I have been struggling with making a catchy blurb. Tell me, do you hate it or like it? Does it make you want to read it? No, 1, 2 or 3, neither or a mix?
Blurb 1: A confident, sassy consultant, happily married and successful is mystified when an inexplicable, overnight transformation in her husband’s behavior while overseas, forces her to abandon her previous life in an attempt to solve the situation. Taking her across countries and cultures, encountering medical men and monks, she is forced to take an inner and outer journey to analyse her previous life and relationships in a new light.
Blurb 2: A coming of age novel and love-story, this novel will appeal to readers interested in diverse cultures and countries, science and spirituality and human behavior in crisis. It will appeal to people interested in India and travel, in spirituality-the patient, the carer, the guru and the disciple alike. This novel is an uplifting and motivating story that takes an honest look at how a tender marriage bears the unexpected burden of severe illness when the vows taken in every marriage are life-long and ‘to be together always in sickness and in health.’ It deals unflinchingly with the testing of all ties at times of crisis.
Blurb 3: A confident, sassy consultant sets out on a voyage of self-discovery in her bid to save her husband who displays an inexplicable overnight transformation in behavior and character while travelling. The young wife’s effort to resurrect their life together takes her on a journey through different countries and cultures. She receives support from unexpected quarters while perceptions about what brings value to her life are dramatically altered.
I much prefer blurb 3, the other 2 don't seem quite right. The first seems a little too hard for someone who just skims it over while the second one seems more like a synopsis. The thrid one sells it more to me.
Sounds like an interesting story though. :)
To me the first sentence of blurb 2 stops me dead. blurb 3 is okay-ish. I prefer blurb 1 by a long way except that the 1st sentence needs breaking up.
"Sassy" is not a good adjective if you don't want to suggest that the book is chic-lit - or that the character is likely to make the reader want to slap her face a few times. "intelligent", "sharp witted" or many variations would be less confining and less annoying. You want to show the positive qualities of the character - not potentially annoying ones.
Hope this helps
David
My order of preference from most to least is as follows: Blurb 3, Blurb 1, Blurb 2.