Blurb Alignment Audit
Those two or three paragraphs on the back cover or inside flap of the book tell readers what to expect from the story they're about to get immersed in. Let's make sure we set them up with the right expectations!
What's a Blurb Alignment Audit?
One of the top reasons for disappointed readers and bad reviews is that the back cover (or inside flap) gave the wrong impression about the story inside the book.
It's happened to all of us, right? We pick up a novel because the blurb sounds right up our alley, but then the story we end up reading is not nearly as funny or whimsical or action-packed or romantic or thrilling as we were expecting.
That's why my blurb critiques are focused on accuracy to the content inside the book.
I'm acting as the bridge between you as the author and your future readers, asking:
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What story does this blurb make readers expect?
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Does the blurb accurately represent the book?
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Will readers feel like they got the book they were promised?
I'll be looking at the overall structure of the blurb, the word choices and language used, the emotional tone, and the story elements detailed to answer questions like:
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Who seems like the target audience for this novel?
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Who appears to be the main character, and what seems to be their interior pain point?
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Where and when does the novel seem to be set?
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What appears to be the core conflict of the plot, or at least the core conflict of the setup?
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Does the story look like it's going to be lighthearted? Dark? Scary? Somber?
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What kinds of themes seem likely to be relevant?
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Do any of the things listed above feel like they contradict each other?
*Important notes:
This is a blurb audit, which means I won't be writing the blurb for you. I will read and assess the blurb you have already written.
This is also not a marketing-based service. The Blurb Alignment Audit focuses on reader interpretation and story accuracy, not sales copy optimization.
Types of Blurb Audit
Cold Read
I'll read only the blurb (not your actual novel) and report back on my impressions of:
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who the protagonist is
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what the plot's conflict and stakes are
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what tone and themes are going to appear
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where and when the story is set
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what kind of reading experience readers can expect
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anything that might be confusing or misleading
Great for authors with the DIY spirit, authors on a budget, or authors who just like to know what readers are thinking.
$75
Warm Read Add-On
Add a blurb audit onto a story bible, Editorial Evaluation, or copyedit.
Send in your blurb with the rest of your book, and once I've finished reading it, I'll read the blurb and assess:
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if the blurb accurately reflects the actual story
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if the tone matches the reading experience
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if important elements are overemphasized, underemphasized, or missing
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what specific changes may help improve any of the above
Just ask for a blurb audit add-on when you book!
$75