I'm a writer with only two books out and not published by the Big Five. For my debut, I got several better-known authors to blurb my book, mainly through having cultivated relationships with them or through a referral. I've had readers at book clubs mention how they were impressed by the writers who recommended my book so it did help get my name out there. For my second book, I switched genres and cut back on the number of blurbs I solicited from 9 to 4. And I've been asked to blurb other's books as well and like you, felt some obligation to return the favor. But like you and Rebecca Makkai, I'm taking a break. I'm writing Book 3 and I just can't take the time this year. I'd like to see a world where the only blurbs are editorial ones but with press coverage of book releases getting more and more precious, that's probably a pipe dream.
As a writer and a reader I really think it would be way more useful to choose a few quotes from within the book to highlight on the back, rather than blurbs-- past praise too, of course, if it's not a first book--but sample quotes/ passages would actually give a sense of the writing (which is so obviously key!) and the flavor of the book...
Reading a manuscript as a content editor (my day job) is a great deal like reading a book to blurb it. It takes time and concentration to blurb a book. But we have the opportunity to be so helpful in the life of an author! I recall how important my book's first blurbs were and I just can't say no.
I got a lovely blurb from Caroline Leavitt for my second novel and it made a difference. No doubt. As a reader I often buy books based on recommendations and blurbs. I am grateful for all the kind blurbers who have helped me, and I'm happy to pay back the generosity. But I also am juggling time and energy for my own work versus this service to other writers.
I found Rebecca Makkai's discussion about blurbs so comprehensive when she posted it. Very inspiring to read your and her experiences. I blurbed two books this past month and it exhausted me. She talked about managing to find something good to say about all the books she blurbs. That was a challenge with one of the books I read.
The top three emails in my inbox right now are an email with the subject line "Stunning debut praised by Jami Attenberg" sandwiched by "On Blurbs - Jami Attenberg" and "Living in a Post-Blurb Economy? - Kate McKean." You guys. 😂
I'm a writer with only two books out and not published by the Big Five. For my debut, I got several better-known authors to blurb my book, mainly through having cultivated relationships with them or through a referral. I've had readers at book clubs mention how they were impressed by the writers who recommended my book so it did help get my name out there. For my second book, I switched genres and cut back on the number of blurbs I solicited from 9 to 4. And I've been asked to blurb other's books as well and like you, felt some obligation to return the favor. But like you and Rebecca Makkai, I'm taking a break. I'm writing Book 3 and I just can't take the time this year. I'd like to see a world where the only blurbs are editorial ones but with press coverage of book releases getting more and more precious, that's probably a pipe dream.
Wow, I am also not blurbing any books this year.
(It's because no one has asked, but let's not get caught up in details!)
There's still 11 months left baby ;)
As a writer and a reader I really think it would be way more useful to choose a few quotes from within the book to highlight on the back, rather than blurbs-- past praise too, of course, if it's not a first book--but sample quotes/ passages would actually give a sense of the writing (which is so obviously key!) and the flavor of the book...
I like that idea!
Reading a manuscript as a content editor (my day job) is a great deal like reading a book to blurb it. It takes time and concentration to blurb a book. But we have the opportunity to be so helpful in the life of an author! I recall how important my book's first blurbs were and I just can't say no.
I got a lovely blurb from Caroline Leavitt for my second novel and it made a difference. No doubt. As a reader I often buy books based on recommendations and blurbs. I am grateful for all the kind blurbers who have helped me, and I'm happy to pay back the generosity. But I also am juggling time and energy for my own work versus this service to other writers.
I found Rebecca Makkai's discussion about blurbs so comprehensive when she posted it. Very inspiring to read your and her experiences. I blurbed two books this past month and it exhausted me. She talked about managing to find something good to say about all the books she blurbs. That was a challenge with one of the books I read.
The top three emails in my inbox right now are an email with the subject line "Stunning debut praised by Jami Attenberg" sandwiched by "On Blurbs - Jami Attenberg" and "Living in a Post-Blurb Economy? - Kate McKean." You guys. 😂
lol! I wonder what book that other email is about?
It's Olufunke Grace Bankole’s "The Edge of Water" and yes, I bought it. 🥰
Ha!! And it's so good!! I swear I only blurb books I really like!
@katemckean wrote about blurbs today too!