The Blurb Game
Art by 19701125s
Writing is such a funny industry. I always think half the war is writing the book and finding a home for it while the other half is finding blurbs, putting together promo and getting people to actually buy my books. This is part of the game. I’m currently searching for blurbs for God’s Leftovers. I’ve had a good number of people interested—ranging from writers who have had work with top 5 publishers to some more niche/cult following writers. I never get too invested though because life gets in the way too often. A writer may have some crazy shit happen and they simply don’t have time or the book may not be their cup of tea. We’re all human at the end of the day and I let that shit roll off my shoulder.
Rest assured, I have some people who have checked in and said they’re digging the book so I just have to be patient. Do blurbs work? I think it depends on the individual’s name, their following and their clout. I’ll pick up a book based off the blurb amongst a number of other factors such as cover art, plot, track record, etc. I mean social proof works though. You see a line of humans outside of a restaurant and you automatically think that shit must be good quality or it’s clever marketing.
I’ve blurbed a couple books in my day. The Beard by Andersen Prunty and Necrosaurus Rex by Nicholas Day (out of print). I recently had an author hit me up to blurb their upcoming novel. I haven’t read it yet but I have read previous work of theirs and they’re definitely good. It’s been a long ass time since I’ve blurbed a book so it feels great to be noticed. Feels like I’m doing something right coming off my hiatus.
In writing news, I’m nearing the finish line of Project Bullet Baby. I'm on track to finish this draft today, do some edits tomorrow, and submit it to the publisher who just so happens to be subscribed to this newsletter. Then I have to finish the final final edits on Black Gypsies which should take a day and turn that into JDO. I’m not playing games. Wamack Season is approaching and I’m war ready.
Currently Watching: Moon Knight & Atlanta Season 3
Currently Reading: Inspection by Josh Malerman, Third World Magicks by Mike Kleine, and Hunger for Death by Joshua Marsella
Currently Smoking: 420 Kingdom Kings Blend Prerolls
This is such a beautiful piece of musical art. The Marry Me grill, Harlem streets, agape love between ASAP Rocky & Rihanna. A lot of people have been hating on this couple and starting rumors since Rihanna became preggo. This is Rocky stepping out, squashing the rumors ,and sharing his exuberant love for Rih Rih in the most grandiose way possible. Even made me a little emotional and brightened my day. I hope I can write a novella that’s the equivalent of this.
Look at this badass art. It’s intense; it’s a vaporwave metal aesthetic. So I click on it because art matters and I judge books by their covers. Chalk it up to taste and human psychology. It’s chill, downtempo vaporwave. Good elevator music in an alternative dimension.
Justin Beiber and Don Toliver link up with the always talented director known as Lyrical Lemonade. This is a catchy bop. Beiber’s laced up in a baklava holed up in some winter landscape with a cute chick. Don Toliver comes through with some complementary vocals and some gunplay. Let’s all spill some coffee this weekend.
French Montana & Kodak Black join forces once again like Vegeta and Goku. Their synergy is off the map and somehow Kodak brings the best out of the usually mediocre Montana. This is an absolute hit and being added to one of my workout playlists.
Until next time, roll up, smoke up and pass the blunt…
Love these !!