what should a book report include

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A Beginner's Guide to Writing a Book Report (with Examples)

Last Updated: June 25, 2024 Fact Checked

• Researching
• Drafting the Report
• Reviewing & Revising

Sample Book Reports & Summaries

Expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,421,754 times.

A book report is a short essay that summarizes and analyzes a work of fiction or nonfiction. Writing a book report may not seem fun at first, but it gives you a great chance to fully understand a work and its author. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to write a book report, from choosing a book and outlining to drafting and editing your final paper.

Things You Should Know

• Read the entire book and take notes on important themes, characters, and events. Use your notes to create an outline with evidence that supports your analysis.
• Include the title and author in your intro, then summarize the plot, main characters, and setting of the book.
• Analyze the author’s writing style, as well as the main themes and arguments of the book. Include quotes and examples to support your statements.

Researching Your Book Report

• For example, find out if your teacher wants you to include citations, such as page numbers from the book, in your report.
• Ask your teacher how much of your paper to devote to summary versus analysis. Most book reports are direct summaries with objective analysis rather than your personal opinions. In contrast, a book review or commentary is more opinion-driven.

• Some popular books for book reports include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Animal Farm by George Orwell, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Choose a book at your grade level.

• Author: Who wrote the book? Do you know any other works by this author?
• Genre: Is the book fiction or nonfiction? If it’s fiction, is it historical, fantasy, horror, etc.? If it’s nonfiction, is it a biography, memoir, science, etc.?
• Audience: Who would find this book appealing? Is it intended for a specific age range or gender? Do you typically enjoy books like this?
• Title: Does the title catch your interest? Does it fit well with the book’s content?
• Book Cover/Illustrations: What does the book cover convey and does it accurately represent the book? How do you feel when you look at it? If the book has illustrations, what are they and do they hold your interest?

• Take breaks while reading to keep your attention sharp. Try to find a pace that is comfortable for you. If you get distracted after 15 minutes, read in 15-minute intervals. If you can go an hour, read for an hour at a time.
• Give yourself enough time to read the entire book. It’s very difficult to write a book report if you’ve just skimmed over everything. Don’t procrastinate!
• Don’t trust online book summaries. You can’t guarantee that they are accurate or true to the text.

• For example, look for a sentence that clearly describes a main setting in the book, such as “The castle was gloomy and made out of large black stones.”

Outlining Your Book Report

• Introduction: Introduce the title, author, and publication information. Include a brief overview of the book’s genre and main theme, and state your purpose for writing the report.
• Summary: Concisely summarize the plot or central idea, highlighting main events, characters, and conflicts. Focus on important aspects while avoiding spoilers.
• Analysis and Evaluation: Evaluate the author’s writing style and use of literary devices, like foreshadowing, metaphors, imagery, etc. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the book and use quotes and examples from the text.
• Themes and Messages: Identify the book’s main themes or messages and how they develop through the course of the book. Provide specific quotes and examples.
• Character Analysis: Analyze the main characters in the book, their development, and their relationships. Explain their motivations, personalities, and significance to the story. Provide examples and quotes to support your analysis.
• Personal Reflection: Depending on your teacher’s instructions, you might share your personal opinions and discuss what you liked and disliked about the book. Reflect on how the book relates to broader themes or issues.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and conclude with your final thoughts or reflections on the book.
• Bibliography: If required, include a works cited page or bibliography listing all the sources you used to write your book report.
• Outlining takes time, but it saves you more time once you reach the editing stage.
• Some people prefer to outline with pen and paper, while others just type up a list on the computer. Choose the method that works best for you.

• Be careful not to overuse quotes. If it seems like every other line is a quote, try to dial back. Aim to include a maximum of one quotation per paragraph. Quotes and examples should still take a backseat to your summary.

• For example, you’ll likely need to focus primarily on discussing the most important characters or the characters that appear most frequently in the text.
• When you are finished with your outline, go back through it to see if it makes sense. If the paragraphs don’t flow into one another, move them around or add/delete new ones until they do.
• Also, check to see if your outline covers all of the major elements of the book, such as the plot, characters, and setting.

Writing Your Book Report

• For example, a sentence summary might state, “This book is about the main character’s journey to Africa and what she learns on her travels.”
• Don’t take up too much space with your introduction. In general, an introduction should be 3-6 sentences long, though in rare cases, they may be longer or shorter.

• Use vivid language when you can and include plenty of details. For example, you might write, “The farm was surrounded by rolling hills.”

• For instance, if the main character moves to Africa, you might describe what happens before the move, how the move goes, and how they settle in once they arrive.

• For example, you might write that the main character is “a middle-aged woman who enjoys the finer things in life, such as designer clothes.” Then, connect this description to the plot summary by describing how her views change after her travels, if they do.
• Expect to introduce the characters in the same sentences and paragraphs as the plot introduction.

• You might write, “The author argues that travel gives you a new perspective. That is why her main characters all seem happier and more grounded after visiting new places.”
• For fiction, determine if the author is using the story to pass along a certain moral or lesson. For example, a book about an underdog athlete could encourage readers to take chances to pursue their dreams.

• For example, an author who uses lots of slang terms is probably going for a hip, approachable style.

• Some teachers require, or strongly suggest, that you include the author’s name and the book title in your concluding paragraph.
• When writing a conclusion , don’t introduce any new thoughts. Any important points should be made in your body paragraphs. Save the space for your recap.

Reviewing and Revising Your Book Report

• Before you submit your paper, make sure that you’ve spelled the author’s name and any character names correctly.
• Don’t trust your computer’s spell check to catch all the errors for you. Spell check can be helpful, but it isn’t perfect and can make mistakes.

• If you’re nervous about asking, try saying something like “It would be great if you could go over my book report and make sure that it reads smoothly.”
• Remember, no one’s first draft is perfect, so don’t get upset if someone suggests you do something differently. They want to help make your report the best it can be, so don’t take constructive criticism personally.

• For example, double-check that you are using the correct font, font size, and margins.
• Once you've finished proofreading, revising, and checking that you've addressed all the requirements, you're ready to submit your book report!

• Even though your book report is your own work, avoid using “I” too much. It can make your writing feel choppy. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• It might be tempting to watch the movie or read the online notes instead of reading the book. Resist this urge! Your teacher will be able to tell the difference. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Calm down and walk around if you get too frustrated while writing. If you write a book report while angry, you're more likely to misspell things!
• Choose a unique book. Harry Potter or Percy Jackson is an absolute no. Everyone chooses those. Try something different!
• Write when anything comes to mind! You don't want to lose your ideas!

• Give yourself plenty of time to write your report. Don’t wait until the last minute or you may feel rushed. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Stealing or using another person’s work is considered plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Make sure that the work you submit is all your own. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.aresearchguide.com/write-book-report.html
• ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 July 2020.
• ↑ https://grammark.org/how-to-write-a-book-report/
• ↑ https://takelessons.com/blog/steps-to-writing-a-book-report
• ↑ https://www.infoplease.com/homework-help/homework-center-writing-book-report
• ↑ https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-setting
• ↑ https://www.tcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/archive/writing-center-handouts/essay-types-plot-summary.pdf
• ↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/six-steps-to-really-edit-your-paper/

About This Article

To write a book report, start by introducing the author and the name of the book and then briefly summarizing the story. Next, discuss the main themes and point out what you think the author is trying to suggest to the reader. Finally, write about the author’s style of writing, paying particular attention to word choice and the overall tone of the book. For tips on editing and polishing your paper before turning it in, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example) 

Download for free, specific tips for writing effective book reports..

Write better book reports using the tips, examples, and outlines presented here. This resource covers three types of effective book reports: plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. It also features a specific book report example for students.

How to write a book report (+ book report example) 

Whether you're a student looking to show your comprehension of a novel, or simply a book lover wanting to share your thoughts, writing a book report can be a rewarding experience. This guide, filled with tips, tricks, and a book report example, will help you craft a report that effectively communicates your understanding and analysis of your chosen book.

Looking for a printable resource on book reports? See our Printable Book Report Outlines and Examples

What is a book report? 

Book reports can take on many different forms. Writing a book review helps you practice giving your opinion about different aspects of a book, such as an author's use of description or dialogue.

