How much info to give in a plot summary for a publisher?

Question

Please only answer if you actually know what you are talking about when it comes to book publishing.  No offense, but this is my very real life and I would prefer you leave out the sarcastic or half guessed answers.

That being said, if a publisher asks for a plot summary how much Information do you give?  Do you spoil the ending, or do you just do like a jacket flap intro?  

Thank you for those who answer and especially those who do not.

Bolt · Accepted Answer

It's my understanding that the plot summary should include all relevant details including the climax and ending.  They want to know that the plot, including the ending, follows a logial path (no off the wall twists or resolutions that make zero sense to the rest of the story - you can't imagine how many of those there are in the slush pile).  

You are summarizing your work for your agent or publisher, not a reader.  It's okay to let them know what happens.  

Plot summary is often used interchangably with synopsis, however.  If you are uncertain of the difference, write a synopsis (there are plenty of examples out there).

I was taught that a summary was more than an outline and less than a synopsis (where a synopsis relies on the summary in addition to a small amount of commentary).  

outline - summary - synopsis - pitch (or jacket copy)

Anonymous · Answer

well im writing a book myself (its my first time) and well in the summary you pretty much only talk about the plot in a vague way but you never ever ever spoil the ending b cause it might not intrigue as much as would . and well yeah its like a "jacket flap intro"

manga_bby · Answer

if they ask you (but most of the time they don't) you just give them jacket flap intro, nothing to long or give stuff away. 
just what the story is about

Trending News

How much info to give in a plot summary for a publisher?

3 Answers