Oneworld signs Penguin blurb creator Willder's guide to literary persuasion

Oneworld has signed copywriter and Penguin Books blurb creator Louise Willder’s Blurb Your Enthusiasm: An A-Z of Literary Persuasion. 

Cecilia Stein, editorial director, acquired world all language rights from the author, with publication slated for September 2022.

"Blurb Your Enthusiasm is about those humble 100-or-so words of jacket copy that take seconds to read but can make or break a book – and what they tell us about literary history, the craft of writing, authors from George Orwell to Zadie Smith, genres from children’s fiction to bonkbusters, cover design, the dark arts of persuasion and even who we are as readers," the synopsis explains.

"You'll learn to avoid describing that literary novel on your desk as ‘luminous’ and why a children’s edition of Pride and Prejudice pulls off the best strapline. Packed full of trade secrets, this is a guide for anyone who loves to read, think about and play with words."

Willder has worked as a copywriter at Penguin Books for 25 years. During this time, she has produced blurbs for roughly 5,000 books.

‘‘Writing something longer than 100 words has been a novel and joyful experience," she said. "I'm thrilled to share what I’ve learned about the art of literary persuasion over the years, and to impart a bit of publishing gossip on the way. I hope Blurb Your Enthusiasm will enlighten and delight readers – and maybe raise a few eyebrows in the trade too."

Stein said: "With warmth, clarity and wit, Louise strikes at the heart of how words work. As publishers, we try to make connections between books and readers – and Louise is a secret weapon in this delicate endeavour. I have learned and laughed so much."