurb needs work let me know.


I think 25.00 is ok for a fee.   

 

[MeiLinMiranda]

E.W., I would say it needs help, but I obviously have a vested interest. For free I'll tell you that you need to read it out loud. The works are getting stopped up in spots, and those become the most apparent when you read the blurb aloud. There are a couple of constructions--including "however," which is one of the big blurb "no-no" words--that have to go. PM me if you want to book an appointment.

[Victorine]

Good luck! You're very good at helping with blurbs, I've seen your work.

I think $25 is a good price. Blurbs are important!

Vicki

[MeiLinMiranda]

Thanks! If you had ad space on booknotselling I'd buy it.

[Victorine]

Hmm, I never even thought about that. Let me do some research and stuff and PM you. I think we might be able to work something out.

Vicki

[E.W. Saloka]

 Thanks Mei Lin,  I appreciate it, I sent you one.

[MeiLinMiranda]

Thanks, E.W.! I look forward to working with you.

[MeiLinMiranda]

The Blurb Doctor now has its own site:

http://blurbdoctor.blogspot.com/

In a few minutes (I hope) I'll be putting up a Top Ten Blurb No-Nos.

[Victorine]

Oooh, that will be great!

I really stink at writing blurbs. Why is that? I've heard others say it too, wring the book is easier than writing the blurb!

Vicki

[Carly Carson]

Sounds interesting. I just posted a link to your blog on my loop. Good luck with your new venture!

[MeiLinMiranda]

Thanks, Carly!

[genevieveaclark]

The Blurb Doctor now has its own site:

http://blurbdoctor.blogspot.com/

In a few minutes (I hope) I'll be putting up a Top Ten Blurb No-Nos.

This is a really good idea.

I really stink at writing blurbs. Why is that? I've heard others say it too, wring the book is easier than writing the blurb!

You know, I've just come around to the idea that it might be a good idea to write a draft blurb before you actually start writing the book? The best blurbs show you the essential, compelling bones of the story, in the compelling style of the rest of the book. That's a super useful thing to have sorted out! It reminds me of this screenwriting class I took ages ago: the instructor dude (who had just made the Black List! Like, high up! So had some idea what he was talking about?) advocated writing whatever theme(s) you'd chosen for your screenplay on an index card, and putting it somewhere very visible. Stuck in a scene? Look at the card. Written yourself into a corner? Look at the card. Just plain don't know what to do? Look at the card.

I scoffed (as I do with...everything), but it turned out to be a really handy tool. And now I'm starting to think...stuck in a scene? Look at the blurb.

Etc.

And then when you've actually written it, you can send that blurb to MeiLin, and she pours the tears of newts on it or whatever she does*, and BOOM. Awesome-time blurb.

*I do not actually think MeiLin is a witch, or habitually makes newts cry. Though if she offered newt tears for an extra fee, I cannot say I would turn her down.

[Italiahaircolor]

Great blog.  It will be very helpful since blurb writing appears to be the universal unraveling.   

[MeiLinMiranda]

Genevieve, you crack me up.

My editor is always pounding on me to do that--essentially write the blurb first, though she doesn't put it that way. One of these days I might do it!

And the Top Blurb No-Nos are up.

[Coral Moore]

However did you know that I was just staring at my blurb hating it beyond all reason?

I may be looking you up soon. 

I'm with Vicki, I hate blurbling. I'd rather write another book.

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

I'll be contacting you soon. First, I have to write the awful blurb so you have something to hack up. 

[j meyers]

What a fantastic idea, especially the blurb blog. Are you going to post before and afters (with permission, of course)? That would be insanely helpful, like Query Shark is for those seeking representation. Nothing like concrete examples to get better at anything.

It is a gift to be able to write good blurbs. (And a struggle for so many of us.)

Really fantastic!

[MeiLinMiranda]

Yeah, I'm hoping to post before/afters, with links to the books of course. I've already got one client pretty much squared away, and when there's sign-off I'm going to post that one first. So there's one more reason to hire me.

I'm glad you guys like the idea so much!

[MeiLinMiranda]

New at The Blurb Doctor Is In: Before and after of E.W. Saloka's "The Far Kingdom (Volumes of the Silver Leaf I)":

http://blurbdoctor.blogspot.com/2011/10/before-and-after-far-kingdom-volumes-of.html

[E.W. Saloka]

Hi MeiLin,   I submitted the new blurb to Bookbaby and the change is showing on Amazon today .   

   B&N takes a little longer maybe a week or so.

Collette in the UK said "Yes Elaine that reads much better and lures the prospective buyer in more. The spelling is all fine too."  She is going to be reviewing our book next month) 

You so totally rock Mei,  Awesome!  (Bill and I love it.)   

[MeiLinMiranda]

Thanks, Elaine, it was a pleasure working with you.

[MeiLinMiranda]

New before and after: Kindleboarder Austin Briggs's "Five Dances with Death," which is a freebie I did here a bit ago:

http://blurbdoctor.blogspot.com/2011/10/before-and-after-five-dances-with-death.html