The three examples above show the variety of similes that can be found in the book. Steps to writing your own back book blurb and back cover. Examples of blurbs to share in your primary classroom. The main difference between a simile and metaphor is that a simile uses the words like or as to draw a comparison and a metaphor simply states the comparison without using like or as. Nov 12, 20 similes explicit comparisons using like or as or than to compare two unlike things. As these final examples demonstrate, good similes and metaphors dont call attention to themselves and flow naturally from the prose. It is part of my existence to be the parasite of metaphors, so easily am i carried away by the first simile that comes along. Metaphor is a figure of speech which makes an implicit, implied or hidden comparison between two things. How to write a blurb for your nonfiction book blurb blog.
Trevor was born to a white swiss father and a black xhosa mother at a time when. Have the students identify the similes and metaphors in the book and then come up with a list on their own. You probably remember learning about literary devices like personification, foreshadowing, and. When you hear about authors being asked to blurb a book. Its safe to say that a wellwritten blurb is absolutely essential to your poetry book s overall success and reputation. Great ideas to write a blurb that works for your book. How to write a book blurb that sells with examples reedsy blog. In her book gone with the wind, mitchell uses a variety of similes to help make her writing more vivid and descriptive. Identify whether the examples are similes or metaphors.
Creating a book blurb, while still technically writing, is closer to a science than an art. As with a lot of figurative language, when talking to someone from another region or someone not speaking in their native language they might. The occult art of the poetry book blurb rachael mead. The occult art of the poetry book blurb on taking up writing it had not once occurred to me that one of the tasks of being a writer might be to come up with those concise, quippy phrases on the covers of books. Youre setting the expectation for the book in the blurb, so make sure that your themes, ideas, and issues match. Whereas, if you can get the vp of macys to blurb your book. Examples of good fiction book blurbs when it comes to writing book blurbs, looking at genres is one of the best ways that you can figure out how a good blurb should go. For an example of simile in prose, read this excerpt from george orwells novel 1984. The common heritage of similes in everyday speech usually reflects simple comparisons based on the natural world or. If youve ever bought a book on impulse, it was probably due at least in part to the blurb on the back or the sales copy on the website. You can even use flashbacks as a plot device, like in the example. In this way, similes can help the reader imagine the fictive world of a piece of literature.
A blurb is a short description of a book that is written for promotional purposes. Punctuation or grammar goofs in this highly visible spot broadcast the message that your book. I try work my way through it on a monthly basis, as a regular part of my writing craft practice. Thats why we will be looking at some more good book blurbs in a few more genres a continuation of the examples of good fiction book.
I just published a guest post which goes into this with some examples. In the movie, annie and moby explore similes theyve read in books. It is published in america, which means that some of the language and spellings sit more comfortably with a us audience, but if one ignores that, the message is still relevant to a uk reader. Be sure that your similes and metaphors serve a purpose to improve your prose and that they dont sound as if you pulled them from a bag of bad metaphors that someone tossed to the curb. Simile, figure of speech involving a comparison between two unlike entities. The use and abuse of similes and metaphors write well. Kdp print and ingramspark require you to upload a front cover, spine, and back cover. Whereas novels focus on creating intrigue and use blurbs that attempt to lure in the reader, blurbs for nonfiction books. Mar 21, 2011 i need about three examples of similes in the novel night by elie wiesel. All you have to do is provide me with some information and i will write one undeniably catchy blurb. How to build the back of a book cover with template.
My wholebrain presenting emanual has just been revised and updated. Its the essence of your book s most exciting features, distilled into a few hundred words. Keep in mind at all times the blurb is what sells the book. Simile meaning as alike as two peas in a pod identical or nearly so as big as a bus very big. Something, ironically, every author i know hates writing. Say, inside the plastic bag, you will find ten different cards with statements on them. From the above discussion of simile examples, we can infer the function of similes, both in everyday life and in literature. Examples of good fiction book blurbs writing rights. This short video is brought to you by publishnation. Figurative language similies, metaphors, alliteration, etc. Similes are almost essential to creative expression from everyday speech to poetry. It typically serves as the foundation for your online book.
It uses twilight as an example, but dont hold that against me. Similes and examples learn with flashcards, games, and more for free. The perfect back cover blurb january 9, 2017 by sophie masson does it even exist, that perfect enticement to readers, that perfect pearl of a teaser which makes you instantly go to the. This article gives you simple steps to follow to write a book blurb, and gives examples of both fiction and nonfiction back.
