Impact of the short summary?

[SmilingLez]

I am a fan of the short summary especially when multiple characters (without background information) are being introduced within the first page. I tend to get confused easily. YMMV.

 

[old_prof]

I might start making all my taglines: "Don't click this link. Seriously. Don't."

Surely you want to end that with "Here be monsters!"

 

[anthrodisiac]

Surely you want to end that with "Here be monsters!"

I think that's pretty much a given at this point.

 

[old_prof]

I think that's pretty much a given at this point.

You know that. I have learned that recently. Most readers don't know that. Don't forget that most readers don't know anything about any of us as writers.

 

[anthrodisiac]

You know that. I have learned that recently. Most readers don't know that. Don't forget that most readers don't know anything about any of us as writers.

Well, if they didn't before they clicked the link, they sure find out fast

 

[old_prof]

Well, if they didn't before they clicked the link, they sure find out fast

But you WANT them to click through, especially if they want monsters.

 

[anthrodisiac]

But you WANT them to click through, especially if they want monsters.

"You like sexy/scary monster Mommy? Click here!"

 

[BobbyBrandt]

I haven't experienced any real angst where the short description is concerned, but I am familiar with writing tag lines for published works.

I do admit to being lazy with a few of my stories here, with short descriptions that say something like "A sequel to XX". I fined that this helps guide readers to the previous story first, and improves reader reception of the new story.

 

[Writer61]

I haven't experienced any real angst where the short description is concerned, but I am familiar with writing tag lines for published works.

I do admit to being lazy with a few of my stories here, with short descriptions that say something like "A sequel to XX". I fined that this helps guide readers to the previous story first, and improves reader reception of the new story.

My usual opening rubric is something like:

This is the Nth episode of the Whatever series. You don't have to read them in order, but some things will make more sense if you do.

 

[lovecraft68]

Titles and tag lines are important.

People scroll through story lists quickly and you need something clever to catch their attention of they just keep scrolling

Same point I made recently is discussing covers for e-books; you need something that pops or no one is clicking.