Writing a Really Short Book Description Is Harder Than It Looks | Jane Friedman

While a chronological narrative describing how your story unfolds may be the backbone of a full-blooded synopsis, it's virtually the opposite of what you want in your short description, especially for a query.

For one thing, you can't possibly squeeze in all the plot or action in three short paragraphs. For another, too much plot results in a lack of focus-at the expense of a clear concept and a clear window onto the protagonist's wants, needs, obstacles, and how her story ends.

The sooner you stop trying to tell the whole darn story as if you were writing CliffsNotes, the sooner you can focus on writing a description that captures the reader's attention.

Consider this precious real estate. Every square inch-i.e., every word-needs to be packed with meaning, and every sentence needs to lead us onto the next, not by jumping from scene to scene, but from one vital turning point in the story to the next.