Wednesday, November 3, 2021

IWSG: Blurb or Title - Which is Harder to Create?

What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group

"On September 7, 2011, Alex J. Cavanaugh launched the monthly blog posting of the IWSG and it has been going strong ever since. On the first Wednesday of every month we share of thoughts about writing on our blogs. We also have an optional monthly question to assist with member's posts, which can be found on the Sign-Up page."


November's Question: What's harder, coming up with your book title or writing the blurb?

My Answer: At first glance, I thought the answer was definitely the blurb! However, after a minute of consideration, I realized it depends upon the book. With Who R U Really?, the blurb was simple to write, but the title took years and countless variations before the final one was decided. I had changed it myself multiple times during the writing process. Then while querying it, prospective agents suggested changes. Once I secured an agent, she, too, thought it needed a change yet again. Finally, the editor at the publishing house said the title would not work. She and I brainstormed via emails for quite a while before landing on the final title. On the flip side, with Unlocked, the title came to me instantly when I was developing the story idea. The blurb, however, was nearly impossible to write because the story is so complicated. I have since learned to write the blurb before I begin working on the first draft of the story. It can always be revised later, but by writing the blurb first, it gives me a sense of direction throughout drafting, and it makes the process of blurb-writing so much easier.


How about you? Do you think one is harder to come up with than the other?


9 comments:

  1. I agree it can vary. I've got better at coming up with titles, but I think it will always be hard to encapsulate a book and make it sound exciting in a few short lines. I'm a pantser so I can't write a blurb before starting - I usually have a very scrappy and rambly outline that's a million miles away from functioning as a blurb, and it changes a lot as I go on. Good you found a system that works for you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It sounds the blurb can serve as a good outline for you. Myself, I have to wait until I've done several revisions and sometimes even rewrites of the book before I can write the blurb.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy IWSG Day, Margo! I couldn't start with a blurb. Often my first draft is the process of working out what I'm trying to say. At this point all of my writing are pieces much shorter than a book. Have a happy and fulfilling November!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I don't know what happened with my comment, but I'll try again. I've been having so much trouble with comments!
    Happy IWSG Day, Margo! I couldn't start with a blurb. Often my first draft is the process of working out what I'm trying to say. At this point all of my writing are pieces much shorter than a book. Have a happy and fulfilling November!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Well, I have a hard time with both, but feel like the blurb is often more critical for reader engagement, which I find to be a lot of pressure!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I agree it can vary. I've got better at coming up with titles, but I think it will always be hard to encapsulate a book and make it sound exciting in a few short lines. I'm a pantser so I can't write a blurb before starting - I usually have a very scrappy and rambly outline that's a million miles away from functioning as a blurb, and it changes a lot as I go on. Good you found a system that works for you.
    Independence Mag

    ReplyDelete
  7. Well, I have a hard time with both, but feel like the blurb is often more critical for reader engagement, which I find to be a lot of pressure!

    Independence Mag

    ReplyDelete