You can write book reports of any type, from fiction to non-fiction research papers, or essay writing; however, there are a few basic elements you need to include to convey why the book you read was interesting when writing a good book report.

Types of book reports 

Three types of effective book reports are plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. Each type focuses on different aspects of the book and requires a unique approach. These three types of book reports will help you demonstrate your understanding of the book in different ways.

Plot summary

When you are writing a plot summary for your book report you don't want to simply summarize the story. You need to explain what your opinion is of the story and why you feel the plot is so compelling, unrealistic, or sappy. It is the way you analyze the plot that will make this a good report. Make sure that you use plenty of examples from the book to support your opinions.

Try starting the report with a sentence similar to the following:

The plot of I Married a Sea Captain , by Monica Hubbard, is interesting because it gives the reader a realistic sense of what it was like to be the wife of a whaling captain and live on Nantucket during the 19th century.

Character analysis

If you choose to write a character analysis, you can explore the physical and personality traits of different characters and the way their actions affect the plot of the book.

• Explore the way a character dresses and what impression that leaves with the reader.
• What positive characteristics does the character possess?
• Does the character have a "fatal flaw" that gets him/her into trouble frequently?
• Try taking examples of dialogue and analyzing the way a character speaks. Discuss the words he/she chooses and the way his/her words affect other characters.
• Finally, tie all of your observations together by explaining the way the characters make the plot move forward.

In the novel Charlotte's Web , by E. B. White, Templeton the rat may seem like an unnecessary character but his constant quest for food moves the plot forward in many ways.

Theme analyses

Exploring the themes (or big ideas that run throughout the story) in a book can be a great way to write a book report because picking a theme that you care about can make the report easier to write. Try bringing some of your thoughts and feelings as a reader into the report as a way to show the power of a theme. Before you discuss your own thoughts, however, be sure to establish what the theme is and how it appears in the story.

• Explain  exactly  what theme you will be exploring in your book report.
• Use as many examples and quotations from the book as possible to prove that the theme is important to the story.
• Make sure that you talk about each example or quotation you've included. Make a direct connection between the theme and the example from the book.
• After you have established the theme and thoroughly examined the way it affects the book, include a few sentences about the impact the theme had upon you and why it made the book more or less enjoyable to read.

In the novel Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry , by Mildred Taylor, the theme of racial prejudice is a major catalyst in the story.

How to write a book report

1. Thoroughly read the book

Immerse yourself in the book, taking the time to read it in its entirety. As you read, jot down notes on important aspects such as key points, themes, and character developments.

2. Identify the main elements of the book

Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report.

3. Formulate a thesis statement

Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book. This should be a concise statement that will guide your analysis and give your report a clear focus.

4. Create a detailed outline

Plan the structure of your book report. This outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs each focusing on a different aspect of the book, and a conclusion.

5. Craft the introduction

The introduction should provide basic information such as the book's title and author, and present your thesis statement. It should engage the reader and make them interested in your analysis.

6. Write the body of the report

In the body of your report, discuss in detail the book's main elements that you identified in step 3. Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis and to prove your thesis statement.

7. Write a strong conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize your analysis, reaffirm your thesis, and provide a closing thought or reflection on the overall book.

8. Review and edit your report

After writing, take the time to revise your report for clarity and coherence. Check for and correct any grammar or spelling errors. Ensure that your report clearly communicates your understanding and analysis of the book.

9. Include citations

If you have used direct quotes or specific ideas from the book, make sure to include proper citations . This is crucial in academic writing and helps avoid plagiarism.

10. Proofread

Finally, proofread your work. Look for any missed errors and make sure that the report is the best it can be before submitting it.

Book report example 

Below is a book report example on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

In  To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee presents a thoughtful exploration of racial prejudice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Set in the small, fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the book centers around the Finch family - young Scout, her older brother Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus. Scout's character provides a fresh perspective as she narrates her experiences and observations of the unjust racial prejudice in her town. Her honesty and curiosity, coupled with her father's teachings, allow her to grow from innocence to a more profound understanding of her society's inequalities. The plot revolves around Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, defending a black man, Tom Robinson, unjustly accused of raping a white woman. As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that Robinson is innocent, and the accusation was a product of racial prejudice. Despite compelling evidence in Robinson's favor, he is convicted, symbolizing the power of bias over truth. The theme of racial prejudice is a significant part of the book. Lee uses the trial and its unjust outcome to critique the racial prejudice prevalent in society. For example, despite Atticus's solid defense, the jury's racial bias leads them to find Robinson guilty. This instance highlights how deeply ingrained prejudice can subvert justice. The book also explores the theme of the loss of innocence. Scout and Jem's experiences with prejudice and injustice lead to their loss of innocence and a better understanding of the world's complexities. For example, Scout's realization of her town's unfair treatment of Robinson demonstrates her loss of innocence and her understanding of societal biases. Overall,  To Kill a Mockingbird  is a compelling exploration of the harsh realities of prejudice and the loss of innocence. Harper Lee's intricate characters and vivid storytelling have made this book a classic.

The above is an excellent book report example for several reasons. First, it provides a clear, concise summary of the plot without giving away the entire story. Second, it analyzes the main characters, their roles, and their impacts on the story. Third, it discusses the major themes of the book - racial prejudice and loss of innocence - and supports these themes with evidence from the text. Finally, it presents a personal perspective on the book's impact and overall message, demonstrating a deep understanding of the book's significance.

Book report checklist

Always  include the following elements in any book report:

• The type of book report you are writing
• The book's title
• The author of the book
• The time when the story takes place
• The location where the story takes place
• The names and a  brief  description of each of the characters you will be discussing
• Many quotations and examples from the book to support your opinions
• A thesis statement
• The point of view of the narrator
• Summary of the book
• The main points or themes discussed in the work of fiction or non-fiction
• The first paragraph (introductory paragraph), body paragraphs, and final paragraph
• The writing styles of the author
• A critical analysis of the fiction or non-fiction book

Don't forget! 

No matter what type of book report you decide to write, ensure it includes basic information about the main characters, and make sure that your writing is clear and expressive so that it’s easy for audiences in middle school, high school, college-level, or any grade level to understand. Also, include examples from the book to support your opinions. Afterward, conduct thorough proofreading to complete the writing process. Book reports may seem disconnected from your other schoolwork, but they help you learn to summarize, compare and contrast, make predictions and connections, and consider different perspectives & skills you'll need throughout your life.

Looking for more writing resources? You can find them in our creative writing center .

Featured Middle School Resources

Related Resources

How to Write a Book Report

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Book Report Fundamentals

Preparing to write, an overview of the book report format, how to write the main body of a book report, how to write a conclusion to a book report, reading comprehension and book reports, book report resources for teachers .

Book reports remain a key educational assessment tool from elementary school through college. Sitting down to close read and critique texts for their content and form is a lifelong skill, one that benefits all of us well beyond our school years. With the help of this guide, you’ll develop your reading comprehension and note-taking skills. You’ll also find resources to guide you through the process of writing a book report, step-by-step, from choosing a book and reading actively to revising your work. Resources for teachers are also included, from creative assignment ideas to sample rubrics.

Book reports follow general rules for composition, yet are distinct from other types of writing assignments. Central to book reports are plot summaries, analyses of characters and themes, and concluding opinions. This format differs from an argumentative essay or critical research paper, in which impartiality and objectivity is encouraged. Differences also exist between book reports and book reviews, who do not share the same intent and audience. Here, you’ll learn the basics of what a book report is and is not.

What Is a Book Report?

"Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

This article, written by a professor emeritus of rhetoric and English, describes the defining characteristics of book reports and offers observations on how they are composed.

"Writing a Book Report" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab outlines the steps in writing a book report, from keeping track of major characters as you read to providing adequate summary material.

"How to Write a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

This article provides another helpful guide to writing a book report, offering suggestions on taking notes and writing an outline before drafting. 

"How to Write a Successful Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

Another post from ThoughtCo., this article highlights the ten steps for book report success. It was written by an academic advisor and college enrollment counselor.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and an Essay?

"Differences Between a Book Report & Essay Writing" ( Classroom)

In this article from the education resource Classroom,  you'll learn the differences and similarities between book reports and essay writing.

"Differences Between a Book Report and Essay Writing" (SeattlePi.com)

In this post from a Seattle newspaper's website, memoirist Christopher Cascio highlights how book report and essay writing differ.

