Why do we have designs on the cover?
Where do you look next?
What is that bit called?
What is the function / goal?
What makes a good one?
Hook
Relatable character
Conflict
Teasers or spoilers?
Are you targeting everyone? Or certain people?
wrong kind of reader > bad reviews
Elaborate or simple? Long or punchy?
EXERCISE
Pick a story you would like to "blurb" (favourite book / film, a story in your head)
Think about the following key elements:
What's the "hook" (1 killer sentence) that will make people stop and take interest?
Who is your lead character ("Protagonist")? How can you make your ideal reader identify with them?
Who is the "baddie" ("Antagonist") and why should we fear it?
Remember, the Antagonist can be anything which is "against" the Protagonist)
A storm/earthquake
A monster / demon
Leader of an attacking army
What is the threat? Make the "stakes" as high as you can...
What's the question or challenge that the Protagonist has to overcome? "Will they succeed?"