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When I write reviews, I usually rewrite the synopsis using my own words to show that I've understood the story. That's what I was always taught in school and it requires a little effort. I recently read some comments from fellow bloggers saying that it's the publishers job to write an awesome snyopsis so why bother trying to rewrite it? And so, my question to you is this...What do you guys think?
Do you prefer bloggers to include the original synopsis or would you prefer them to rewrite it using their own words?
Does it even matter?
Thank you in advance for your comments, I really appreciate them :)
I use the original synopsis. If I had to re-write the synopsis as well I wouldnt get anything done ;)
ReplyDeleteHey Lynsey :)
ReplyDeleteI used to rewrite the synopsis myself but it took so much time that I decided not to do it anymore.
Now I put a "Summary from Amazon/Goodreads" in italics after the cover, and then I start my review where I do a sort of personal summary at the beginning where I don't put as much effort as before in writing intriguing sentences! so I guess I kind of do both!
I prefer differenciating the "official" summary from my own since sometimes they differ completely. So people who read the blog can read the official one with my review if they want to or can read the review with personal summary directly.
(Ok, I probably don't make any sense, sorry!)
Hello dear,
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on this one - I always used to write my own synopsis but a couple of months ago I started using the publisher's synopsis/the summary from Goodreads. It just seemed like I couldn't write anything better than what the publishers had to say and it felt like I was just rewriting what they'd already said. Sometimes I do still write a short synopsis at the beginning of my review but, more often than not, I use what the publisher has written.x
I prefer bloggers to write their own because then they emphasis what they thought was important to the story and you get insight in to what matters to them. There are some books I have trouble with (usually Terry Pratchett's) and then I use the publisher's but if writing your own works for you, then keep doing so!
ReplyDeleteI am happy to see it either way. I like seeing the reviews take, but it is time consuming and I've no problem seeing just the publishers version. Reviewing myself, I almost always post the publishers synopsis, unless I feel it doesn't fit the book close enough. If that's the case, I ignore it completely and just write my own. With most reviews though, I usually wind up adding my own mini synopsis as well.
ReplyDeleteI write the original synopsis, then add my perception in my review.
ReplyDeleteTypically I use the publisher's synopsis and then when writing the review I highlight things I really liked. A couple of times I tried to write my own synopsis but it either sounded exactly like what was already written or I felt I wasn't doing the book justice.
ReplyDeleteI write my own, because I feel it meshes better with my thoughts on the book. I can't think of anything wrong with repeating the publisher's blurb, so long as you make it clear that it's the publisher's words, not yours.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if the blurb is false advertising, it's reasonable for you to call the publisher out on it.
I don't write my own - I use Goodreads or the publisher's synopsis. Honestly, it's less work that way and I prefer not having to worry about giving away spoilers if I write my own.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind self written synopsis but I don't like it so much when I can't tell where the synopsis ends and the review begins. Even when people use Goodreads or the like and they don't make it clear where their thoughts start, the review can be a little hard to read. Does that make sense?
It's your blog though - so whatever works for you- do it! :)
I never use someone else's synopsis in a review. While it would be quicker, one of the reasons I blog is to express my thoughts on a book, and another is to practise my own writing skills. Using someone else's synopsis wouldn't help me with either of my aims, so it's a no-no for me.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I'm now starting to summarise aspects of the story throughout my review, rather than writing an italicised summary at the beginning like I used to do. I find it easier although I'm not sure if it's as informative.
Bottom line is everyone blogs for different reasons. First and foremost, you have to do what works for you. And besides, if a blogger writes a really good review I'm not going to obsess over the fact they used someone else's synopsis. As long as they credit it in some way.
For me, I base it upon a book. If its a thriller, its easier to use another synopsis. If its a romance its easy to re write it.
ReplyDeleteI usually re-write my own, for the exact reason mentioned by Bookworm1858 ... I like to see what other people thought important/interesting-enough-to-mention when reading other people's reviews and when I write up my own reviews, I try to point out what I enjoyed and what I think people will like about the story ... if I wanted the synopsis from GR / Amazon, wouldn't I be on either of those sites instead of on someone's blog? I also don't see the point of copy / pasting or rewriting something someone can easily find elsewhere - seems a little pointless. I do, however, link to Amazon, for people who DO want the synopsis, or who haven't even heard of the book before. I really think it's a matter of personal opinion, though, whatever works for you :)
ReplyDeleteSo far I've just jotted down my own. It might mirror the original in some way but it's just me sort of making sure that the synopsis seems to fit in with my review so that it's not my words, a huge slice of someone else's and then mine. It seems more natural that way.
