Have you ever picked up a book, turned it over, and been met with a short blurb on the back? That’s the summary on the back of a book called. It’s a sneak peek into the story that awaits you within the pages. The summary is designed to entice you, to make you curious about what will happen next, and to ultimately make the decision to purchase the book.
The summary on the back of a book called is usually a concise and intriguing glimpse into the plot, characters, and setting of the story. It’s a marketing tool meant to capture your attention and interest. The summary can be as short as a few sentences or as long as a paragraph, but it always gives you just enough information to hook you in and leave you wanting more.
So, the next time you’re browsing through the bookstore or online, take a moment to read the summary on the back of a book called. It may just be the introduction you need to a new adventure, a new perspective, or a new character that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
Book Blurbs
A book blurb, also known as a book synopsis or a book summary, is a brief description of the plot and characters of a book. This is typically found on the back cover of a paperback book or the inside flap of a hardcover book jacket.
The purpose of a book blurb is to entice potential readers to pick up and read the book. It’s essentially a marketing tool that summarizes the story, draws readers in, and convinces them that the book is worth their time.
- Book blurbs should be short and sweet, usually no more than 150 words.
- The blurb should hook the reader right away and leave them wanting more.
- The blurb should give readers a general idea of the plot without giving away any spoilers.
Some book blurbs also include quotes from other authors or reviews from publications that praise the book.
| Elements of a Good Book Blurb: | Examples: |
|---|---|
| A catchy hook | “In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit” |
| A brief summary of the plot | “A young boy embarks on a dangerous quest to destroy a powerful ring that threatens to destroy the world” |
| A hint at the conflict or a major plot twist | “But when he discovers the ring’s true power, he must fight to resist its seductive influence and complete his mission” |
| Quotes from other authors or reviewers | “A triumph. We fully recommend immersing yourself in this beautifully realized world.” |
In conclusion, book blurbs are an important part of a book’s marketing strategy. They should be well-crafted, concise, and engaging in order to hook potential readers and convince them to read the book. Whether you’re a reader or a writer, understanding the purpose and elements of a good book blurb can help you appreciate the art of summarizing a story in a compelling way.
Back cover copy
When you pick up a book, one of the first things you’ll likely do is turn it over and read the summary on the back cover. This summary, known as the back cover copy, is usually a brief description of the book’s plot, characters, and themes. It’s designed to entice potential readers to purchase and read the book.
- The back cover copy is often written by the book’s publisher or editor.
- It should be brief and engaging, usually no more than a few paragraphs.
- The copy should give enough information about the book to intrigue readers, but not give away any major plot twists or spoilers.
Writing compelling back cover copy is an important part of the book publishing process. Publishers and editors need to find a way to distill the essence of the book into a few sentences or paragraphs that will capture readers’ attention and make them want to pick up the book.
Here’s an example of back cover copy for Tim Ferriss’ bestselling book, The 4-Hour Work Week:
| The 4-Hour Work Week |
| Forget the old concept of retirement and the rest of the deferred-life plan–there is no need to wait and every reason not to, especially in unpredictable economic times.Whether your dream is escaping the rat race, experiencing high-end world travel, or earning a monthly five-figure income with zero management, The 4-Hour Work Week is the blueprint. |
In this example, the back cover copy highlights the book’s core concepts of escaping the 9-5 grind, achieving financial freedom, and living a life of adventure and purpose.
Synopsis
When you pick up a book, the first thing you typically do is read the summary on the back cover, also known as the book synopsis. The synopsis is a brief overview of the story, giving potential readers an idea of what they can expect from the book. A well-written synopsis can make the difference between a reader deciding to purchase the book or put it back on the shelf.
- What is a Synopsis?
- Why is a Synopsis Important?
- How to Write a Synopsis?
A synopsis is a summary of the book’s plot, characters, and themes. It gives readers an idea of what to expect from the book without giving away too much information.
A synopsis is important because it is often the first thing a reader sees before deciding to purchase a book. If the synopsis is well-written and intriguing, a reader is more likely to buy the book. On the other hand, if the synopsis is poorly written or uninteresting, a reader may decide to put the book back on the shelf.
When writing a synopsis, it’s important to keep it concise and to the point. Focus on the main plot points and characters, leaving out unnecessary details or subplots. Use an active voice and engaging language to keep the reader interested. Lastly, make sure the synopsis accurately represents the book and its themes.
