Blurbs Sell Books

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:

Author: Adriana Licio

Title: Murder on the Road

Can murder be a remedy for a broken heart?

Returning to her beautiful hometown in Italy following the collapse of her engagement, feisty travel writer Giò hopes to mend her broken heart surrounded by her loving family. Instead, she finds herself number-one suspect in the investigation into a brutal murder.

Anxious to clear her name, Giò embarks on her own investigation, eavesdropping on the gossip in her sister’s perfumery and the cafés of Maratea as she pieces together the evidence. But something about the case isn’t adding up. Could the carabinieri be mistaken? Or is Giò allowing her attraction to a fellow suspect to distract her?

Wanting to distance herself from danger, Giò keeps her feelings in check. But when a witness shares evidence that turns the whole case on its head, danger is exactly what is waiting for her.

Murder on the Road is the first book in an Italian Village Mystery series. If you love small villages, are curious about Italian lifestyle, but don’t mind a good murder between a thrill and a laugh, buy this page-turner cozy mystery now.

Author: Eleanor Merry

Title: Dead Aware: A Zombie Journey: (Dead Aware Book 1)

What if zombies are really just looking for acceptance? A post-apocalyptic story based in Canada, written from an undead point of view.

Book descriptions and ads should always convey a clear sense of your book’s tone. Before writing your blurb, define your desired tone. Then review afterwards to see if you’ve hit your goal. 

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

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:

Author: Lindzee Armstrong

Title: Miss Match (No Match for Love Book 1)

Brooke is a professional matchmaker with strict rules for her love life. Luke is her playboy billionaire best friend determined to break them all...

Welcome to Toujour Matchmaking Inc., where your happily ever after is guaranteed!

Brooke has finally achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a professional matchmaker, and now the company is crumbling around her. But she knows who can help—her best friend and billionaire playboy, Luke Ryder. If she can convince him to sign up as her next client, he'll find love and she'll keep her job. It’s a match made in heaven. 

Luke has loved Brooke for eight long years. Now that she’s engaged to someone else, he’s given up hope that she’ll ever see him as anything but a best friend. When Brooke begs him for a favor, Luke is leery to accept—until he finds out that if he doesn’t, she’s moving to Italy with her fiancé. And Luke isn’t about to lose his best friend and soul mate in one swoop. 

Everything is going as planned until Brooke realizes that finding Luke love means losing him forever. Suddenly, her rules to keep them in the friend zone seem ridiculous. Maybe she’s picked the wrong man for her happily ever after. Suddenly, the only match she’s worried about is the one she can’t have.

This is a full-length sweet/clean contemporary romantic comedy that will delight readers who love Hallmark movies. Each book in this series by USA Today bestselling author Lindzee Armstrong can be read as a stand-alone.

Read everything by USA Today bestselling author Lindzee Armstrong!

Author: Robert Kugler 

Title: The Last Good Day (Avery & Angela Book 1)

Two best friends. One last day. One huge secret that changes everything. Who will they be to each other at the end? If you loved Fault in Our Stars-get The Last Good Day now! 

The Rule of Three is your friend! Try incorporating it in both your headline and your selling paragraph to highlight your book’s best elements. 

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

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:

Author: Julia Ridgmont

Title: Emeline's Redemption (The Belles of Wyoming Book 10)

Will she be a shrinking violet or a voice for good?

As a newcomer to the town of Belle, Wyoming, Emeline Haywood wasn't prepared for the trouble that awaited her when a man with less than honorable intentions sought her out. Now, accepting a tutoring position for a greenhorn rancher and his two children, who have challenges of their own, seems like a good way to escape the townspeople's censure. What she thinks will be an easy job however, turns into anything but when disaster strikes. Not only that, but she finds herself taking on a secret identity to sway public opinion in favor of women's right to vote. Can she hold it all together or will another scandal claim her peace once again?