"The Difference Between Essays and Reports" (Solent Online Learning)

This PDF from Southampton Solent University includes a chart demonstrating the differences between essays and reports. Though it is geared toward university students, it will help students of all levels understand the differing purposes of reports and analytical essays.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and a Book Review?

"How to Write a Book Review and a Book Report" (Concordia Univ.)

The library at Concordia University offers this helpful guide to writing book report and book reviews. It defines differences between the two, then presents components that both forms share.

"Book Reviews" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s writing guide shows the step-by-step process of writing book reviews, offering a contrast to the composition of book reports.

Active reading and thoughtful preparation before you begin your book report are necessary components of crafting a successful piece of writing. Here, you’ll find tips and resources to help you learn how to select the right book, decide which format is best for your report, and outline your main points.

Selecting and Finding a Book

"30 Best Books for Elementary Readers" (Education.com)

This article from Education.com lists 30 engaging books for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It was written by Esme Raji Codell, a teacher, author, and children's literature specialist.

"How to Choose a Good Book for a Report (Middle School)" (WikiHow)

This WikiHow article offers suggestions for middle schoolers on how to choose the right book for a report, from getting started early on the search process to making sure you understand the assignment's requirements.

"Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers" (Common Sense Media)

Common Sense Media has compiled this list of 25 of the best books for middle school book reports. For younger students, the article suggests you check out the site's "50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12."

"50 Books to Read in High School" (Lexington Public Library)

The Lexington, Kentucky Public Library has prepared this list to inspire high school students to choose the right book. It includes both classics and more modern favorites.

The Online Computer Library Center's catalogue helps you locate books in libraries near you, having itemized the collections of 72,000 libraries in 170 countries.

Formats of Book Reports

"Format for Writing a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

Here, Your Dictionary supplies guidelines for the basic book report format. It describes what you'll want to include in the heading, and what information to include in the introductory paragraph. Be sure to check these guidelines against your teacher's requirements.

"The Good Old Book Report" (Scholastic)

Nancy Barile’s blog post for Scholastic lists the questions students from middle through high school should address in their book reports.

How to Write an Outline

"Writer’s Web: Creating Outlines" (Univ. of Richmond)

The University of Richmond’s Writing Center shows how you can make use of micro and macro outlines to organize your argument.

"Why and How to Create a Useful Outline" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab demonstrates how outlines can help you organize your report, then teaches you how to create outlines.

"Creating an Outline" (EasyBib)

EasyBib, a website that generates bibliographies, offers sample outlines and tips for creating your own. The article encourages you to think about transitions and grouping your notes.

"How to Write an Outline: 4 Ways to Organize Your Thoughts" (Grammarly)

This blog post from a professional writer explains the advantages of using an outline, and presents different ways to gather your thoughts before writing.

In this section, you’ll find resources that offer an overview of how to write a book report, including first steps in preparing the introduction. A good book report's introduction hooks the reader with strong opening sentences and provides a preview of where the report is going.

"Step-by-Step Outline for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This article from Classroom furnishes students with a guide to the stages of writing a book report, from writing the rough draft to revising.

"Your Roadmap to a Better Book Report" ( Time4Writing )

Time4Writing offers tips for outlining your book report, and describes all of the information that the introduction, body, and conclusion should include.

"How to Start a Book Report" ( ThoughtCo)

This ThoughtCo. post, another by academic advisor and college enrollment counselor Grace Fleming, demonstrates how to write a pithy introduction to your book report.

"How to Write an Introduction for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief but helpful post from Classroom  details what makes a good book report introduction, down to the level of individual sentences.

The body paragraphs of your book report accomplish several goals: they describe the plot, delve more deeply into the characters and themes that make the book unique, and include quotations and examples from the book. Below are some resources to help you succeed in summarizing and analyzing your chosen text.

Plot Summary and Description

"How Do You Write a Plot Summary?" ( Reference )

This short article presents the goals of writing a plot summary, and suggests a word limit. It emphasizes that you should stick to the main points and avoid including too many specific details, such as what a particular character wears.

"How to Write a Plot for a Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

In this article from a resource website for writers, Patricia Harrelson outlines what information to include in a plot summary for a book report. 

"How to Write a Book Summary" (WikiHow)

Using Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as an example, this WikiHow article demonstrates how to write a plot summary one step at a time.

Analyzing Characters and Themes

"How to Write a Character Analysis Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kristine Tucker shows how to write a book report focusing on character. You can take her suggestions as they are, or consider  incorporating them into the more traditional book report format.

"How to Write a Character Analysis" (YouTube)

The SixMinuteScholar Channel utilizes analysis of the film  Finding Nemo to show you how to delve deeply into character, prioritizing inference over judgment.

"How to Define Theme" ( The Editor's Blog )

Fiction editor Beth Hill contributes an extended definition of theme. She also provides examples of common themes, such as "life is fragile."

"How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story" ( ThoughtCo )

This blog post from ThoughtCo. clarifies the definition of theme in relation to symbolism, plot, and moral. It also offers examples of themes in literature, such as love, death, and good vs. evil.

Selecting and Integrating Quotations

"How to Choose and Use Quotations" (Santa Barbara City College)

This guide from a college writing center will help you choose which quotations to use in your book report, and how to blend quotations with your own words.

"Guidelines for Incorporating Quotes" (Ashford Univ.)

This PDF from Ashford University's Writing Center introduces the ICE method for incorporating quotations: introduce, cite, explain.

"Quote Integration" (YouTube)

This video from The Write Way YouTube channel illustrates how to integrate quotations into writing, and also explains how to cite those quotations.

"Using Literary Quotations" (Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison)

This guide from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Writing Center helps you emphasize your analysis of a quotation, and explains how to incorporate quotations into your text.

Conclusions to any type of paper are notoriously tricky to write. Here, you’ll learn some creative ways to tie up loose ends in your report and express your own opinion of the book you read. This open space for sharing opinions that are not grounded in critical research is an element that often distinguishes book reports from other types of writing.

"How to Write a Conclusion for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief article from the education resource  Classroom illustrates the essential points you should make in a book report conclusion.

"Conclusions" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Writing Center lays out strategies for writing effective conclusions. Though the article is geared toward analytical essay conclusions, the tips offered here will also help you write a strong book report.

"Ending the Essay: Conclusions" (Harvard College Writing Center)

Pat Bellanca’s article for Harvard University’s Writing Center presents ways to conclude essays, along with tips. Again, these are suggestions for concluding analytical essays that can also be used to tie up a book report's loose ends.

Reading closely and in an engaged manner is the strong foundation upon which all good book reports are built. The resources below will give you a picture of what active reading looks like, and offer strategies to assess and improve your reading comprehension. Further, you’ll learn how to take notes—or “annotate” your text—making it easier to find important information as you write.

How to Be an Active Reader

"Active Reading Strategies: Remember and Analyze What You Read" (Princeton Univ.)

Princeton University’s McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning recommends ten strategies for active reading, and includes sample diagrams.

"Active Reading" (Open Univ.)

The Open University offers these techniques for reading actively alongside video examples. The author emphasizes that you should read for comprehension—not simply to finish the book as quickly as possible.

"7 Active Reading Strategies for Students" ( ThoughtCo )

In this post, Grace Fleming outlines seven methods for active reading. Her suggestions include identifying unfamiliar words and finding the main idea. 

"5 Active Reading Strategies for Textbook Assignments" (YouTube)

Thomas Frank’s seven-minute video demonstrates how you can retain the most important information from long and dense reading material.

Assessing Your Reading Comprehension

"Macmillan Readers Level Test" (MacMillan)

Take this online, interactive test from a publishing company to find out your reading level. You'll be asked a number of questions related to grammar and vocabulary.

"Reading Comprehension Practice Test" (ACCUPLACER)

ACCUPLACER is a placement test from The College Board. This 20-question practice test will help you see what information you retain after reading short passages.

"Reading Comprehension" ( English Maven )

The English Maven site has aggregated exercises and tests at various reading levels so you can quiz your reading comprehension skills.

How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension

"5 Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension" ( ThoughtCo )

ThoughtCo. recommends five tips to increase your reading comprehension ability, including reading with tools such as highlighters, and developing new vocabulary.