Overall, the synopsis is a crucial element of a book’s marketing strategy. It can make the difference between a reader deciding to purchase or pass on a book. A well-written synopsis should be clear, concise, and captivating, giving the reader a taste of what’s to come.
Examples of Great Synopses
Here are some examples of great synopses that effectively capture the book’s essence:
| Book | Synopsis |
|---|---|
| The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins | Every day the same. Until today. Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. ‘Jess and Jason’, she calls them. Their life – as she sees it – is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s only watched from afar. Now they’ll see; she’s much more than just the girl on the train… |
| The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins | Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don’t live to see the morning? In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. |
| The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | The exemplary novel of the Jazz Age, F. Scott Fitzgeralds’ third book, The Great Gatsby (1925), stands as the supreme achievement of his career. T. S. Eliot read it three times and saw it as the “first step” American fiction had taken since Henry James; H. L. Mencken praised “the charm and beauty of the writing,” as well as Fitzgerald’s sharp social sense; and Thomas Wolfe hailed it as Fitzgerald’s “best work” thus far. The story of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, of lavish parties on Long Island at a time when The New York Times noted “gin was the national drink and sex the national obsession,” it is an exquisitely crafted tale of America in the 1920s. |
These examples showcase the power of a well-written synopsis. They pique the reader’s interest and give them an idea of what to expect from the book, ultimately enticing them to purchase it.
Book Synopsis
When it comes to picking up a book, a reader’s decision can often be swayed by reading the summary on the back cover. This brief glimpse into what the book is about is known as the book synopsis, and it is a crucial marketing tool for publishers and authors.
The Purpose of the Book Synopsis
- The book synopsis serves as a short summary of what the reader should expect from the book. A good synopsis should entice readers to pick up the book and read it.
- The synopsis is also a tool for publishers to market the book to potential readers. It provides a brief overview of the book’s plot, characters, and themes.
- It is a summary of the book that is used in publishing catalogs and press materials, making it an essential marketing tool for the book.
How to Write a Book Synopsis
Writing a good book synopsis can be challenging. It needs to be concise but interesting, informative but not revealing too much. Here are some tips to consider when writing your book synopsis:
- Include the main plot without giving away too many details
- Introduce the main characters and their motivations
- Set the tone of the book
- Use keywords that will attract your target audience
- Keep it short, but attention-grabbing
Examples of a Book Synopsis
Here is an example of a book synopsis:
| Title: | The Girl on the Train |
|---|---|
| Author: | Paula Hawkins |
| Plot: | The story follows a woman who takes the same train every day and becomes obsessed with watching a couple who lives near the tracks. But when the woman witnesses something shocking, she becomes entangled in a mystery that upends her life. |
| Themes: | Obsession, betrayal, mystery |
In conclusion, the book synopsis is a crucial tool for both publishers and authors to market their books. While it may seem like a straightforward task, writing an effective book synopsis requires careful consideration of the book’s plot, themes, and characters. A well-crafted synopsis can entice readers and make the difference between a successful book and a forgettable one.
Blurb Writing
The blurb on the back of the book is often the first thing a potential reader will read before deciding to purchase or read the book. As an expert blogger, it is important to understand the purpose of blurb writing and how to create an engaging blurb for your own book.
- The purpose of a blurb is to grab the reader’s attention and entice them to read the book.
- A blurb should be concise and to the point, highlighting the key themes and characters of the book.
- Ideally, a blurb should not give away too much of the plot, but rather tease the reader with just enough information to make them want to read more.
When writing a blurb, consider the following:
1. Who’s the protagonist?
The protagonist is the main character of the book, so it’s important to introduce them in the blurb. Describe the protagonist briefly, but give some idea of their personality and what they want.
2. What’s the story about?
Give a brief overview of the plot and the main conflict of the story. Be sure to avoid spoilers!
3. What makes the book unique?
Is the book part of a particular genre or does it contain unique themes? Highlight what sets the book apart from others.
4. End with a hook.
End the blurb with a sentence or phrase that leaves the reader intrigued and wanting to read more.
| Blurb Writing Dos | Blurb Writing Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Use engaging language that captures the tone and style of the book. | Give away too much of the plot or resolution. |
| Make sure the blurb is an accurate representation of the book. | Include too many characters or details. |
| Focus on the key themes and conflicts of the book. | Use cliches or generic language. |
By following these tips and understanding the purpose of blurb writing, you can create an enticing blurb that will grab the reader’s attention and make them want to read your book.