How to create a back book cover blurb that sells i just published a guest post which goes into this with some examples. How do you write an amazing summary of your story aka a book blurb or synopsis this is specifically for fiction writers who have a great book and need help showcasing it for an agent. Try to place the cards into two separate categories, using your background knowledge of similes and metaphors. A metaphor is a comparison made without using the words like or as in the comparison. Distribute a bag of activity cards to small groups of students. Generally, 150200 words are more than enough for a full blurb. Maybe its because i often feel like the lives so many of us are privileged to live driving cars, flying on planes, and in general consuming way more than our fair share of natural resources here on planet earth are like a family picnicking on train tracks. If they click download free sample, your book has a chance to dazzle them with. Read on to explore the slew of similes presented below. Titles have been suggested by members andor from see more ideas about simile, mentor texts and childrens books. How to get incredible book blurbs for your book medium. So how do we write fresh similes to enrich and deepen our writing. How to write a book blurb stand back and hover above. The images used in this project were taken from the flickr creative commons.
Examples of similes can be seen in classic literature, such as in the poem a red, red rose by robert burns. This collection is a result of a query posted on the oelma listserv in november 20. A simile story by loreen leedy, quick as a cricket by audrey wood, seven blind mice by ed young, duke ellingto. A strong, descriptive blurb is easily one of the most important and powerful selling tools for your book. A simple outline for writing a killer book blurb ink and. Nov 02, 2007 do you know an example of similes in the book uglies by scott westerfeld. Once upon a time, in my 69th column for pcw plus magazine, i commended fifteen thousand useful phrases new york and london. Pinned this last night and spent the afternoon making one with my 9 year old daughter. Having been carried away, i have to find my difficult way back, and slowly return to my senses. Dec 19, 2007 every year, english teachers from across the country can submit their collections of actual similes and metaphors found in high school essays. All of poems used in these examples can be found online via the links included in the reference section at the bottom of this study guide. It now includes all the material and content from my body language e book, so you get two great books for the price of one. Sometimes coming up with the right words for a book blurb can be more stressful than.
Work by convincing readers to take a chance on it, or. Do you know an example of similes in the book uglies by scott. Purchase a swatch kit that contains samples of all the different blurb. Similes and metaphors are often used in descriptive writing to create vivid sight and sound images, as in these two sentences.
Ask the class to identify examples of similes theyve read. The students create similes and metaphors that deal with parts of the body head, torso, legs they then create this flip book. Pathos pentameter persona personification plot poem poetic justice. City of bones is about a teenage girl called clary fray who lives with her mother in brooklyn. Many similes are cliches phrases that are overused and betray a lack of original thought. Examples of similes in poetry with anlysis and references. Examples of books as well as anchor charts and activities for each. If all of this sounds daunting, consider hiring an editor or marketing writer to help you craft your book s back cover copy in the most compelling way possible. These excerpts are published each year to the amusement of teachers across the country. You could create it on your computer or on paper with pens, pencil, paper, crafts, etc. Fail to engage your target readers in that sense, a good blurb is anything but subjective.
In the first, mitchell uses a simile to describe how the girl walked slowly and absentmindedly, as if she was sleepwalking. The passage on the back cover of a book is called a blurb. Similes dictionary kindle edition by sommer, elyse. Entwined by heather dixon wallwork, the near witch by victoria schwab, the iron daughter by julie kagawa, eve by anna care. The back cover of your book is prime real estate for promoting your book. Skin like milk, hair of silk a good book for introducing similes and metaphors. The curious incident of the dog in the nighttime examples. This is no widemargined, bigfonted, doublespaced pamphlet masquerading as a book. How to write a killer book synopsis aka back blurb or. Good similes should be therefore made to make readers think about things in a new way. A simple outline for writing a killer book blurb september 25, 2016 september 25, 2016 kaitlin hillerich in my last post, i mentioned that ive been working on a novella and shared some.
The curious incident of the dog in the nighttime examples of similes and metaphors definition of simile a figure of speech in which two essentially unlike things are compared, often in a phrase. Firstly, highlighting your success in the bookwriting. While theres no perfect formula for writing the best blurb for your novel, there are some patterns worth noting. Add comments for more like this author, back cover blurb, back cover copy, book, collection, compilation novel, how to write, novel, selfpublishing back cover blurb, selfpublishing compilation, short stories, short story, short story collection, short story compilation, writing back cover blurb. The key with fiction is to excite and engage your reader. Because effective similes compare dissimilar things, like visual images with sounds, i made myself a crib sheet of the senses in combination with each other. O my luve is like a red, red rose thats newly sprung in june. Sample books and paper samples we dont offer free books or free paper samples but you can view our paper and book customization options by doing one of the following. You should use wellknow similes with care, but it is certainly useful to know them so that you can understand language that contains them.
Using similes and metaphors to enrich writing part 1. Write the words similes and metaphors on the boardinteractive whiteboard. Explanations and back book cover examples for both fiction and nonfiction. Not only does the tone of this blurb match the rough and rowdy tone of the book, baseball dads, it embraces the same satirical sense of humor with the perilous world of parenting comment. Make sure you supply me with a general synopsis as well. Rhyming text and comical cats explain the differences between similes and metaphors using hilarious. Using similes attracts attention, and appeals directly to the senses of listeners or readers, encouraging their imaginations to understand what is being communicated. Sometimes coming up with the right words for a book blurb can be more stressful than writing the ebook itself. Did students use any of annie and mobys strategies to determine a simile s meaning. Dont worry, in this article, well walk you through the important points to keep in mind while writing your book s blurb, as well as give you a simple blurb template that sells and some bestseller examples. As an author, how can we turn this to our advantage.