"How to Improve Reading Comprehension: 8 Expert Tips" (PrepScholar)

This blog post from PrepScholar provides ideas for improving your reading comprehension, from expanding your vocabulary to discussing texts with friends.

CrashCourse video: "Reading Assignments" (YouTube)

This CrashCourse video equips you with tools to read more effectively. It will help you determine how much material you need to read, and what strategies you can use to absorb what you read.

"Improving Reading Comprehension" ( Education Corner )

From a pre-reading survey through post-reading review, Education Corner  walks you through steps to improve reading comprehension.

Methods of In-text Annotation

"The Writing Process: Annotating a Text" (Hunter College)

This article from Hunter College’s Rockowitz Writing Center outlines how to take notes on a text and provides samples of annotation.

"How To Annotate Text While Reading" (YouTube)

This video from the SchoolHabits YouTube channel presents eleven annotation techniques you can use for better reading comprehension.

"5 Ways To Annotate Your Books" ( Book Riot )

This article from the Book Riot  blog highlights five efficient annotation methods that will save you time and protect your books from becoming cluttered with unnecessary markings.

"How Do You Annotate Your Books?" ( Epic Reads )

This post from Epic Reads highlights how different annotation methods work for different people, and showcases classic methods from sticky notes to keeping a reading notebook.

Students at every grade level can benefit from writing book reports, which sharpen critical reading skills. Here, we've aggregated sources to help you plan book report assignments and develop rubrics for written and oral book reports. You’ll also find alternative book report assessment ideas that move beyond the traditional formats.

Teaching Elementary School Students How to Write Book Reports

"Book Reports" ( Unique Teaching Resources )

These reading templates courtesy of Unique Teaching Resources make great visual aids for elementary school students writing their first book reports.

"Elementary Level Book Report Template" ( Teach Beside Me )

This   printable book report template from a teacher-turned-homeschooler is simple, classic, and effective. It asks basic questions, such as "who are the main characters?" and "how did you feel about the main characters?"

"Book Reports" ( ABC Teach )

ABC Teach ’s resource directory includes printables for book reports on various subjects at different grade levels, such as a middle school biography book report form and a "retelling a story" elementary book report template.

"Reading Worksheets" ( Busy Teacher's Cafe )

This page from Busy Teachers’ Cafe contains book report templates alongside reading comprehension and other language arts worksheets.

Teaching Middle School and High School Students How to Write Book Reports

"How to Write a Book Report: Middle and High School Level" ( Fact Monster)

Fact Monster ’s Homework Center discusses each section of a book report, and explains how to evaluate and analyze books based on genre for students in middle and high school.

"Middle School Outline Template for Book Report" (Trinity Catholic School)

This PDF outline template breaks the book report down into manageable sections for seventh and eighth graders by asking for specific information in each paragraph.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( Classroom )

In this article for Classroom,  Elizabeth Thomas describes what content high schoolers should focus on when writing their book reports.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kori Morgan outlines techniques for adapting the book report assignment to the high school level in this post for The Pen & The Pad .

"High School Book Lists and Report Guidelines" (Highland Hall Waldorf School)

These sample report formats, grading paradigms, and tips are collected by Highland Hall Waldorf School. Attached are book lists by high school grade level.

Sample Rubrics

"Book Review Rubric Editable" (Teachers Pay Teachers)

This free resource from Teachers Pay Teachers allows you to edit your book report rubric to the specifications of your assignment and the grade level you teach.

"Book Review Rubric" (Winton Woods)

This PDF rubric from a city school district includes directions to take the assignment long-term, with follow-up exercises through school quarters.

"Multimedia Book Report Rubric" ( Midlink Magazine )

Perfect for oral book reports, this PDF rubric from North Carolina State University's Midlink Magazine  will help you evaluate your students’ spoken presentations.

Creative Book Report Assignments

"25 Book Report Alternatives" (Scholastic)

This article from the Scholastic website lists creative alternatives to the standard book report for pre-kindergarteners through high schoolers.

"Fresh Ideas for Creative Book Reports" ( Education World )

Education World offers nearly 50 alternative book report ideas in this article, from a book report sandwich to a character trait diagram.

"A Dozen Ways to Make Amazingly Creative Book Reports" ( We Are Teachers )

This post from We Are Teachers puts the spotlight on integrating visual arts into literary study through multimedia book report ideas.

"More Ideas Than You’ll Ever Use for Book Reports" (Teachnet.com)

This list from Teachnet.com includes over 300 ideas for book report assignments, from "interviewing" a character to preparing a travel brochure to the location in which the book is set.

"Fifty Alternatives to the Book Report" (National Council of Teachers of English)

In this PDF resource from the NCTE's  English Journal,  Diana Mitchell offers assignment ideas ranging from character astrology signs to a character alphabet.

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Have a book report submission deadline and want to know how to write one? We’re here to help! Book reports are vital in academics, helping students sharpen their understanding and critical thinking, while for authors, they offer a deep dive into a text’s composition and stylistic elements.

In this article, we will understand how to write a good book report. It’s a skill that not only helps you get more out of what you’re reading but also lets you create a report that truly reflects how good the book is. Let’s get started!

Ace your assignment with a perfect book report! Learn more

Firstly, let us understand what is a book report.

What is a book report?

A book report is an in-depth analysis, an objective summary of a book’s main content and arguments. Book reports discuss a book’s content, structure, and themes. Far from just a recap of the plot outline , a book report examines the details of a book’s narrative, offering insights into the characters, themes of the story , and the author’s writing style. 

Note: A book report is usually assigned to students from secondary schools to colleges. As per book report format, book reports are typically 500–1000 words long.

Elements of a book report

A proper book report outline consists of the following elements:

• Introduction: Think about how to start a book report with an engaging opening. Mention the book’s title, author, genre, and a brief plot summary. State your main theme or viewpoint.
• Content summary: Give a clear, summary of the plot. Highlight key events and turning points. Avoid spoilers.
• Analysis and perspective: Examine the key characters, their traits, motivations, development, and plot roles. Explore major themes, symbols, and motifs, and their narrative effect. Review the author’s style and perspective, and their impact on the story.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points. Restate your overall impression of the book and possibly suggest who might enjoy it or what kind of readers would benefit from it.
• Citations and references (if necessary): If you have used external sources or have been influenced by other analyses, make sure to cite these references properly to avoid plagiarism.

By following this book report outline, your book report will be comprehensive, informative, and engaging.

How to write a book report

Before learning how to do a book report, it is important to remember that following a book report format is essential. 

Here’s how to write a book report:

• Read the book carefully: Start by reading the book thoroughly. Take notes on key points, characters, themes, and any passages that stand out.
• Create an Outline: Organize your thoughts and notes into an outline. This will be your roadmap and will help keep your writing focused.
• Write the introduction: Begin with an engaging introduction that provides basic information about the book, including the title, author, and a brief synopsis.
• Develop the body: You can follow your outline or a book report template to write the body of your report. Discuss each element (plot, characters, themes, etc.) in separate paragraphs or sections.
• Conclude your report: Summarize your main points and offer your final thoughts and evaluation of the book.
• Review and revise: Finally, review and proofread your report for clarity, coherence, and correctness. Make sure to correct any grammatical mistakes and ensure your report flows logically.

Taking a look at a few examples of book reports will help you understand how to do a book report easily.  So let’s explore some book report examples next.

Book report examples

Starting with book report examples, let’s look at a book report example on The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.

Introduction: Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is a powerful and poignant diary that gives an intimate glimpse into the life of a Jewish teenager during the Holocaust.

Summary: The diary chronicles Anne Frank’s life from 1942 to 1944, during which she and her family hid from the Nazis in Amsterdam. The entries detail her daily life in the secret annex, her thoughts, fears, and hopes for a better future.

Analysis and themes: Anne’s diary is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Themes of hope, the cruelty of war, the innocence of youth, and the power of writing shine through her words.

Conclusion: Diary of a Young Girl is more than just a diary; it’s a moving narrative that brings to light the horrors of war and the timeless strength of hope and human dignity. Anne Frank’s voice continues to resonate with readers around the world, making this book a must-read for understanding history and humanity.

Now let’s look at a fiction book report example on Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.

Introduction: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is a thrilling fantasy novel that introduces us to a world where Greek gods and mythology come to life in the modern era.