Short Book Summary
The summary on the back of a book, also known as a blurb, is a short passage that describes the main theme and plot of the book. It is usually found on the back cover of a paperback book or on the inside flap of a hardcover book jacket. The primary purpose of the blurb is to give potential readers an idea of what the book is about and entice them to read it.
- A good blurb should be short and to the point, while still providing enough detail to give readers an idea of what to expect from the book.
- It should highlight the most important themes and conflicts of the book.
- The blurb should be written in an engaging and attention-grabbing style that mirrors the tone and style of writing in the book.
When writing a blurb, it is important to focus on the key elements of the book, such as the main characters, the setting, and the conflict. The blurb should also give readers a sense of the author’s writing style and voice.
Here is an example of a blurb for the book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey:
| Title: | The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People |
| Author: | Stephen Covey |
| Blurb: | In “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, Stephen Covey presents a holistic, integrated approach for solving personal and professional problems. With insightful advice and practical wisdom, Covey shares his unique perspective on leadership, time management, effective communication, and more. This book has helped millions of readers worldwide achieve true success and fulfillment in their lives. |
As you can see, the blurb provides a concise summary of the book’s main themes and selling points, while also giving readers a taste of the author’s writing style and tone. When done well, a blurb can be an effective tool to attract potential readers and generate interest in a book.
Literary Summary
The literary summary is a concise description of the book’s genre, theme, and characters. It is the ultimate teaser, meant to entice potential readers and give them an idea of what they can expect from the book. A literary summary is more than just a summary of events; it’s an overview of the emotional and intellectual journey that the book takes readers on. The literary summary is typically found on the back of the book cover or the inside flaps of the dust jacket.
- Genre: The literary summary should first identify the genre of the book. This helps readers determine if the book is something they might be interested in reading. The most common genres include fiction, non-fiction, romance, mystery, science-fiction, and fantasy.
- Theme: The literary summary should also give a brief overview of the book’s theme. This refers to the underlying message or meaning of the book. It’s often what gives the book its emotional depth and resonance for readers.
- Characters: Lastly, the literary summary should introduce some of the key characters in the book. This includes the protagonist, antagonist, and any other major players. The characters are usually what draw readers into a story and keeps them engaged until the end.
Writing a compelling literary summary is an art form. It requires the author to condense the essence of their book into just a few paragraphs, while still capturing the core of the story. A good literary summary should be specific, yet engaging, leaving readers wanting to know more.
Here’s an example of a literary summary for “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee:
| Genre | Fiction |
|---|---|
| Theme | Racial injustice and the loss of innocence |
| Characters | Scout Finch, Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson |
Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, “To Kill a Mockingbird” explores the volatile issues of racial injustice and the loss of innocence in the Deep South during the 1930s. Scout’s father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer who takes on the case of Tom Robinson, a black man unjustly accused of rape. As the trial unfolds, Scout grapples with the complexities of race relations and the unfairness of the legal system. Will justice prevail or will prejudice win out? “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a powerful and emotional journey that will stay with readers long after the final page.
7 FAQs about What is the Summary on the Back of a Book Called?
1. What is a book summary?
A book summary is a brief overview of the content of a book. It typically appears on the back cover or dust jacket of a book and is meant to give readers a quick idea of what the book is about.
2. Why do books have summaries on the back?
Books have summaries on the back to help readers decide whether or not they want to read the book. The summary is like a teaser, giving readers a taste of what the book is about so they can decide if it’s something they want to explore further.
3. What information is included in a book summary?
A book summary usually includes the main characters, setting, and plot of the book. It provides a brief overview of what the story is about and what readers can expect if they decide to read the book.
4. How long is a book summary?
The length of a book summary can vary, but it is typically no longer than a paragraph or two. The goal is to provide a brief overview of the book without giving away too much information.
5. Who writes the book summary?
The book summary is usually written by the publisher or author of the book. They know the content of the book best and can provide a concise summary that accurately represents the story.
6. Are there any spoilers in the book summary?
Book summaries are usually written in a way that does not give away major plot points or reveal the ending of the book. However, there may be some minor spoilers included in the summary.
7. Do all books have summaries on the back?
Not all books have summaries on the back, but it is a common practice in the publishing industry. Some books may have a shorter blurb or description instead, while others may not have any information on the back cover at all.
Closing: Thanks for Reading!
We hope this article has answered your questions about what the summary on the back of a book is called. Remember, the summary is an important tool for helping readers decide whether or not they want to read a book and should accurately reflect the content of the story. Thanks for reading and please visit us again for more informative articles!