[PubTip] Getting Started with Querying: the Difference Between a Query and Back Cover Blurb

For writers embarking on the journey toward publishing their manuscript, perfecting the query letter often proves more daunting than drafting the book itself. This series is meant to shed light on the query writing process and ease some of that uncertainty.

First up: what's the difference between a query and the blurb found on the back of published books?

Both query letters and blurbs follow the same basic structure. They have a hook, a short synopsis describing the characters and basic plot, and an author bio. And while both are marketing tools used to entice someone into reading your book, the key difference is the intended audience. Back cover blurbs are aimed at readers, while queries are meant for publishing industry professionals. A literary agent will likely be the first recipient of your query letter.

The blog Thinking Through Our Fingers has a good, short explanation on the difference between queries and back cover blurbs. Notably, the goal of the query letter is to prove that your book is ready for publishing.

It's in your best interest to go into specific details. A back cover blurb has to be vague about the story's plot so as not to spoil the reader. The same does not apply for queries. Do not be coy about plot twists-- you are trying to showcase to a potential agent that you can write a book that they can sell to publishers.