Summary: The story follows Percy Jackson, a young boy who discovers he is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. After being accused of stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt, Percy embarks on a dangerous adventure across America to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.

Analysis and themes: Riordan’s novel is rich in Greek mythology and cleverly intertwined with modern-day settings and issues. Themes of identity, friendship, and bravery are prominent as Percy navigates the challenges of being a demigod. The book also explores the concept of good vs. evil and the importance of understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is an engaging and imaginative novel that offers a fresh perspective on Greek mythology. It’s a captivating read for young adults, effectively combining action, humor, and life lessons, making it a standout in the genre of fantasy fiction.

Book report template

You can easily write a book report using our free book report template.

It’s clear that writing a book report is more than a mere academic exercise; it’s an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of literature and gain insights. 

By using the provided template and examples as starting points, you’re well on your way to writing insightful and compelling book reports. Also, to make your book report perfect, we are always here to help you with our expert editing and proofreading services ! 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a book report be, what should a book report include, how to conclude a book report, how to write an introduction for a book report, what is the purpose of a book report.

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How To Write a Good Book Report in Seven Steps

Are you having trouble writing your book report? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to give you seven easy steps that’ll help you write the perfect book report.

Quick Summary on How To Write a Book Report

• As you read the book, highlight and take notes.
• Reread the instructions of the assignment.
• Organize your notes and create an outline.
• Write a compelling introduction.
• Include quotations, examples, and supporting evidence in the body paragraphs.
• Encapsulate the main point of your text in the conclusion.
• Edit and proofread.

What Is a Book Report?

A book report is an essay in which students explain and support their thoughts and views on a story, novel, or any other literary work.

There are several different types of book reports. Regardless of which type you’re writing, teachers and professors usually assign book reports as a way to ensure that their students have thoroughly understood the book. Below, we’ll go over how to write a good book report in seven easy steps.

How To Write a Book Report

1. as you read the book, highlight and take notes..

The first step of writing a good book report is to read the book, of course. However, it’s important to highlight and takes notes while reading it. Highlight anything that stands out to you or that evokes certain emotions. Write notes on patterns, themes, and characters. If you’re writing a book report on a nonfiction book, write notes on the major points of the book and what you think about them.

2. Revisit and reread the instructions of the assignment.

Once you’re done reading and taking notes, reread the instructions of the assignment. Find what it is you’re supposed to write about. Is it a character analysis? A plot summary? An exploration of themes and patterns, or something else? It’s also essential to follow the formatting guidelines, so make sure to use the correct font and spacing. If you have any questions, reach out to your teacher or professor.

3. Organize your notes and create an outline.

Gather your notes and arrange them into categories. Once you’ve completed this, write an outline and organize the categories to become the paragraphs of your book report. Jot down bullet points on what each paragraph will include and what part of the book can support it. As you start writing the book report, remain flexible. You don’t have to follow the outline exactly. You may realize that a few edits create a better flow.

4. Write a compelling introduction.

The introduction should be informative and catchy. You may want to start with a quote, climactic scene, or an unusual observation you had while reading the book. Towards the end of the introduction, you should write a one or two-sentence summary about the book, and then the last sentence should explain what exactly you’ll be writing about in the rest of the report.

Book Report Elements

Keep in mind that all book reports should contain:

• The name and author of the book.
• A thesis statement.
• If you're writing about a fiction book, mention the setting, time period, and characters.
• If you’re writing about a nonfiction book, mention the author’s main point in writing the book.
• Evidence to support your arguments.

5. Include quotations, examples, and supporting evidence in the body paragraphs.

The body paragraphs are where you can include quotations, examples, and supporting evidence that bring your book report together.

For example, let’s say you’re writing a character analysis. You believe that the character that everyone sees as the protagonist is actually the antagonist. You should write why you believe that and include specific scenarios that help prove your point.

Or if you’re writing about a non-fiction book, you could use the body paragraphs to write about why you agree or disagree with the author. Similarly, you’d have to use examples and evidence to support your argument.

It’s a good idea to start off with your most compelling, evidence-backed point. Leave the weakest arguments for the middle, and end with another strong point. Lastly, whether you’re writing about fiction or non-fiction, commenting on writing style and tone is recommended (especially if it’s explicitly requested in the instructions).

6. Encapsulate the main point of your text in the conclusion.

The conclusion is just as important as the introduction, so make sure to set aside enough time to write one (students tend to rush through this part). Use the concluding paragraph to pull all your arguments together. Reiterate again what the main point was about, and then briefly summarize the main idea of your book report.

7. Edit and proofread.

Now that you’ve completed the first draft of your book report, it’s time to reread and make edits if needed. Are there any paragraphs you can move around that’ll improve the rhythm of your writing? Do you have enough evidence to back up your claims? Is your introduction captivating and descriptive?

While you’re rereading the book report, you should also be looking for typos and spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. If you want an extra set of eyes to look for all types of errors, you should use LanguageTool as your spelling and grammar checker. Not only will this advanced editor correct mistakes, but it supports more than twenty languages—meaning your book report will be perfect regardless of which language you’re writing it in.

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How to Write a Book Report

• 5-minute read
• 5th September 2021

A book report is an essay that summarizes the main ideas presented by the author. But how do you write a good book report? Our top tips include:

• Check the assignment instructions so you know what you need to do.
• Read the book , making notes as you go.
• Plan your book report and create an essay outline .
• Write up your report , using examples and quotes to support your points.
• Revise and proofread your work to eliminate errors.

In the rest of this post, we look at how to write a book report in more detail.

1. Check the Assignment Instructions

Book reports come in many different types, so the first thing you should do if you’re asked to write one is check the assignment instructions carefully. Key aspects of the essay instructions to pay attention to include:

• The required length of the book report (and any maximum word count ).
• Whether you will be assigned a book to write about or whether you will be asked to pick one yourself (either from a list supplied by the tutor or based on a set of requirements, such as a book about a set topic).
• What aspects of the book to write about (e.g., will it just be a summary of the book’s content, or will you also need to offer some critical analysis?).
• Any requirements for structuring and formatting your report (e.g., whether to break the essay up into sections with headings and subheadings).

If anything about the instructions is unclear, check it with your tutor.

2. Read the Book and Make Notes

Next, you’ll need to read the book you’re writing about in full, not just skim through or read a synopsis! This means you’ll need to leave enough time before the deadline to read the text thoroughly (and write up your report).

When you are reading, moreover, make sure to take notes on:

• Basic bibliographic details, including the title, author name(s), year of publication, publisher, and number of pages.
• How the book is structured (e.g., whether it uses chapters).
• The overall plot or argument, plus key ideas and/or plot points from each part.
• For works of fiction, important characters and themes.
• Significant quotations or examples you might want to use in your report.

Where possible, make sure to note down page numbers as well. This will make it easier to find the relevant parts again when you’re reviewing your notes.

3. Outline Your Book Report

How you structure your report will ultimately depend on the length (e.g., a short, 500-word report is unlikely to use separate sections and headings, while a longer one will need these to help break up the text and guide the reader) and the assignment instructions, so make sure to review these carefully.

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However, common elements of a book report include:

• An introductory paragraph or section with basic book details (e.g., the title, author(s), genre, publisher, publication date, and intended audience).
• Information about the author’s background and, where relevant, credentials.
• An overview of the book’s plot (fiction and narrative non-fiction), or its main idea (other non-fiction), sometimes with a section-by-section breakdown.
• Information on characters, setting, and themes (fiction and narrative non-fiction), or key ideas and concepts set out by the author (other non-fiction).
• Where required, critical analysis or evaluation of the book.

When planning your book report, then, use your notes and the assignment instructions to outline your essay, breaking it down into clearly defined sections and noting what you will include in each one.

4. Write Up Your Book Report

When it comes to writing up your report, helpful tips include:

• Imagine the reader will be unfamiliar with the book and try to ensure your report covers all the information they’d need to know what it is about.
• Use clear, concise language to make your report easy to follow. Look out for wordiness and repetition, and don’t be tempted to pad out your report with irrelevant details just to increase the word count!
• Use examples and quotations to support your points (but don’t rely too heavily on quotations; keep in mind that the report should be in your own words).
• Follow the formatting instructions set out in your style guide or the assignment instructions (e.g., for fonts, margins, and presenting quotations).