Writing a short book blurb is not only fun, but great practice for writing promotional copy of any kind. How to write the perfect blurb examples, formula, opening. The following phrase is an example of metaphor, my brother is the black sheep. Simile can be an excellent way for an author either to make an unusual thing seem more familiar or an fimiliar thing seem more unique. The one that jumped out at me was the potential for disaster was enormous, like a family picnicking on the train tracks. I dream of silent verses where the rhyme glides noiseless as an oar.
Remember the blurb gives the start of the plotline, but dont give away the end. Back cover blurbs for books tips for wrting blurbs that. Over my head the clouds thicken, then crack and split like a roar of cannonballs tumbling down a marble staircase. You may choose to show examples from a text the class is currently reading or from one of the recommended books on the read about it. Authors and poets utilize simile to convey their sentiments and thoughts through vivid word pictures.
As paperback publishing developed, readers began seeing the blurb appearing on the back cover. When you need to write a blurb for a movie, book, or other project, start by writing a clever and catchy hook that introduces some of the characters and setting of the topic. What are a few examples of similes and metaphors from the hobbit. I need about three examples of similes in the novel night by.
For example, if you write a book about popup retail, and you happen to be friends with a famous politician who has nothing to do with retail or any connection, a blurb from her wont resonate with your audience. How to write similes that shine the write practice. Her black cat sulu adopted from the rescue shelter likes to snuggle. However, many self published authors treat it like the hellstrip in front of their house between the sidewalk and a busy street. Knowing which literary elements belong in your book and where is. Blurb distinct from the back book cover blurb is this 12 line endorsement of a book by a celebrity or another author that sits on the book s front cover. The cover of a book is designed to do several things. Metaphor examples and definition of metaphor literary devices. The blurb is a promotional description, found on the back of the book.
Similes and metaphors in holes by alli lampman on prezi. As in the girl on a train example, you can use a question. Similes and metaphors in holes identifying similes and metaphors lets take a look at the following examples and decide whether they are similes or metaphors. The back cover copy you write for your book is among the most important marketing messages youll craft. Here are fifty examples of similes for advanced readers. The aim of your blurb is to leave readers curious and wanting more so much so, that they would actually buy the book.
Similes differ from metaphors by highlighting the similarities between two things that must use like and as, while metaphors create an implicit comparison i. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading similes dictionary. Then write an explanation of what the simile or metaphor means. Being able to use similes to convey more clearly a specific message means mastery. In this exit ticket lesson, teachers are able to assess students understanding of similes and metaphors. Traditionally, it would be found on the inside back cover of a hardback. Here are four steps for writing a blurb to boost your books success. In addition to the example provided in lesson one of a wellwritten book blurb, im including a few examples. If i had the book it would have been a lot easier, plus i read it about 2 years ago. A book blurb also called a back cover blurb or a book description is a short description of the book s main character and conflict, usually between 100 and 200 words, that traditionally is included on the inside cover or on the back of a book. The glow of the tubelight was as bright as the sunshine. Though they knew it not, their babys cries were lovely as jeweled butterflies.
Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. On back covers of books there is usually a summary which attempts to get the reader interested. How to write a blurb definition, examples, and more. Similes give the reader a more vivid experience of the story, calling powerful images to mind. In the simile, unlike the metaphor, the resemblance is explicitly indicated by the words like or as. This site uses cookies to deliver our services, improve performance, for analytics, and if not signed in for advertising. Thats why we will be looking at some more good book blurbs in a few more genres a continuation of the examples of good fiction book blurbs part 1. This page lists the best childrens books that are full of great simile examples. Which excerpt is an example of pathos from the damnation of a canyon. Back cover copy is the blurb on the back of a book. All said and done, using a perfect simile and making it look like you are a natural might take some time and a certain degree of familiarity, but the whole process can be as easy as pie only if you have a hatful of similes up your sleeves to trick your audience. A curse that began with his nogooddirtyrottenpigstealing greatgreatgrandfather and has. Wiesel incorporated similes and other types of figurative language into his book to paint a picture of his.
Thats why you want to write a book blurb that sells. It should introduce your main characters, give an insight on conflict, depict genre and arouse interest. How to write a catchy backcover blurb that sells 2020. Take a look at the blurb examples belowbella andre s, kiss me like this, donna tartts the goldfinch, and e l james fifty shades of grey. Every morning at my house, we eat breakfast at the crack of dawn.
81 1443 1392 1630 709 1386 166 354 154 1444 981 149 294 1161 87 754 1598 347 442 431 35 1660 104 1571 610 1410 552 998 1301 30 670 520 737 805 1024 366 344