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Need a Blurb? Meet the Usual Suspects

New writers' book jackets reveal the top 10 lazy comparisons

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 7, 2009 5:43 PM CST
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(Newser) – Blurbs for hot new writers' books unfailingly liken them to a handful of known quantities, Chris Rovzar observes in New York. Here are some of the most-abused blurb comparisons:

  • F. Scott Fitzgerald or Edith Wharton. Writing about crumbling, decadent high society? "If you're a boy, you're Scott; if you're a girl, you're Edith."
  • Candace Bushnell. If your "concept is so good and sexy that you don't have to worry about execution."

  • Hunter S. Thompson. If "your publicist couldn't even get through the book but sensed it would be transgressive, you are a Hunter." If you’re somewhat readable, you’re Kerouac.
  • David Sedaris. The giveaway: "Witticisms so sharp you don't have to worry about the truth."
For the complete list, click the link below.



Pop-culture maven Chuck Klosterman is often the writer who springs to mind for reviewers of books about pop culture.
Pop-culture maven Chuck Klosterman is often the writer who springs to mind for reviewers of books about pop culture.   (Scribner)
David Sedaris, aka the male blurb equivalent of Nora Ephron.
David Sedaris, aka the male blurb equivalent of Nora Ephron.   (Flickr)
Candace Bushnell is the go-to comparison for reviewers of books with sex-related topics or plotlines, written by women.
Candace Bushnell is the go-to comparison for reviewers of books with sex-related topics or plotlines, written by women.   (Getty Images)
David Sedaris, author of When You Are Engulfed In Flames, sees more than his share of stock comparisons
David Sedaris, author of "When You Are Engulfed In Flames," sees more than his share of stock comparisons   (Little, Brown and Company)
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Hunter S. Thompson • Jack Kerouac • writer • book • Edith Wharton • Candace Bushnell • David Sedaris • Chuck Klosterman • authors • F. Scott Fitzgerald

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