Today on the show, Jim and Abigail tackle author-submitted blurbs to rip them to shreds and build them back up, one line at a time. Here are this episode’s read-along selections:
--Blurb #1:Author: Andrew Allan
Title: Killers, Bikers & Freaks: A Walt Asher Florida Thriller (The Walt Asher Thriller Series Book 1)
The killers are everywhere.
Watching. Waiting. Ready to protect the secret.
It's a nasty one—power, politics, corruption, murder.
Now, Walt’s running for his life.
Because when he discovered his friend’s body on the riverbank he stumbled onto a deadly conspiracy.
There's only one way to survive. Walt must connect a series of incredible clues, each one propelling him closer to death. He must trust no one. And, he better be ready for anything as he hunts for justice between a dangerous biker underworld and an elite club that indulges the rich, powerful, and ruthless.
You’ll love this book because it’s a quick, suspenseful thriller loaded with action, wild characters, and nonstop excitement. KILLER, BIKERS & FREAKS grabs you and doesn’t let go. Get it now.
--Blurb #2:Author: Stacy Claflin
Title: Mermaid's Song: A Paranormal Academy Romance (Dark Sea Academy Book 1)
I live a double life—and it’s about to tangle me in its net.
I'm Marra Ayers, a mermaid pretending to be human. Or at least, I was. It's over now that my uncle died, making my dad the new king of Valora. My parents are dragging me away from the life I love to our undersea kingdom. And to make matters worse, everybody hates us.
My parents send me straight to the Dark Sea Academy, where the building is creepy and the students are worse. The dean pairs me with a student to show me the ropes.
I get stuck with Bash, who’s one wrong move from being expelled, and showing me around is his latest punishment. He’s as gorgeous as he is arrogant. And an incredible guitarist, as it turns out. Not that it matters. We can’t stand each other, and when my orientation is over, we'll go our separate ways. Good riddance.
Whispers and glares greet me at every turn, and the most popular girl has it out for me. My first night, she tries to kill me. Then, bloodied and bruised, I run into Bash. And this time, he actually seems to care…
He keeps looking at me with concern in his eyes while giving me this crooked smirk. Kind of makes me forget how irritating he is. Almost makes me forget all my problems.
But I can’t let myself get side-tracked by him. I won’t.
If I’m to survive the academy, I need to focus on staying alive. Unfortunately, that means relying on Bash—and he’s a distraction that could very well cost me everything.
Mermaid's Song is the start of a young adult mermaid trilogy that features gripping supernatural drama, surprising twists, dynamic characters, page-turning suspense, heart-pounding action, and angsty romance. It's written by Stacy Claflin, a two-time USA Today bestselling author.
This is a tale for all ages – as long as you have an imagination and love surprises! Purchase it today to start this exciting underwater tale with thrilling new lore that will have you flipping through the pages to find out what happens next.
--Abigail's Targeted Tip:
Put dead people and death threats at the end of your paragraphs (or at least the end of your sentences).
What paragraph endings are you struggling with in your current blurb?
Brian Meeks' book: Mastering Amazon Descriptions: An Author's Guide: Copywriting for Authors
Ready to learn about time management and mindset for authors? Visit www.thejugglingauthor.com
Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to BestPageForwardShow@gmail.com