*Source: [How to Write Fanfic Summaries – @wolfstarlibrarian on Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/wolfstarlibrarian/629281741962723328/how-to-write-fanfic-summaries)*
# How to Write Fanfic Summaries

Authors have spoken, and it’s clear: you need help writing summaries. Of course, after spending hours and hours writing your fic, your brain is tired. You’re thinking about all the details and trying to pour all the feelings from the fic into a few lines. Instead, think of the summary like a trailer for your fic, or the back cover of a book. What will draw a reader in and give them a taste of what’s to come? 

**Goals of a summary:** 

1. Attract readers
2. Set the tone for your fic: Fluffy, mysterious, angsty, etc.
3. Quickly set up your story: Main character/POV, setting, age, conflict 

**Things to avoid:**

Putting down yourself or your fic

- While you may not feel confident in your work it’s best to fake it til you make it. Save the self-depreciation for the author’s notes. If you wanted to write your fic, there’s a good chance someone wants to read it, so let’s not insult the fic before you give readers a chance.

Leaving it blank

- Tags are not enough! A weak summary is better than no summary.

Saying “Idk, just read it”/Apathy towards readers

- This can come across demanding and turn off readers. 

Super long, multiple paragraphs 

- Super long summaries can quickly become tiring to a reader. Aim for efficiency. Aim for two to five sentences.

Copying summaries from other fics 

- Popular summary tropes should be avoided like “What if Sirius didn’t die?” is used so often that it will not set your fic apart. While someone may love this trope, readers will assume your fic is no different than all the others out there.

**Ways to write a summary (with summary examples):**

Quote your fic: 

- Sometimes you can pull a quote directly from a fic that will achieve all of the goals. 
- _[The bed dips under Sirius' weight as he climbs on the mattress next to him. "Come on, Rem. Come out of the blanket cocoon and have some food. You haven't eaten all day," he says softly. Remus doesn't move. Instead, he asks something he's meant to ask Sirius for a while now. Hidden from view, he allows some of the worry and fear to seep into his voice. "Why are you staying with me?"](https://archiveofourown.org/works/26421244)_ _by_ _[@weird-fangirling-persona](https://pb.bloat.cat/weird-fangirling-persona/)_

Build the Mystery:

- You know what happens in the story, but your readers don’t. Build up the mystery for them by setting up the character and telling readers what the problem is that they need to solve. 
- _[Sirius Black and Remus Lupin are truly, madly, deeply in love. There’s just one problem: Sirius’ best friend can never find out.](https://archiveofourown.org/works/23208922)_ _by_ _[@theprongsletthatlived](https://pb.bloat.cat/theprongsletthatlived/)_

Keep it simple: 

- Sometimes the simplest answer is best. You’ll efficiently communicate your story in a way readers can instantly understand.
- _[It’s the summer of 1963, and 18 year old Remus Lupin discovers dance, love, and even himself.](https://archiveofourown.org/works/25222099)_ _by_ _[@prettyremus](https://pb.bloat.cat/prettyremus/)_

Prompt:

- What prompted the idea for this fic? Tell readers what the inspiration was!
- _[Sirius, after flirting his way through Remus’s ask box on tumblr, lands a date to drink chai, look at art and eat cinnamon rolls.](https://archiveofourown.org/works/19948879)_ _by_ _[@kattlupin](https://pb.bloat.cat/siouxsie-and-the-bunshees-deact/)_

Use a friend: 

- Try writing the summary as if you were telling your friend about your fic. Sometimes we get too caught up in the summary’s importance, it’s easy to forget how simply it can be described. Conversely, have a friend describe your fic back to you in a sentence or two.

Above all else, remember that your summary probably isn’t as bad as it feels. It can never hold a candle to your fic because it’s small! Take a breath, try writing a few versions like these examples, and trust that your effort will be rewarded.