Enchanting. Mysterious. Riveting. Book blurbs have been a mainstay in publishing, designed to persuade readers to pick up a book. But now, some authors and publishers are opting to forgo them.

If blurbs did get the axe, would book cover designers rejoice at the chance to display their creativity uninterrupted by a sparkling quote or three? Sadly, my inner Eeyore kicks in — marketing ...