Write Your Book in a Flash

Think back to the last time you were browsing the shelves of a bookstore. If a book caught your eye, you probably took it down and read the blurb on the back. It may have piqued your interest, or you may have dismissed the book as irrelevant to you and moved on to the next one.

Either way, that one little blurb is responsible for whether or not you decided to buy it. And since it holds the power to motivate potential buyers, it’s the first step of your writing journey.

The key message here is: Your book summary is your starting point.

It may seem strange to write a summary for a book that doesn’t exist yet. But doing so will force you to focus on what you want to share with your future readers. To write it, you’ll need to clarify your vision for the book, and the overall message you want to convey.

Start by writing down 400 words that cover what your book’s about, who it’s for, what answers it provides, and the benefits readers will get from those answers. The summary should make readers feel that you understand the challenges they face, and that the book will give them actionable solutions, not just a bunch of theory. It should also explain why your book is better than other similar titles on the market, and why you are the authority on this subject.

Once you’ve written a summary that covers all of the above, it’s time to get out the scissors and cut your summary down to 50 words, while still addressing all those crucial points. This is the length you’ll often find in online bookstores. You might wonder why you have to write 400 words if, in the end, you only need 50? The reason is that it’s far easier to edit than it is to write a pithy summary in the first place.

Review at least five blurbs of competitors’ books, taking note of what stands out for you and what turns you off. This will help you understand what makes a blurb compelling. Your summary isn’t just the essence of your book. It also serves as a valuable sales tool, so make sure you invest the time you need to do it well.