Richard Dodge escaped the life his parents wanted for him when he married the woman of his dreams. But now, that woman is gone, and he's left to raise their two children on his own. Heading westward to Belle, Wyoming to become a rancher seemed like a good idea even though he knew nothing about the profession. But the good folks in Belle are willing to teach him. Good thing he's hired a new tutor who is willing to overlook his daughter's deformity. If only he can keep the circumstances of her birth a secret...

Then tragedy strikes in Richard's family and another member decides to target him. Can Emeline save him in time, and in the process, redeem herself? Will they both be given a second chance to right past wrongs?

Read all 5 books in the Spring/Easter collection of The Belles of Wyoming series. Each book is a standalone, but you won't want to miss a single one!

--Ad:

Author: Patricia Loofbourrow

Title: The Jacq of Spades: Part 1 of the Red Dog Conspiracy

1899 years after the Catastrophe, Bridges is run by the Mob. She turned down the case - so who's following her? 

Character-focused internal conflict and plot-driven exterior conflict: your blurb needs both. Go sentence by sentence through your blurb and highlight whether each features an internal or external conflict. Readjust your focus so that these conflicts are (close to) equally balanced.

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

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:

Author: K.E. Brungardt

Title: Exchanger (Exchanger Series Book 1)

Jessi will be the only Human in an alien University.  

The adventure starts even before she can get to the planet Amorpha as she travels the universe on the Starfinder starship.

She wins a coveted spot as a first-ever Foreign Exchange student to learn about an alien culture while living with an alien family to complete her last year of studies before med school. The honor, however, is tinged with sadness and bitterness. Her brother, whom she’s never known, died on the starship, StarFinder, many years ago when her parents emigrated from one planet to another.  Now she’s traveling on the same StarFinder all these years later. 

But first, she has to survive the trip there.

Jessi’s mother pleads with her to find out why her brother died under mysterious circumstances so long ago.  Jessi reluctantly agrees, even though she believes the mission is almost certainly doomed to fail. After all, her parents had never found the answer so how can she after all these years with very little to go on? However, as she starts digging for information, she finds her life is in danger but hiding from the truth could be even deadlier.

She discovers shocking changes about herself and how it’s related to her brother’s passing. As she uncovers what happened to her brother, she finds out how the crew of the StarFinder is involved in his death.  Starting from wondering what happened to her brother, now she’s pondering what is happening to herself. Will she even live to get to Amorpha and more importantly, do the changes to herself mean she’s really not Human after all?

Author: Katrina Jack 

Title: Silver Flute Trilogy

A boy with no voice will speak for all, not with words, but with music.

Jeremiah Tully is The Flute Player and he will strive to lead the people from darkness into light.

Showing and telling. Exercise: review your blurb and look for areas of telling. Can you rework those for better visual examples? Can you give the same information without broadcasting?

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

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:

Author: Diane Michaels

Title: Ellen the Harpist

Single. Inept at flirting. But at least she’s got talent and a sense of humor. The problem is, she's often the punch line.

Ellen Blum is pretty good at convincing herself she is an adult. Despite her difficulties, she's proud of the cred she has earned serenading brides down the aisle with her harp. Doesn’t being 27 and paying her rent on time prove she’s a grown-up?

Not so much, according to her personal chorus of critics. Josh, a cute violinist, may share her sense of humor, but when it comes to romantic duets, they’re both out of practice. As she dodges the barbs and petty crimes of her bosses and copes with a family crisis, she feels more like a child than ever. She has her heart set on finding love, silencing her critics, and teaching them — and maybe herself — a new tune. But becoming more than the person described on her business card is even trickier than moving her harp.

Author: Lia Manea

Title: Find That Perfect Gift!: Easy Steps to Quickly Find Great Gifts for Any Occasion

"Are you looking for the perfect gift for your wife? Sick of guessing what she would like or having to rely on expensive gifts? Get your copy now!"

Try to reorder your current blurb. Highlight wants and needs. Highlight conflicts and stakes.

