Writing a Summary

Query Quest #1

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Ugh. Summaries are the worst. I suck at them. Every time I try to write up a summary, it ends up sounding like the C+ book report of some middle-schooler. You know the kind, the one that only read the first chapter and the glanced through the rest, looked up the plot on Wikipedia, and called it day.

This will not do! In vain have I struggled, but no longer. I will write a freaking amazing summary and wow agents across the globe!

Maybe.

So, I’m going to start by writing a literal scene/chapter summary. Each section gets a sentence or two. I’m stating facts, not underlying motives, not character viewpoints, just plot.

For example:

Prologue: Illna is Chosen by Kotris, Goddess of Death and Demons, to serve as a Veil. She must renounce all ties to the living world, including her family and the right to marry.

This kills me! There is is much going on in this scene! I am setting up the culture, the characters, the motives, the obstacles. It’s an inciting event, emotions boil over and it is reduced to two stark sentences. Blech!

But, it is what happens in the first chapter. This is the inciting event that sets off the rest of the story. And, if I am limiting myself to just stating facts, this is perfect.

I think I will add a little more though, as it is important to the plot:

Belick, Chosen of the god Phanir, is engaged to marry Illna. He and her parents are distraught, as Veils are seen as embodiments of Death.

And… I think I need a little rearranging:

Prologue: Illna is Chosen by Kotris, Goddess of Death and Demons, to serve as a one of the goddess’ ‘Daughters:’ a Veil. Belick, Chosen of the god Phanir, is engaged to marry Illna. He and parents are distraught, as Veils are seen as embodiments of Death. She must now renounce all ties to the living world, including her family and the right to marry.

That’s better. Still feels so flat compared to the actual story, but that’s kind of the point. The agent and/or editor wants to know the nitty-gritty plot details. They need to be able to judge if the story has weight and merit without having to read the whole thing.

Still hate it.

And don’t worry, I won’t put all the summary here. I don’t want to spoil the twists!

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My first book, Archer 887, was a 2022 Indies Today Awards Contest Finalist, and is on sale now through online book retailers. Pick up a copy, leave a review, and let me know what you think!

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