Writing chapter summaries

Chapter summaries. They might seem like a chore, an extra step in the already daunting task of writing a book. But trust us, they’re a secret weapon for writers at any stage of the game, from the initial brainstorming to the final draft. Think of them as miniature outlines, helping you stay on track, identify plot holes, and refine your story.

To best support your success on Wattpad, we may request chapter summaries from you. These summaries help our teams provide tailored editorial guidance to strengthen your story and identify key promotional opportunities. Your summaries should highlight the “must-share” moments that our team can craft targeted campaigns around.

Here’s a breakdown of techniques to help you write chapter summaries.

Focus on the essentials

Aim for being concise. A few sentences or a short paragraph per chapter is enough. Think of your chapter summaries as a snapshot, not a detailed retelling. You can highlight the key elements: major plot points, character introductions and developments, and shifts in setting. Include any major turning points or crucial events that drive your narrative forward.

Find the narrative thread

Within each chapter, there’s a mini narrative arc: a beginning, middle, and end. Briefly describe how the chapter starts, the central action or event, and how it concludes. What is the cliffhanger? Consider how the events or character actions influence what happens next.

Look at the big picture

Try to avoid getting bogged down in minor details or lengthy descriptions. Instead, focus on the broader strokes of a chapter’s contribution to the overall story. While your story is filled with details and emotion, be objective in your summaries by sticking to the facts of what happens. 

Examples

Instead of: “Chapter 3 is where Sarah goes to the library and meets a mysterious librarian who gives her a cryptic warning about the old house on the hill. They have a long conversation, and Sarah starts to feel uneasy. She leaves the library and walks home, thinking about what the librarian said.”

Try: “Chapter 3: Sarah encounters a mysterious librarian who warns her about the old house, raising her suspicions and setting a tense tone for her investigation.”

Whether you’re a plotter or panster, incorporating chapter summaries into your writing process can be a game changer. They are a powerful tool for refining your story, keeping your writing on track, and collaborating effectively with our editorial and marketing teams.