I’m interested to hear what the majority of readers have to say. Do you read blurbs (the quotes from other authors either on the front or back cover plugging the book) or do you ignore them?
Personally, I never paid attention to blurbs. But then I interned at a publishing company and blurb acquisition was such a big deal that I found myself starting to noticing blurbs more on the books I was reading. But still, most of the time, I don’t really care what other authors have to say and I just start reading.
Interested to hear your thoughts!
Not if the book comes recommended but, if I’m out there foraging on my own, I use the blurb to refine my choices.
I usually ignore them, to be honest. It doesn’t help that I usually have no idea who the other authors are.
Yep, I read blurbs. I might skip it if I already researched the book, but if I’m on the fence about buying a novel, seeing a name I like and recognize for the blurb would probably sway me.
I don’t (consciously) buy books based off them, but I will skim them cuz I would like to know what my favorite author might think
Sure, but what really sells me is the synopsis and (I have to admit) how much the title draws me
The only times when a title has really been what draws me in is the specific subgenre of shirtless medieval Scottish bodice-rippers. There’s nothing as intriguing as “Bared to Laird” or “Too Scot to Handle”, which are both real titles.
I despise the blurbs. They waste cover real estate and aren’t informational in the least. I’d much rather read a synopsis of the book than what other people think of the book.
Only if it’s from an author I haven’t read yet.
Blurbs was supposed to be a summary of the book on the back of the book.
Now its riddled with quotes raving how amazing the book is and why its groundbreaking literature.
The actual blurb has moved to the inside flap (behind front cover when you open it) now which Ive always detested.
Its more naturaly to flip a book over and read the blurb.
So, no, I usually dont buy a book with the back tattooed in other people’s reviews. Nor do I read those quotes either. Blurb my ass. Dumbest thing ever.
I’ve only ever really noticed one blurb, and that was because it was on a book by an author I didn’t recognize that I was looking at while at a library and the blurb was by Max Gladstone.
And like, Max Gladstone is a name to conjure my attention with.
Was a super good book, too.
I look for starred review blurbs. If I see a blurb from, like, booklist and it’s NOT starred, I pass on the book.
I always read the blurbs for new authors I don’t know yet. The cover is what catches my eye and makes me pick it up. The blurb is what sells me the book.
I just picked a book entirely due to a blurb by an author I enjoy.
I used to review books and have had my review excerpted for a blurb.Nope, never. I see them in almost all the books. But I always ignore it.
I absolutely read blurbs. And I hate nothing more than when it‘s not a synopsis but just some useless testimonials or „praise“. What do I fucking care if some fucking reviewer thought it was „Stunning!“ or some current hot shot author felt „It‘s a revelation!“ when I don‘t even know what the goddamn book is all about because it doesn‘t have a fucking synopsis?!?!? Yes, testimonials on books are my pet fury, why do you ask?!
As a rule, I don‘t buy books where I have to search for a synopsis while stupid testimonials scream at me. I have passed on quite a few books that way, but the testimonials just made me so angry that I couldn‘t look past it. If you still work in publishing, please pass this on. Thank you.
I will read a blurb that talks about the story. I don’t give a fuck about reviews or what famous person thought about it.