ReplyDeleteI use Goodreads purely because I would be rubbish at writing one myself. I tend to write long anyway and I am sure that my posts would be ridiculously wordy if I tried to write a blurb too! That being said, I am always impressed by bloggers who are able to give a succinct synopsis of the book in their own words - just go with what you are happy with, I don't think that there is a right or wrong way.
ReplyDeleteI've seen it done both ways and I think if you are going to review it you kind of need to put it into your own words, so that the review goes along with the synopsis? Am I wrong?
ReplyDeleteI write my own synopses for my reviews. Why? I'm not sure. I've been doing it for as long as I can remember. I think it's part of the challenge of writing, too, and it's good practice for me to be able to write summaries.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Caroline with this one - I use the synopsis from the back of the book (or the author's website for ebooks) in bold & italics at the top of all of my reviews but I often end up writing a short summary in my own words at the beginning of my review. I guess I'm just making extra work for myself but it's been working for me so far so I'm not planning on changing it.
ReplyDeleteI think you should do whatever you prefer, I don't mind either way when I'm reading reviews & I think most people probably feel the same. Even if they don't it's your blog so you should go with what works for you :o)
I don't really mind, I just hope they wont give too much details. Some books have really confusing synopsis, for that I would like to see a different synopsis.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I've already read the publisher's synopsis, I just skip to the review anyway.
I usually do both. That way the reader can choose which or both of them
ReplyDeleteI do both. I use the publisher synopsis, then write a broad overview what happens. If I didn't use the publisher's synopsis then I'd spend much longer writing a review than I'd normally spend. And I just don't have the time. When I read other people's reviews, if they include the publisher's synopsis? I usually skip over it, ha.
ReplyDeleteI use the synopsis from the book cover because my first opinion will stem from that and I want people to see that book as you would in a shop when I review it. That syopsis is what the publisher wants the world to se about that book.
ReplyDeleteI really don't mind if the blogger writes their own or uses the one already written... just so long as it's short.
ReplyDeleteI hate muddling through a 7 paragraph synopsis to find out what the person thought of the book.
Thank you so much for all your great comments guys, I never expected such a fantastic response!! I think I'm going to stick with writing my own as it's good writing practice and if the reader wanted to read the original description of the book, they can just get it from Goodreads, I'm offering something a little different and one I'm hoping people wont skip over! HA!
ReplyDeleteHello, There -
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower, and I've asked myself the same question, so I had to provide my thoughts. It's a good question but, honestly, you should absolutely write your own synopsis. We can go to Amazon.com or read the back of the book at B&N if we want the publisher's version. People reading your blog should want to read your thoughts/opinions/take on the material. Plus, everyone has a different perspective and we all react differently to the same book.. so a publisher's synopsis (meant to sell) may not really be the best measure of how the book will sit with me as a reader.
Hi! I'm a new follower, myself.
ReplyDeleteAs for the question... I prefer bloggers that use the original synopsis. I don't really like reading a summarization in a blogger's own words. Like you, I've been taught to summarize my books from scratch as well. But I realized, of the few book bloggers that summarize the books on their own, some bloggers were so far off the story, or didn't include vital information that may/may not want to make a person read the book. Many summarizations were every which way, and totally messy, and/or mixed into their review. I want to know what the book is about, first, not what they think about it (until later, of course).
I just don't prefer bloggers summarizing (although I realize there are some who do good summarizations out there) because it's just so... raw. Opinions on the book can go into a "my thoughts" section, or something of the sort. The synopsis was created to reel a reader in and provide a correct element of suspense. I don't like straying from that, so I personally just copy and paste what was on the jacket or back flap, or on Goodreads/B&N.
(Oh, I'm totally not hating, btw! I don't mind it, but I don't prefer it, either)
Cheers <3
I like it when reviewers summarize the book themselves. Sometimes the printed summaries give too much away. But, if I did that on my reviews, it would take me forever. I say, hats off to you for taking the time to summarize your books yourself.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm writing to let you know that you WON the signed copy of Linger over at I'd So Rather Be Reading! I've sent you an email...please respond w/your mailing address so I can send your book to you! :)