Blurb Your Enthusiasm - A Cracking Compendium of Book Blurbs, Writing Tips, Literary

A dazzling dictionary of book blurbs, filled with writing tips, literary folklore and publishing secrets

A TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR

'A small masterpiece. There is something funny, notable or awe-inspiring on every single page’ Jenny Colgan, Spectator

A joyful celebration of books – the perfect gift for bibliophiles, word lovers and anyone who’s ever wondered, should you judge a book by its cover?

We love the words in books – but what about the words on them? How do they work their magic? Penguin Books blurb wizard Louise Willder joyfully divulges what those 100-or-so words can tell us about literary history, the craft of writing, authors from George Orwell to Zadie Smith, genres from children’s fiction to bonkbusters, cover design, the dark arts of persuasion and even why we read. She also answers burning questions such as:

• Should all adjectives be murdered?
• Is blurbing sometimes maybe lying?
• Which classic novel was nearly called The High Bouncing Lover?
• What are the worst blurbs of all time?

‘The bookiest book about books you’ll ever read – I loved it’ Lucy Mangan

‘Truly delightful...I couldn’t have had more fun’ Benjamin Dreyer

‘Very funny, erudite and profound. A delight!’ Nina Stibbe

About the author

Louise Willder has been a copywriter at Penguin Books for twenty-five years. During this time, she estimates she has produced about 5,000 blurbs. She doesn’t follow people round bookshops, willing them to buy books she’s written the copy for. Really, she doesn’t.

Summary

A dazzling dictionary of book blurbs, filled with writing tips, literary folklore and publishing secrets

Product details

• Authors: Louise Willder
• Publisher: Oneworld
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.10.2023
• EAN: 9780861546169
• ISBN: 978-0-86154-616-9
• No. of pages: 352
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative literary studies; Non-fiction book > Art, literature > Literature: general, reference works; Social sciences, law, business > Media, communication > Book trade, library system; HUMOR / General, LITERARY CRITICISM / General, HISTORY / Social History, Social & cultural history, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Industries / Media & Communications, LITERARY CRITICISM / Books & Reading, LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Editing & Proofreading, Humour, Gift books, Writing & editing guides, Social and cultural history, Writing and editing guides, Literary companions, book reviews & guides, Publishing industry & book trade, Publishing and book trade, Literary companions, book reviews and guides, Gift and novelty books / items