If you use quotations in your report, moreover, make sure to include page numbers! This will help the reader find the passages you’ve quoted.

5. Revise and Proofread Your Work

When you have the first draft of your book report, if you have time, take a short break (e.g., overnight) before re-reading it. This will help you view it objectively. Then, when you do re-read it, look out for ways you could improve it, such as:

• Typos and other errors that need correcting.
• Issues with clarity or places where the writing could be more concise (reading your work aloud can make it easier to spot clunky sentences).
• Passages that would benefit from being supported with a quote or example.

It’s also a good idea to re-read the assignment instructions one last time before submitting your work, which will help you spot any issues you missed.

Finally, if you’d like some extra help checking your writing, you can have it proofread by a professional . Submit a free sample document today to find out more.

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How to Write a Great Book Report

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• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

One assignment has lasted the test of time, uniting generations of students in a common learning exercise: book reports. While many students dread these assignments, book reports can help students learn how to interpret texts and gain a broader understanding of the world around them.  Well-written books can open your eyes to new experiences, people, places, and life situations that you may have never thought about before. In turn, a book report is a tool that allows you, the reader, to demonstrate that you have understood all the nuances of the text you just read.

What's a Book Report?

In the broadest terms, a book report describes and summarizes a work of fiction or nonfiction . It sometimes — but not always — includes a personal evaluation of the text. In general, regardless of grade level, a book report will include an introductory paragraph that shares the title of the book and its author. Students will often develop their own opinions about the underlying meaning of the texts through developing thesis statements , typically presented in the opening of a book report, and then using examples from the text and interpretations to support those statements.  

Before You Start Writing

A good book report will address a specific question or point of view and back up this topic with specific examples, in the form of symbols and themes. These steps will help you identify and incorporate those important elements. It shouldn't be too hard to do, provided you're prepared, and you can expect to spend, on average, 3-4 days working on the assignment. Check out these tips to ensure you're successful:

• Have an objective in mind.  This is the main point you want to present or the question you plan to answer in your report.  
• Keep supplies on hand when you read.  This is  very  important. Keep sticky-note flags, pen, and paper nearby as you read. If you're reading an eBook , make sure you know how to use the annotation function of your app/program.  
• Read the book.  It seems obvious, but too many students try to take a shortcut and simply read summaries or watch movies, but you often miss important details that can make or break your book report.
• Pay attention to detail.  Keep an eye out for clues that the author has provided in the form of symbolism . These will indicate some important point that supports the overall theme. For instance, a spot of blood on the floor, a quick glance, a nervous habit, an impulsive action, a repetitive action... These are worth noting.
• Use your sticky flags to mark pages.  When you run into clues or interesting passages, mark the page by placing the sticky note at the beginning of the relevant line.  
• Look for themes.  As you read, you should begin to see an emerging theme. On a notepad, write down some notes on how you came to determine the theme.
• Develop a rough outline.  By the time you finish  reading the book , you will have recorded several possible themes or approaches to your objective. Review your notes and find points that you can back up with good examples (symbols). 

Your Book Report Introduction

The start of your book report provides an opportunity to make a solid introduction to the material and your own personal assessment of the work. You should try to write a strong introductory paragraph that grabs your reader's attention. Somewhere in your first paragraph , you should also state the book's title and the author's name.

High school-level papers should include publication information as well as brief statements about the book's angle, the genre, the theme , and a hint about the writer's feelings in the introduction.

First Paragraph Example: Middle School Level

" The Red Badge of Courage ", by Stephen Crane, is a book about a young man growing up during the Civil War. Henry Fleming is the main character of the book. As Henry watches and experiences the tragic events of the war, he grows up and changes his attitudes about life.

First Paragraph Example: High School Level

Can you identify one experience that changed your entire view of the world around you? Henry Fleming, the main character in "The Red Badge of Courage", begins his life-changing adventure as a naive young man, eager to experience the glory of war. He soon faces the truth about life, war, and his own self-identity on the battlefield, however. "The Red Badge of Courage", by Stephen Crane, is a coming of age novel published by D. Appleton and Company in 1895, about thirty years after the Civil War ended. In this book, the author reveals the ugliness of war and examines its relationship to the pain of growing up.

The Body of the Book Report

Before you get started on the body of the report, take a few minutes to jot down some helpful information by considering the following points.

• Did you enjoy the book?
• Was it well written?
• What was the genre?
• (fiction) Which characters play important roles that relate to the overall theme?
• Did you notice reoccurring symbols?
• Is this book a part of a series?
• (nonfiction) Can you identify the writer's thesis?
• What is the writing style?
• Did you notice a tone?
• Was there an obvious slant or bias?

In the body of your book report, you will use your notes to guide you through an extended summary of the book. You will weave your own thoughts and impressions into the plot summary . As you review the text, you'll want to focus on key moments in the storyline and relate them to the perceived theme of the book, and how the characters and setting all bring the details together. You'll want to be sure that you discuss the plot, any examples of conflict that you encounter, and how the story resolves itself. It can be helpful to use strong quotes from the book to enhance your writing. 

The Conclusion

As you lead to your final paragraph, consider some additional impressions and opinions:

• Was the ending satisfactory (for fiction)?
• Was the thesis supported by strong evidence (for nonfiction)?
• What interesting or notable facts do you know about the author?
• Would you recommend this book?

Conclude your report with a paragraph or two that covers these additional points. Some teachers prefer that you re-state the name and author of the book in the concluding paragraph. As always, consult your specific assignment guide or ask your teacher if you have questions about what is expected of you. 

• The Red Badge of Courage Book Summary
• How to Start a Book Report
• How to Find the Main Idea
• Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
• What Does Critical Reading Really Mean?
• 10 Steps to Writing a Successful Book Report
• How to Compare Two Novels in Comparative Essay
• How to Study for an Open Book Test
• 10th (or 11th) Grade Reading List: American Literature
• Top Novels for American Literature Classes
• Great Books from High School Summer Reading Lists
• Motifs in Fiction and Nonfiction
• How to Teach Students to Preview Reading Assignments
• How to Summarize a Plot
• How to Teach Theme
• Lord of the Flies Book Profile

How to write a book report

Published September 27, 2020. Updated May 8, 2022.

Book Report Definition

A book report is essentially the summarization of a fictional or non-fictional piece of literature.

Overview of Book Report

There are 10 steps that can be followed while writing a book report:

Step 1 – Carefully read the details of your assignment

Step 2 – Read the book

Step 3 – Take notes while reading

Step 4 – Create an outline

Step 5 – Write the introductory paragraph

Step 6 – Provide some background information

Step 7 – Summarize the book and provide analysis (if requested)

Step 8 – Write a concluding paragraph

Step 9 – Edit your book report

Step 10 – Revise and check your documentation of the primary text and any outside sources you used

Is a book report the same as a book review?

No, a book report is not the same as a book review. While a book review involves your personal opinions about the piece, a book report is usually free from judgment and comparisons to other books. That being said, different instructors have different ideas about book reports, and some will actually encourage you to voice your opinion as you write your report.

Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.

Step 1: Carefully read the details of your assignment

Read the details of your assignment and make sure that you understand the task ahead. Instructors will have differing requirements, so here are a few common things to look for:

• Is there a word count or page requirement?
• The number of sources, the types of sources used (e.g., primary and secondary, peer-reviewed, etc.), where the sources are found, etc.
• Do you need to submit an outline or a thesis first?
• Are there formatting requirements? If yes, in what style? Most English and humanities courses require the use of MLA format.
• Do you need to add in-text citations and a bibliography or works cited page?
• Are there parameters around the type of book you can choose?

Make sure you understand whether your instructor thinks opinions are acceptable in a book report, or whether they simply want a fact-based overview of the book. Many instructors want students to pay special attention to specific aspects of the book, such as characters, themes, literary elements, etc.

• Have you carefully reviewed your assignment?
• Are there specific steps the professor requires for your book report?
• How does the essay need to be formatted?
• Does your book report require a bibliography and formal documentation?
• Do you need to submit an outline to your professor for approval before starting the formal drafting process?
• Are you required to summarize every chapter?

Step 2: Read the book

This step is pretty self-explanatory. Yes, you actually have to read the book in order to write a top-notch book report. While it’s true that you can find quick book summaries on the web, it’s always best to read the book yourself.

