Writing the blurb for a new novel

Writing a book – in my opinion – is much easier than marketing it. As stated in an article on Draft2Digital, crafting the blurb requires a switch from “author” mode to “copywriter” mode, which may not come naturally. Their recommended structure for a fiction blurb begins with a “hook”, and ends with “social proof” such as excerpts from reviews.

My own forthcoming novel No Good Deed is not directly autobiographical, but in keeping with the advice to “write about what you know” it draws on my own experiences ranging from sexual harassment at medical school, my husband’s heart attack, and on a lighter note life coaching and cookery. I’m currently working on the blurb, and here is a draft version. Any suggestions about how to make it more compelling would be welcome. I haven’t (yet) sought help from ChatGPT.

Marriage. Memories. Medicine. Poison.
Charlotte and Henry, a married couple in their sixties, live a comfortable but monotonous life somewhere in the English midlands. Henry recently retired from his post as a consultant pathologist at the local hospital. Charlotte once hoped for a medical career of her own, but following an experience of abuse during her student days she had a “nervous breakdown” and did not complete the course. She now combines being a homemaker with doing good works in the local community, although her efforts tend to misfire. She has recently started seeing a life coach who is encouraging her to be more assertive. When Henry insists that she accompanies him to a medical school reunion she attempts to confront her abuser, with sinister consequences. This tragicomic story ends with a dark twist.

From Amazon reviews of Jennifer’s earlier novels:

You Yet Shall Die: I found the book both intriguing and unusual. I could hardly wait for the story to unfold as family secrets, crime and murder came to light – the ending was totally unexpected. An absorbing read. 

Cardamine: This is a gripping mystery which keeps you guessing until the end, with twists and turns up to the last page.

Three Novellas: Jennifer brings together all her experiences from previous work to produce a superb trilogy finishing with an interesting twist.