How To Write A Summary Of A Book? Expert Tips for Summary Writing

Ever got a book summary writing assignment? If that’s the case, then you have stumbled upon the right blog today. In this blog, you will learn about book summary writing, its purpose, its structure, its process and more. Let us learn about the art of summary writing and learn how to write a summary of a book.

What is a Book Summary?

A book summary is a condensed version of the main ideas expressed in a book. Essentially, it provides readers with a quick and comprehensive overview of the book’s literary contents without reading it in full. Book summaries are often used for academic analysis, book reviews, reports, or general comprehension.

How to Summarize a Book?

You need to keep in mind some key considerations before you start writing a book summary. There are a few points you need to take care of; these are:-

Read The Book Thoroughly

Understand the contents of the book thoroughly. Do a detailed analysis of the characters, the plot, and the themes. Pay particular attention to the opening, middle, and ending of the book. Making notes can be helpful.

Identify The Main Elements

Break down the book into smaller and more meaningful parts such as title and author, main characters and their roles, setting, central conflict or problem, climax, resolution, and themes/messages.

Create An Outline

Organize your notes into a structure and divide the outline into three parts, namely introduction (book info + main idea), body (plot summary + character development), and conclusion (themes + personal insights and critical overview).

Write In Your Own Words

Avoid copying and pasting from the book, and do not write in the author’s words. Use the language you are comfortable with. Remember to be objective, and do not offer critique until required.

Keep It Concise And Focused

Stick to the main plot and the key ideas of the book. Do not focus too much on unnecessary details and minor subplots; focus on brevity over detail.

Maintain Logical Flow

Present events in the same order as they occur in the book; the summary should be just as orderly as the main story itself. You should use transition words such as "then," "after that," "however," and "finally" to keep the flow smooth.

Revise And Edit

Remember to check for grammar and spelling mistakes, ensure accuracy in representing the book’s contents, and trim down word-heavy parts and use paraphrasing if needed.

Differences in Book Summaries for Fiction and Nonfiction

Ever wondered whether you should write summaries differently for fiction and nonfiction books? Then you are absolutely correct! While the format for writing would not be very different. There are certain things you need to keep in mind while writing a book summary that depend heavily on the genre of the book. Here’s what you need to do differently while writing fictional and nonfictional book summaries:- 

For Fiction

Focus more on the plot, character arcs, and the emotional tone. Delve into the message of the story and explore how the dynamics between characters influence the main story of the book.

For Nonfiction

Emphasize the author’s purpose for writing the book, their main arguments, their tone and expression, and key takeaways from the book. You can use bullet points to summarize books by chapters.

Simple Steps to Write a Book Summary

Let us go through an elaborate step-by-step process of how to write a summary of a book. If you still face any difficulties, then always remember to contact the best essay writing services to do the job for you:-

Choose and read the book carefully

Start with a quick scan of the book and read it carefully. Take notes and underline important parts; make sure to connect the dots between each major event as the book goes on.

Identify core components

Make a list of essential information such as title and author, main characters, setting and time period, central plot/thesis and argument, major events, conclusion, and themes.

Organize your notes

Create a summary outline of the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Use bullet points to make organization of notes easier.

Write the first draft

Start with a brief introduction, introduce the book to the readers assuming that the readers themselves haven’t read the book. Use your own words; do not copy the author, and use quotations sparingly.

Trim and simplify

Keep the summary short and focused, usually 1/3rd or less of the book’s length. Make sure that each paragraph leads logically to the next.

Add final touches

Reflect on the themes, tones, or style. Offer critique, and a slight usage of personal opinion is recommended.

Edit and Proofread

Check for grammar, spelling, coherence, flow, vocabulary, factual accuracy, etc.

What Not to Do While Writing a Book Summary

Now that you know what you should do in order to write a book summary, let us look at some mistakes that you should absolutely avoid making while writing a book summary. In order to avoid these mistakes, you can always get the help of Online Assignment Help Australia services:-

Don’t include every detail

A summary isn’t a rewrite of a book; it should not focus on points and elements that are unnecessary in the grand scheme of things. Focus only on the main characters, plot, and central elements.

Don’t add personal opinions

Summary writing is meant to be objective, which is why using personal opinions is strongly recommended against. You can, however, offer a reasonable amount of personal opinion in the analysis section.

Don’t misrepresent the book

Distorting or inaccurately summarizing a book’s contents can confuse and mislead readers. Stick to the author’s intentions as closely as possible while writing a summary.

Don’t use copy-pasted text

Copying directly from the book will result in plagiarism issues that will impact your grades. Always paraphrase in your own words and use quotations only when necessary.

Don’t skip the conclusion or ending

Tie up loose ends and cover the conclusion of the book. Leaving out the ending will make the summary feel incomplete.

Don’t focus on minor details

The more you focus on unnecessary subplots or minor characters, the more cluttered and illegible your summary becomes.

Don’t ignore the book’s structure

Follow the book’s structure in proper order. Do not distort the book’s original framework in your summary.

Don’t make it too long

The book is already long enough; a reader does not want to read a long summary if they can just read the book themselves.

Don’t use vague or general language

Use clear and concise language; using language that does not communicate the author’s message clearly can cause confusion.

Don’t neglect to proofread

And lastly, prioritize proofreading before submission. It is best to identify and eliminate errors before they can be detected by others.

Conclusion

These are some of the considerations you need to keep in mind while writing a book summary. Next time when you ask yourself, “How to write a summary of a book?” you will already know the answer. As always, if you still don’t understand and if you need more personalized assistance for writing a book summary, then feel free to contact Do My Assignment. We provide all the academic help that you may need!