How to Summarize Your Story

November 13, 2014 by David T. Allen

Agents and publishers want a synopsis of your book. Even if you self publish, it’s useful to be able to tell your entire story in as few words as possible.

Leslie and I had to summarize Dream Eater’s Carnival for a writing community. It felt overwhelming, at first, because I was thinking about everything at once.

Then I took a step back. I broke the story into 2,000 word blocks, then summarized each block in forty words or less. All the sudden, it was easy.

If your summary is still too long, start cutting words. If you’ve cut an entire block’s summary, then maybe that block isn’t necessary, or it could be slimmed down further.

Working With Artists: Torch Goose Press Logo
Since we purchased ISBNs from Bowker and were able to associate them with a publishing company, we debated using Torch Goose Press or 150 Degree Books (after the temperature I prepare my matcha at). We asked around, and Torch Goose Press was preferred. (Also, Leslie preferred 195 Degree Books since that’s the temperature she uses for her black tea.) I wanted to add a logo, so I turned to our friend, Lana Hayes.

Japan Day 1: Flight to Osaka
It is with great pleasure that I am returning to Japan, this time with Leslie. It has been five years since I lived in Sapporo, Hokkaido, but looking back is like watching a movie of someone else’s experiences now. I might even have a hard time believing I had ever lived in Japan, if it weren’t for recently seeing my old friend, Tomohiro Suenaga, when he came to visit Pittsburgh and we travelled together to New York City.

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