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

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:

Author: A. D. Davies

Title: The Dead and the Missing (Adam Park Thriller Book 1)

A brutal international underworld. A lost girl. A PI determined to burn it all.

Former private investigator Adam Park is living a quiet life of surfing and travel. But when a troubled young woman and her manipulative boyfriend disappear, Adam's former mentor cuts that retirement short.

It seems the pair stole something important from the wrong ruthless criminal - evidence that puts his business and reputation under threat.

Using cutting-edge technology, Adam tracks the pair through the Parisian underworld and into an international organized crime network that treats human life like a business commodity.

To survive ruthless traffickers, confront corrupt law enforcement, and return the girl safely, Adam must burn down his concepts of right and wrong, and draw upon violent facets of his psyche that he has long denied exist.

Because Adam is a good person.

Isn’t he?

The Dead and the Missing is a suspense filled, international mystery & crime thriller, a journey that launches a PI from the relative safety of the corporate world to the hard-boiled existence required to get the job done. At any cost to his soul.

Author: Audrey Rich

Title: Masquerading Our Love (A Stonehaven High Series Book 1)

A decade of silence. How long can Christopher and Thalía keep their identities a secret before their parents tear them apart? Buy now to read if...

Thalía and Christopher are torn apart between fate and their parents in this Romeo and Juliet happily-ever-after story. You can buy now to read...

Review each nugget of information you provide about your MC. Does this create a cohesive (and accurate) picture of who they are?

Check out Jim’s Your Favorite Thriller Podcast at www.jimheskett.com/thrillerpodcast

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

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:

Author: Rinelle Grey

Title: Loyal Dragon Shifter (Return of the Dragons Book 1)

He's just an ordinary dragon shifter, she's just a small town librarian. Together they could end a 300 year war, but only if they don't fall in love

With his clan is hunted by a powerful enemy bent on revenge, Jayrian knows he has to do something, even if it means defying the council of elders. He's willing to risk his life - but how about hers?

Gretchen isn't ambitious. She loves being a small town librarian, she experiences plenty of adventures in the books she shelves. Not that she wouldn't mind a bit of adventure with the hot man visiting the library on a mysterious mission. 

Gretchen may seem shy and quiet, but as Jayrian gets to know her, he discovers she's also brave and determined. She's just the person to help him. And everything he can't have if he's going to save his clan.

Loyal Dragon Shifter is a delightful paranormal romance, with a little bit of action. If you like hot dragon heroes, the strong women who mate them, and a heartwarming HEA, then you'll love joining Rinelle Grey's growing clan of satisfied readers. 

Download Loyal Dragon Shifter to visit the Australian outback and find your hot dragon shifter today.

Author: R.M. Gauthier

Title: Christmas Miracle in July

Christmas is full of magic, experience miracles all year round in Christmas Town!

Christmas is full of magic, but miracles come year-round in Christmas Town as this cast of characters fumbles through bombshells in every season!

Don’t tell readers who your characters aren’t, tell them who they are. 

“Gretchen isn't ambitious.” - Is she lazy? Is she content with where she is? Only narrowing things down.

Check out Jim’s Your Favorite Thriller Podcast at www.jimheskett.com/thrillerpodcast

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

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:

Author: Michele Brouder

Title: A Match Made in Ireland (Escape to Ireland Book 1)

Have you ever wanted to press the escape button on your life?

Ruth Davenport writes about romance and happily ever after. But not from experience. After a heartbreaking rejection, she decides a change of scenery is needed. On a whim, she thinks Ireland is the place to go to write her next book. But when she arrives, everything that can go wrong, does. In the middle of the night, she lands on the doorstep of an Irish pub in the middle of nowhere belonging to an enigmatic Irishman.

Sean Hughes needs a woman under his roof like he needs a hole in the head. His policy is to steer clear of all women in general. Besides, he’s too busy running a pub and getting his dream business up off the ground. He has no time to be helping pretty tourists. But he needs some quick cash and she needs accommodation. 

A deal is struck that suits them both. As they spend more time together, they begin to see the other in a different light. Can they overcome their fears and take a chance on happiness? 

