Lit Match

How to Write a Query Letter (Part 2): Paragraph Two, the Blurb (or Back Cover Copy)

Listen Later

This is the second episode in a three-part series of episodes on how to write a query letter. In it, Abigail teaches writers how to write the second paragraph of the query letter, otherwise known as the blurb or back cover copy. 

The back cover copy is the most important section in a query letter. Abigail shares important details writers need to make it stand out, some including:

 

3 Key Details Needed in Every Back Cover Copy:

  1. Character: Who is the main character? What do they want? What makes them ironic or the least likely hero for the story?
  2. Central/Main Plot: What is the main plotline? How does the character’s choices impact the plot and vice versa? How can you whittle this down so it’s concise and catchy?
  3. Hook: What makes your story different from others in the same genre? 

    4. ***Jessica Faust and James McGowan list and describe these in their awesome Bookends Youtube video. Check out their channel for more amazing writing tips and advice on all things publishing***

     

    James Scott Bell’s 3-Sentence Method to Write a Back Cover:

    1. Name the main character, their vocation, and their situation when the story opens (also include what they want).
    2. But + “when this happens”: Think of the inciting incident of your story, what throws your character’s norm off course.
    3. Now + “death stakes”: What are the main stakes in your novel—physical, psychological, or professional? How are they spotlighted in your back cover, and why will they be raised as the story moves towards its climax?    

      4.  

      The Secret: Great to include in your back cover!

       

      Example: Abigail analyzes some back cover copy examples to model how a strong back cover includes the details and strategies discussed in this episode. 

       

      Additional Resources:

      • Revision and Self-Editing for Publication (Jame Scott Bell)
      • Query Letter Blurb (Bookends YouTube Channel) 
      • The Five People You Meet in Heaven (Mitch Albom)
        • ...more
        View all episodesView all episodes
        Download on the App Store
        Lit MatchBy Abigail K. Perry
        • 4.9
        • 4.9
        • 4.9
        • 4.9
        • 4.9

        4.9

        57 ratings

        More shows like Lit Match

        View all
        The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers by Joanna Penn

        The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

        614 Listeners

        Helping Writers Become Authors by K.M. Weiland

        Helping Writers Become Authors

        961 Listeners

        The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience by Kelton Reid

        The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

        214 Listeners

        Writing Excuses by Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler

        Writing Excuses

        1,298 Listeners

        The Manuscript Academy by #MSWL

        The Manuscript Academy

        296 Listeners

        Writer's Routine by Dan Simpson

        Writer's Routine

        297 Listeners

        Sarah's Bookshelves Live by Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves

        Sarah's Bookshelves Live

        766 Listeners

        Fiction Writing Made Easy by Savannah Gilbo

        Fiction Writing Made Easy

        1,371 Listeners

        The First Draft Club by By Mary Adkins | Author & Book Writing Coach

        The First Draft Club

        110 Listeners

        The Shit No One Tells You About Writing by Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

        The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

        741 Listeners

        Essential Guide to Writing a Novel by James Thayer

        Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

        356 Listeners

        Writers on Writing by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett and Marrie Stone

        Writers on Writing

        73 Listeners

        Story Magic by Golden May

        Story Magic

        39 Listeners

        The Whole Writer by Nicole Meier

        The Whole Writer

        40 Listeners

        No Write Way with V. E. Schwab by V. E. Schwab (Author)

        No Write Way with V. E. Schwab

        59 Listeners