By Joan Whetzel
“Blurb” is such a funny, funky little word. Most people have heard the word “blurb” before. Those who don’t write may have an idea of what it means. Those who write for a living, have probably written a few blurbs of their own.
Definition
A blurb is a short description of a product or a written piece. It is generally used as a promotional technique. You see them in mail order and online store catalogs all the time. For writers, blogs are found on the back of a book or the inside cover to give a brief summary of the books contents or fiction story line.
Blurb History
“Blurb” was first used at the American Booksellers Association meeting (1907). Illustrator Gelett Burgess is generally credited with having invented the word. He presented his recent book to Association members, with a bookplate featuring a woman by the name of Belinda Blurb. Ms. Blurb was praising Burgess’s book. Booksellers and publishers loved the idea, and attached the “blurb” in dust jackets from then on. Blurbs are now a standard part of the publishing industry.
Writing Blurbs
Blurbs are a lot like a summary. They consist of 1 to 3 very short paragraphs, running about 2 to 3 sentences each. The idea is to entice the reader into buying and reading the book, without giving away the whole fictional plot or details of the nonfiction material. In other words, spoiler alerts are strictly prohibited.
Online and catalog product blurbs are quite different. The may be a complete sentence or two, depending on the catalog. However, they generally tend to be briefer - 10 words or less – and don’t read as complete sentences. If they were submitted to your English teacher, he or she would throw a hissy fit over the bad grammar. Gotta love English teachers.
So next time someone asks you what your story or idea is about, just give them the “blurb.”
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