It’s time to look at book summary examples so you can get your book noticed in ways that grab readers and make sales. Learning how to write a book is the first step to self-publishing on Amazon. But did you know that the book’s details page plays a tremendous role in your sales?
You’ve seen them. It’s the book summaries that make you press the Buy Now button, or worst case scenario, scroll on to other books. In this post, I share book summary examples to help you create a road map so you can write your own standout summary.
Book summary examples: what you learn
- What is a book summary?
- What is an example of a summary?
- How do you write a summary of a book?
- Book summary example FAQs
What is a book summary?
A book summary is a brief synopsis of a book highlighting the key plot points and themes throughout the story. Book summaries make appearances in a variety of places, including the back covers of books.
Because of this, a great time to consider book summary examples is when you begin ideating your book cover design. However, book summaries also appear on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and even author websites, such as I do here.
You may even find a book summary on a talk show! Alex Aster is a fantastic example of how to write, memorize, and then share her book summary while on air.
What is an example of a summary?
A great example of a book summary is one that shares the tone and tenor of the book, touches on the major plot points, but does not give away any spoilers. Book summary examples don’t always go viral, but this one did, and became what literary agents were looking for.
Lightlark, Alex Aster
“Every hundred years, the island of Lightlark appears for only 100 days to host a deadly game, where the rulers of six realms fight to break their curses and win unparalleled power. Each ruler has something to hide. Each curse is uniquely wicked. To break them—and save themselves and their realms—one ruler must die. To survive, Isla Crown must lie, cheat, and betray. Even as love complicates everything . . .”
You can see this example gives some concrete details for the reader to grasp onto:
- An island appears every century
- Has six rulers
- Includes curses
- Hosts a competition
However, there are no spoilers. Let’s take a look at further book summary examples in various genres to help you prepare your own.
James, Percival Everett
“When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, recently returned to town.”
This book of the year summary continues, but even in just the first two sentences, readers are given a strong idea of what the story will include, as well as its tone.
Atomic Habits, James Clear
“No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving—every day. James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.”
Again, the summary continues, but the first two sentences showcase the crux of the book.
Along Came a Spider, James Patterson
“Alex Cross is a homicide detective with a Ph.D. in psychology. He works and lives in Southeast D.C. and looks like Muhammad Ali in his prime.”
Leave it to Patterson to be our book coach in how to mix subject matter that creates a captivating read. A homicide detective who could also be a psychologist? Say less.
Top 50 Rules of Investing, Scott Reed
“A highly successful CEO, Scott Reed’s Top 50 Rules of Investing breaks down investment philosophy and ethics for anyone to understand.”
As the editor for this book, I can attest that Reed did a tremendous job distilling his nonfiction into a sentence that truly packs a punch. This book highlights both philosophy and ethics in a way the average reader can digest and implement. Read the rest of the summary here.
Show Your Work!, Austin Kleon
“Show Your Work! is about why generosity trumps genius. It’s about getting findable, about using the network instead of wasting time ‘networking.’ It’s not self-promotion, it’s self-discovery—let others into your process, then let them steal from you.”
If you’ve read Austin Kleon’s work before, you can see this last title in our book summary examples speaks to Kleon’s creative motto: steal. Book summary examples that stick both present the core of the book while also adhering to the author’s brand. This example does so with precision and eloquence.
How do you write a summary of a book?
To write a summary, it is extremely helpful to read the book and note different aspects that contribute to the larger whole. If you’re using these book summary examples to help craft your own, the following steps will feel even more organic.
1. Articulate your key theme or plot
The book summary examples above show brevity, so just stick to one main idea.
2. Hook your reader
Additionally, be sure to grab your reader with the first sentence. Use Patterson’s example to help inspire you with different ways to do this.
3. Present a journey
Lightlark’s summary takes readers on a journey. It drew them in so deeply she landed a huge book deal. Readers love journeys, so use your summary to lead them somewhere.
4. Drop the mic
Not literally, but do end with a powerful sentence that entices readers to go buy your book right now. Look at the above book summary examples for concrete ways to accomplish this goal.
5. Edit your summary
Typically, summaries are too long, not too short. In general in the publishing world, less is more powerful. Once you craft your summary, edit, edit, edit.
6. Test your findings
It’s always helpful to hear from your audience. Try sharing a few summaries to see which one resonates most with your readers.
Book summary example FAQs
What is a good book summary?
A good book summary captivates, and often does so by mixing unexpected details together. Consider James Patterson in the book summary examples above. He uses the following phrases to captivate: homicide detective, PhD in psychology, Muhammad Ali in his prime.
Is a book summary a book review?
A book summary can stand as a book review, but they are not always the same. Some readers love to review their experience of reading a particular title, while others like to craft reviews that are book summary examples from their point of view.
How do you write a synopsis for a book?
Write a synopsis for a book by extending your book summary and including supporting plot points and spoilers. If you choose a traditional publishing option, you will likely need to write a synopsis for your publisher.
Book summary examples: take your next step
Take our free Publishing Path Assessment to discern which publishing route is best for you, then get busy writing. It’s time to wow the world with your book summary!