When you absorb the text yourself, you can contribute personal insights and analysis to your book report. In addition, most instructors can easily spot which students have actually read the book and which ones are simply basing their book report on someone else’s brief summary.

Step 3: Take notes while reading

Taking notes while you read a book (or any text) is an excellent strategy to help you better understand what you read and how to begin writing about it. This is referred to as annotation . It is a matter of personal preference as to whether you use an actual book or digital text.

Tips for annotation:

• Write (or type) notes in the margins.
• Underline important passages.
• Highlight sections you do not understand.
• Summarize long sections with a few main ideas.
• Identify main themes and arguments.
• Identify supporting details and sources the author uses to help prove her point.

You should also write down any direct quotes that you might want to use for your book report, but be careful not to stuff your report with too many quotes. By the time you have finished reading the book, you should have a plethora of information and insights from which to build your outline.

Step 4: Create an outline

After you’ve finished reading the entire book, it’s time to start thinking about the outline of your book report. This is the “skeleton” of your assignment, and creating an organized, general guideline will make the entire writing process easier and more streamlined.

Be careful not to go overboard when creating your outline. Remember, it’s going to be impossible to cover every single detail of the book you’ve read. Instead, target the most important moments or topics.

When creating your outline, you should also plan to devote a certain number of words to each topic or chapter. This ensures that you’re not placing too much emphasis (or too little) on one aspect of the book.

Step 5: Write the introductory paragraph

When you’re ready to start writing the main body of your book report, start with the introductory paragraph. Include the author’s name and the book’s title in the first sentence; maybe even a powerful quote that sums up the entire narrative. Remember, your first paragraph should grab the reader’s attention and “get them hooked.”

Finish your introductory paragraph with a summary of the entire book in one final sentence. Let the reader know what the book is all about before moving on.

Write from a critical point of view that assumes the reader is not familiar with the book or author at all. It is easy to mistakenly think of your audience as only your professor, but most of these assignments require you to write for a “general academic audience.” This audience would include your instructor that assigned the essay and will grade it, your classmates, and the larger academic community.

Step 6: Provide some background information

After you’ve finished your introductory paragraph, launch into your book report by providing the reader with some background information. For a fictional piece, this might involve going over the setting of the book. For a nonfiction piece, you can explore why the book was written and what kind of information it provides.

You might also want to talk about the time period in which the book was written and what the author was experiencing when he or she wrote it. In this second paragraph, you need to set the stage for the rest of the book report.

Step 7: Summarize the book and provide analysis (if requested)

It’s now time to summarize the book in its entirety. Follow your outline and go through each section. Refer to your notes and add direct quotes wherever necessary. This is the most important part of your book report and also the most time-consuming.

• Describe the setting (time and location).
• Introduce and summarize the main characters. How does the author develop them over the course of the book or narrative (story)?
• For books that contain many chapters, avoid summarizing every chapter in its entirety (unless required). Instead, focus your summary on major sections of the book and/ or plot developments.
• To keep the summary interesting, write about how the major events impact the characters.

Remember, a book report is more than simply summarizing each chapter.  What are the primary plot developments? Think about what the author is trying to say. Are there any major themes? What are his/her characters trying to communicate to the reader through their actions? How do the characters transform and evolve throughout the book? By the end of the story, are their worldviews different? If so, how?

If you’re writing a report on a nonfiction book, search for the author’s primary thesis statement or argument. Is the author trying to convince the reader about something? Is she successful in her argument? How and why? What makes the book persuasive and convincing? Your book report should show that you understand the author’s central argument and assess the credibility of the research/ support the author uses to make their thesis more persuasive.

Other topics to write about:

• Devote a few paragraphs to the style and tone of the book. You may choose to hint at these points in your introduction and then give examples in the summary you provide later in your paper.
• Other literary elements to write about include characterization, setting, themes, plot, dialogue, irony, and satire. For nonfiction books, give an overview of the research and outside support the author uses to make their point more persuasive.
• Again, refer to your notes. If a specific passage or quote has a distinctive style or tone, make sure to mention this.

Step 8: Write a concluding paragraph

After you’ve finished writing your book report, it’s time to wrap everything up with a concluding paragraph. Keep this paragraph concise, and don’t introduce any new ideas. Quickly summarize everything you’ve just said and write a few succinct sentences that reestablish the general outline of the book.

Many instructors have very clear instructions regarding the concluding paragraph, and some require you to mention the author’s name and the book’s title. If your instructor allows you to voice your opinion in your book report, the concluding paragraph is the ideal place to do so. For example, you can reveal whether you’d recommend the book to others and why.

Click here  to see a book report example.

Step 9: Edit your book report

While self-editing can be effective, it’s always helpful to use another pair of eyes. Ask a friend or your parents to read your book report. A fellow student may also edit your report.

Step 10: Revise and check your documentation of the primary text and any outside sources you used 

After an initial editing stage, go over the report once again and search for any glaring errors. These might be small grammatical or spelling mistakes. You should also check over your quotes to make sure they have been worded correctly and confirm any outside sources used.

Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.

Book report checklist

Here’s a checklist you can go over to make sure your book report is ready to hand in. Some of these items may not be required, and your professor may also have additional requirements not mentioned on this list. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to check the specific criteria of your book report before you hand it in. Ask yourself if you included the following:

• The author’s name
• The title of the book
• The publication date
• The name of your professor/instructor and class
• A bibliography or works cited page

Also make sure you mentioned all the major events, characters, and ideas within the story.

Additional tips for writing a book report

• Use a thesaurus to increase your vocabulary.
• Use transition words to ensure readability.
• Focus on the “why” instead of the “how.”
• When reading the book, search for a quote that encapsulates the entire narrative. You can use this in your introductory paragraph.
• Make sure you understand whether your instructor accepts personal opinions in the report and write it accordingly.
• Make sure to correctly cite from the primary source (the book) and any outside sources (if required or allowed).
• Use current MLA documentation style, unless otherwise directed.
• Use concise and engaging language, logical organization, and a variety of summary, paraphrasing, short direct quotations, and explanations that lead the reader through each section you are writing about.
• Avoid unnecessary wordiness, repetition, slang, jargon, informal phrases, and, obviously, grammatical mistakes.

Example book report on One Hundred Years of Solitude

By Andy Block. Block received his B.A. in English from the University of South Carolina and his M.A. in comparative literature from the University of New Mexico. After teaching ESL in Asia and Europe as well as public school in New York City, briefly, Andy taught writing at a community college for more than a decade — before transitioning to a new career in EdTech. He is currently at work on a creative non-fiction book and enjoys freelance writing.

Common Writing Assignments, Apps & Tests

• Analytical Essay
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Writing a Book Report

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Book reports are informative reports that discuss a book from an objective stance. They are similar to book reviews but focus more on a summary of the work than an evaluation of it. Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their focus is primarily on giving an account of the major plot, characters, thesis, and/or main idea of the work. Most often, book reports are a K-12 assignment and range from 250 to 500 words.

Book reviews are most often a college assignment, but they also appear in many professional works: magazines, newspapers, and academic journals. If you are looking to write a book review instead of a book report, please see the OWL resource, Writing a Book Review .

Before You Read

Before you begin to read, consider what types of things you will need to write your book report. First, you will need to get some basic information from the book:

• Publisher location, name of publisher, year published
• Number of Pages

You can either begin your report with some sort of citation, or you can incorporate some of these items into the report itself.

Next, try to answer the following questions to get you started thinking about the book:

• Author: Who is the author? Have you read any other works by this author?
• Genre: What type of book is this: fiction, nonfiction, biography, etc.? What types of people would like to read this kind of book? Do you typically read these kinds of books? Do you like them?
• Title: What does the title do for you? Does it spark your interest? Does it fit well with the text of the book?
• Pictures/Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: What does the book jacket or book cover say? Is it accurate? Were you excited to read this book because of it? Are there pictures? What kinds are there? Are they interesting?

As You Read

While reading a work of fiction, keep track of the major characters. You can also do the same with biographies. When reading nonfiction works, however, look for the main ideas and be ready to talk about them.

• Characters: Who are the main characters? What happens to them? Did you like them? Were there good and bad characters?
• Main Ideas: What is the main idea of the book? What happens? What did you learn that you did not know before?
• Quotes: What parts did you like best? Are there parts that you could quote to make your report more enjoyable?

