best way to do summaries?

It sounds like you're trying to write a hook -- something like what you read on the back of a book, right? If that's the case, you want to quickly introduce the protagonist, the problem, and what's at stake for them.

However, this isn't what editors and agents want in a synopsis. For a synopsis you want to summarize the entire book, including the ending. They want to make sure your story doesn't self-combust in chapter 22.

Good luck

http://misssnark.blogspot.com - Check out the archives for the Happy Hooker Crap-o-meter. After 600+ hooks, you will have a *very* good idea of how to write a hook.

ted_curtis said:

It sounds like you're trying to write a hook -- something like what you read on the back of a book, right? If that's the case, you want to quickly introduce the protagonist, the problem, and what's at stake for them.

However, this isn't what editors and agents want in a synopsis. For a synopsis you want to summarize the entire book, including the ending. They want to make sure your story doesn't self-combust in chapter 22.

Good luck

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Not to be nitpicky here, but a hook isn't what goes on the back of the cover. Reason being is that it doesn't give enough detail. The hook is what goes into the query letter because it's fairly short and sweet. It's what whets the editor's appetite before they move to the actual synopsis and sample pages. We use hooks in our tip sheets that go out to reviewers.

The back of the cover is a blend of hook and synopsis.

David Gonzalez said:

I'm trying to look for the link of other people's hook-up. I really don't know why but I can't seem to find the link.

Click to expand...

http://misssnark.blogspot.com/2006_12_10_misssnark_archive.html - this is where the Happy Hooker Crap-o-meter entries start. This is from the archives for the week 10th Dec to 16th Dec. Look on the right hand side column (you may have to scroll down a bit) for the other archives by week. after 12/10/2006 - 12/16/2006 there is 12/17/2006 - 12/23/2006 etc.

Wiki? Is that some Hawaiin thing?

priceless1 said:

Not to be nitpicky here, but a hook isn't what goes on the back of the cover. Reason being is that it doesn't give enough detail. The hook is what goes into the query letter because it's fairly short and sweet. It's what whets the editor's appetite before they move to the actual synopsis and sample pages. We use hooks in our tip sheets that go out to reviewers.

The back of the cover is a blend of hook and synopsis.

Click to expand...

Good point. Although I still think of the back cover more of an extended hook than a synopsis, since you really don't want to give away the ending on the back of the book.

ted_curtis said:

Good point. Although I still think of the back cover more of an extended hook than a synopsis, since you really don't want to give away the ending on the back of the book.

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Yes, you're correct. That's why I said it's a blend of both.

After you finish. While you'r writing the story, that's the only thing you need to be doing.

PeeDee's right. Finish the story, because anything can happen to your plot along the way. Once you're satisfied with your manuscript, then tackle how to sell it.

There is a difference between book jacket material and the query letter "hook" and it's one we all grapple with and often miss. The book jacket is a marketing squib aimed at the end reader. It sets up the action, introduces main characters and the conflict, and ends with a summary of the overriding question without divulging the resolution or even the main crisis. The query letter is similar but you're pitching to a professional reader/agent/editor who scans dozens of such pitches every day. Your approach to the hook is different because it must be tailored to the recipient's tastes and stated interest.

I wrote 105 revisions of my first query before submitting to 10 agents, and still got rejected. It's very tough but getting it right is critical because you only get one shot.

There are books on the subject which you ought to research once your project is finished. I'm new here, so I don't know if others have submitted query ideas to the forum members for critique, but that might work--provided you realize that none of us is an agent.