Each book in the Escape to Ireland series is a standalone novel and can be read in any order.

For romance books, what drives each character crazy? What traits/qualities/features can’t they resist? Use that as a jumping off point to add some sexy flavor to your blurb.

Check out Jim’s Your Favorite Thriller Podcast at www.jimheskett.com/thrillerpodcast

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

OMG! Twenty-fifth anniversary special episode today!

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:

Author: Ethan Jones

Title: Agent Rising - A Max Thorne Spy Thriller

Max Thorne is a Russian covert operative ... or is he?

Demoted FSB Agent Max Thorne, struggling with a troubled, unknown past and aimless future, accepts a near-impossible assignment: bring a traitor who is hiding in the United States back home to Russia.

Max has never lost any of the high-value detainees he transports, and this mission could prove his allegiance to the agency. But he’d be working in hostile territory, with an untested new team, and his career and life are on the line.

As the Russian team is ambushed while descending on Washington, DC, Max discovers that his fate is inescapably linked to that of the “traitor.” Now there is even more at stake … his mysterious past may tie him to the CIA.

With no time to determine whom to trust, will he find the courage to stand between the Russian service and an innocent man? And in doing so, will Max be deemed a traitor himself?

Don’t introduce new elements in the final cliffhanger. This is where you distill the conflicts mentioned above into a final gut-punch.

Check out Jim’s Your Favorite Thriller Podcast at www.jimheskett.com/thrillerpodcast

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]

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:

Author: Dylann Crush

Title: Sweet Tea & Second Chances: A Second Chance Small Town Romantic Comedy (Lovebird Café Book 1)

The boy next door is about to rock my world...again.

There's no room in my new life for an old flame. Especially not when the sparks still smolder.

But the only way to claim my big city future is by cutting ties with my small town past, and I find myself caught between a rock of regret and the hard planes of Robbie Jordan's chest. 

I only need to survive until he fixes up my grandparents' house and I can cash out. But he's got a truck full of tools and knows exactly how to use them. Not to mention the things that man can do with a hammer...

Snag your copy of Sweet Tea & Second Chances today and relax into Swallow Springs, Missouri, where a cocky rooster rules the roost and all of life's problems can be solved while sipping on a nice cold glass of sweet tea.

Author: Katie Moseman

Title: Gluten Free World Tour Cookbook: Internationally Inspired Gluten Free Recipes

Do you crave adventure?  Learn to make delicious recipes from around the world!

Cookbook author and professional recipe developer Katie Moseman was devastated when she found out from her doctor that she could no longer eat gluten.  Instead of crying over her misfortune, Katie charged into the kitchen to do what she does best: create exciting new gluten free recipes inspired by cuisines from all over the world.

Every recipe in this cookbook has easy-to-follow instructions, helpful explanations of ingredients, and pro chef tips.  You'll enjoy appetizer, main course, and dessert recipes packed with flavor—and every recipe is 100% gluten free.

In this cookbook you'll discover dynamite dips, salads, snacks, and breads; bold sandwiches, wraps, and tacos; pasta from noodles to zoodles; flavorful steaks, stews, and casseroles; plus rice cream, ice cream, cookies, cake, custard, and more!

Buy it today and travel the world, one recipe at a time!

See what happy customers are saying in reviews:

"Who know gluten free could be so delicious?"

"Great to find gluten free recipes different from the same old standards."

"Absolutely love the Know Your Ingredients pages!"

"Simple and easy to make but are so delicious your tastebuds scream thank you."

"This cookbook is a wonderful addition to anyone's collection."

What’s your book’s best selling point? How can you weave in more of that in your description?

Have you ever gleaned useful and surprising information for your blurb from a reader review?

Check out Jim’s Your Favorite Thriller Podcast at www.jimheskett.com/thrillerpodcast

Want to submit your own blurb for consideration? Fill out the form at www.bestpageforward.net/podcast or send an email to [email protected]