You’ve probably heard of a blurb, but I’d bet my wobbling TBR pile you’ve read one–every time you pick up a book in a bookstore or click on the link on Amazon to learn more. But writing one for your own work isn’t easy.

Also called a BCC or back cover copy, it’s like a dating profile. What can you tell the reader that will make him/her purchase this book? The tagline on the front of the eye-catching cover compelled them to pick the book up or click on the link. You hooked them. Great! Now you have to make the reader buy it, and an engaging blurb will seal the deal.

Not sure how to start? Check Amazon for some ideas. Every book there has a blurb, but I would check the bestsellers in your genre. You’ll see how the big dogs do it. Once you’ve got a few ideas from checking Amazon, try writing a summary. Remember the synopsis you worked on? Use that to make sure you include the high points of your story. Unlike the synopsis, use more interesting language, exciting action verbs and hyperbole. List and name the main characters, what they want, and the obstacle in their way. Use short sentences with words that create a certain feeling and will draw in the Ideal Reader of your genre– for example the sinister monk, a mysterious secret, or the adorkable boy next door. Oh, and DON’T tell the reader how it ends. Include the stakes. Will they find their way out of the labyrinthine rain forest? Will they be eaten by starved zombies? Will they kill the evil mastermind? What do they have to lose if they don’t?

You’ll probably have a pretty clunky piece of writing, so hone it down. Play with the wording, making sure it’s written in your voice. And definitely do it more than a few times. But trust me, after writing several versions of the same blurb, it all begins to blur. That’s when you call in your writing friends to get new eyes on it. One of my writing buddies is the Queen of Blurbs—it’s like her superpower.

While some contests call for a blurb under 200 words, ideally it should be 100-150 words. Amazon doesn’t give you a lot of room and you’ll want it to be nicely spaced on the back cover. It can be tricky, but don’t give up on this crucial item. With some work, your blurb will sparkle and shine!