Nilanjana Roy says, as an author, she loathes asking for “blurbs” (“Time to ditch gushing book blurbs?”, Opinion, Life & Arts, March 15).
That surprised me. The definition of blurbs must have changed since I was a copywriter at Pan Macmillan 30 years ago. Or perhaps it’s an American thing. I wrote blurbs, and yes sometimes I even read the book. I had a lovely few years on the Fulham Road, reading, popping down to the art department, playing tennis in Battersea Park — an extended lunch time activity — champagne “after-work receptions” for authors, and a bit of writing of course . . . (The habit of overusing ellipsis still plagues me today!)
Quotes from other authors did feature but a favourable review was more common, rather than a begged endorsement. My definition of a blurb is the bit on the back that helpfully gives you a flavour of the book. Authors are much too close to their work to write that bit. Editors are usually over-wordy.
I still treasure a letter I received from the author Rumer Godden saying how I had managed to capture the spirit of her book.
So, long live the blurb! But l do agree — ditch the gush . . .
Sarah Croft
Former Publishing Copywriter, Swansea, Wales, UK
