As per dictionary.com, the definitions of a blurb are:

 blurb  –noun   

 blurb  n.   A brief publicity notice, as on a book jacket.

Why is my topic on blurbs?

Because there’s been some discussion about them and how much they can mirror other books/ideas to the point where people panic.

Why?

Because they believe their book is exactly the same. But looks can be decieving.

Unless someone plagiarized your words, no two books are exactly alike. Because everyone has a unique voice and writing style.

A couple of years ago I read a blurb from an author. It involved a firefighter and a spell. I thought to myself, did she peek into my computer? Did she read my mind? Did this author overhear me in NYC?  I felt sick to my stomach. My chest felt tight and I was on the verge of tears. In short, I panicked. Why? Because dammit, I had a firefighter and my heroine was cursed! No one would want my book now. Not after someone else had written it and sold it.

Being a host for eHarlequin.com, I’ve had the oppurtunity to hang out with some very smart and sage authors who are really savvy both in their craft and the way they can pick you up by the scruff of your shirt and with the utmost elegance, slap you upside the head and make things right again. Karen Templeton is one of these authors. She’ll remind you that there is no new idea, that most of the stories are different because of our unique way to tell a story. Our voices. And, she’ll also remind you that by the time your book comes out, the one it was “similar” too will be forgotten for the most part. However, she says it much better than I just did.

I purchased the book that I felt was identical to mine on the blurb alone. And I read it and I wasn’t even halfway through the first chapter when I realized what a freaking idiot I was. This book was absolutely nothing like mine. Other than the fact that it had a firefighter in it and there was a spell. The other author’s heroine is a true to life witch and the hero was once a Stock Broker turned Fire fighter.

If I’d have totally scrapped my book because of the one that I thought was identical, none of you would’ve had the oppurtunity to read The Last Thing I Expected and I still wouldn’t be an author, because it’s working title of Cursed was the story that Samhain bought.

So, maybe the old adage of “Never judge a book by its cover” should also include by its blurb. How many misunderstandings have occurred or people have given up because their idea sounds similar?

Thoughts? Comments?