A couple of weeks ago, Esther very kindly put out a request for feedback on the blurb for my new novel, Borderline. Even more kindly, so many of you took the time out to read the options and provide feedback. Be assured that every comment, no matter how long or short, was considered and thrown into the mix as I reassessed how it should be worded.
Eventually, with more input from Esther (though I’ll take full responsibility for the final product), I settled on the following:
When the system isn’t working, work outside the system.
A search for a missing man thrusts Rand Scott into the dark realms of homelessness, drug dealing and sex clubs.
Kirsty Moore wants to find her brother Johnny, a one-time rock star.
The police also want him – for murder.
And there are others looking who don’t play nicely.
A simple job turns deadly as Rand uncovers a world where money talks louder than the screams of innocent bystanders.
What was interesting was that the option that was the most popular wasn’t even a proper blurb. As at least one of you identified, it was really a pitch – and I’d used it with an agent earlier in the year. I’d only thrown it in to bump up the number of options. What it highlighted, though, was that shorter was better. So, although it’s almost twice the length of the pitch, it’s still much shorter than the other options I shared.
Talking of sharing, I had put out a similar post on my own website asking for feedback. In it, I’d said that, as a thank you to anyone who commented, I’d send them a free eBook copy of Borderline. It seems only fair to extend that offer to the many individuals who helped out via Esther’s blog.
Although the launch date hasn’t been set, the eBook is already set up. I don’t see any need to wait until launch, which means you have the opportunity to read it before it’s officially available. Or, if you don’t want it yourself, you can nominate someone else. All I’d ask is that you go to the contact form on my website (here) and confirm the email address you’d like it sent to.
Thank you all, once again, for your help. Your input resulted in a much better blurb than I would have gone for.
Esther Chilton 
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