When You Are Ready to Write

Announce the book and author. Then, summarize what you have learned from the book. Explain what happens in the book, and discuss the elements you liked, did not like, would have changed, or if you would recommend this book to others and why. Consider the following items as well:

• Principles/characters: What elements did you like best? Which characters did you like best and why? How does the author unfold the story or the main idea of the book?
• Organize: Make sure that most of your paper summarizes the work. Then you may analyze the characters or themes of the work.
• Your Evaluation: Choose one or a few points to discuss about the book. What worked well for you? How does this work compare with others by the same author or other books in the same genre? What major themes, motifs, or terms does the book introduce, and how effective are they? Did the book appeal to you on an emotional or logical way?
• Recommend: Would you recommend this book to others? Why? What would you tell them before they read it? What would you talk about after you read it?

Revising/Final Copy

Do a quick double check of your paper:

• Double-check the spelling of the author name(s), character names, special terms, and publisher.
• Check the punctuation and grammar slowly.
• Make sure you provide enough summary so that your reader or instructor can tell you read the book.
• Consider adding some interesting quotes from the reading.

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How to write a book report

A book report is one of the first types of essays you probably learned to write in elementary school. But no matter how many book reports you turn in over the course of your student life, they can still inspire some anxiety and some confusion about the best way to write a book report, especially as you reach the high school and college level.

The good news is that the basics you learned in the early grades will serve you in good stead, since the book report format remains mostly the same. The very same structure and tools you used to dissect Charlotte’s Web and Superfudge will work just as well for Animal Farm and The Handmaid’s Tale . What changes is the depth and breadth of your analysis as a high school and college student.

So, If you are wondering how to start a book report for a college class assignment, here are some of the key pieces of information you need to know.

What is a book report?

Let’s start off with some definitions. In the most general terms, a book report is a summary of a written text, often a fiction novel, but can also include other genres such as memoir and creative non-fiction. It includes an analysis of the different elements and authorial choices that comprise the work, such as tone, theme, perspective, diction, dialogue, etc.

While the analysis should be reasoned and objective, it should also include your opinion and assessment of the impact and overall success of the author’s choices on the final work.

Book reports usually fall into one of the following types:

Plot summary

This type of book report isn’t just a re-telling of the story, it’s a comment on your overall impression of the plot — whether you thought it was engaging or maudlin or vapid, for example — backed up by direct quotes from the text to support your opinion.

Example of a plot summary thesis statement: The plot of Herman Melville’s short story, “Bartleby the Scrivener,” offers a poignant portrait of how depression robs a person of all motivation and momentum in life.

Character analysis

A character analysis zeroes in on a particular character (their characterization and actions) and their impact on the unfolding of the plot and its eventual outcome.

Example of a character analysis thesis statement: In J.D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye , the character of Phoebe, Holden’s bright and precocious younger sister, is a catalyst for rekindling his hope in humanity and reconsidering the choices he’s made in his life.

Theme analysis

A theme analysis looks at the overarching concepts, or themes, that run through a book and that give the text meaning and direction. Themes tend to be broad in nature, such as love, the importance of family, the impact of childhood, etc.

Example of a theme analysis thesis statement: Banana Yoshimoto’s novella, Kitchen , explores the theme of death and how everyone sooner or later has to come to terms with the mortality of the people they love as well as their own.

How to start a book report

The very first step in writing a stellar book report that earns a top grade is actually reading the book. This may seem obvious, but many students make the assignment much harder on themselves by not putting in the time up front to do a thorough and complete reading of the book they’re going to be writing their report on. So resist the urge to skim the text or to rely on the Cliff’s notes version. A nuanced analysis requires a deep grasp of the text, and there is no substitute for focused, firsthand reading.

It’s a lot easier to stick with a book that you enjoy reading! If you have the chance to choose the book you’ll be writing a report on, take some time to select a book that appeals to you, considering the genre, time period, writing style, and plot.

It can be helpful to start thinking about your book report while you are still making your way through your initial reading of the text. Mark down passages that provide key turning points in the action, descriptive passages that establish time and place, and any other passages that stand out to you in terms of their word choice and use of language. This makes it much easier to go back later and start collecting the evidence you’ll need to support your argument and analysis.

Once you finish reading the book from cover to cover, you’ll likely find that your mind is swirling with thoughts, impressions, and burgeoning analyses. At this stage, trying to distill all of these half-formed thoughts into one cohesive report may seem like a daunting task. One way to make this task more approachable is to start by collecting and listing the objective facts about the book. The following list covers the basic elements that should be included in every book report you write, no matter what topic or specific type of book report you’re writing:

• The book’s title and author
• The historical context of the book (when it was written)
• The time(s) during which the story is set
• The location(s) where the story takes place
• A summary of the main characters and action of the story
• Quotes from the book that will function as evidence to support your analysis

With all of the basics in hand, you can start to write your book report in earnest. Just like most other essay types, a well-written book report follows a basic structure that makes it easy for your reader to follow your thoughts and make sense of your argument.

A typical book report will open with an introduction that briefly summarizes the book and culminates with a thesis statement that advances an opinion or viewpoint about it. This is followed by body paragraphs that provide detailed points to flesh out and support that opinion in greater detail, including direct quotes from the text as supporting evidence. The report finishes with a conclusion that summarizes the main points and leaves the reader with an understanding of the book, its aims, and whether or not you feel the book (and its author) was successful in doing what it set out to do. Ideally, the conclusion will also make a statement about how the book fits into the larger literary world.

A book report template you can use for any book report

If you find yourself stuck on how to start a book report, here’s a handy book report template you can use to get things off the ground. Simply use this structure and start filling it in with the specifics of the book you are writing your report on. Feel free to expand upon this book report template, adding more sections as appropriate.

Introduction

Write three to five sentences introducing the book and author as well as important contextual information about the book, such as the publication year and the overall critical reception at the time. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.

Body paragraphs

Include at least three body paragraphs that offer detailed information and analysis to support your thesis statement. Each paragraph should contain one idea, backed up with direct quotes from the text alongside your critical analysis.

Write three to five sentences that restate your thesis and summarize the evidence you’ve presented in support of it. Relate your findings to a larger context about the book’s place within both the literary world and the world at large.

Frequently Asked Questions about book reports

A book report follows the format of most papers you write - it will have an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Depending on the type of book report, you will fill these parts with the required information.

These are the basic parts that should be included in every book report you write, no matter what topic or specific type of book report you’re writing:

• The historical context of the book and time(s) during which the story is set

The book report is, among other things, also a summary of the plot, main characters, and ideas and arguments of the author. Your book report should help readers decide whether they want to read the book or not.

How many pages a book report should have depends on your assignment. It can be a half page, but it can also have many pages. Make sure to carefully read through your assignment and ask your professor if you are unsure .

A book report is a summary of a written text. A good book report includes an analysis of the different elements and authorial choices that comprise the work, such as tone, theme, perspective, diction, dialogue, etc. A good book report helps the reader decide whether they want to read the book or not.

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How to Write a Report on a Book

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Tricks to writing a book report that will get you results

We have already provided students with tips on the importance of taking notes when reading a novel for a book report . Now it's time to put those notes into action and start writing a book report.

Discover the hidden meaning

Since your notes will provide you with what you feel are the most important elements of the book, all that's left to do is make connections between the different elements. To do this, you'll want to discover how the symbols that you've noticed add meaning to the events in the novel.

Here's a relatively simple, yet effective, combination of symbolism, meaning, and events: The main character of the book discovers that the love of his life has been cheating on him. He spends all night walking broken-hearted in the rain. In this case, the rain is symbolic of sadness/gloominess, and the night may be symbolic of hardship or loneliness. How do these symbols combine with the events in the story? Easy. The main character is sad and feels alone because he just discovered that his lover has been unfaithful.

Once you've figured out the connections that you'd like to highlight in your book report, it's time to begin writing.

Writing the all-important first paragraph of your report

The opening paragraph of a book report is extremely important because this introduction describes how you plan to analyze the novel in question. The following is a list of things that our editors watch for when editing the first paragraph of a college-level report:

Introduction:

The name of the book, the author, and the date of publication should be included somewhere in your introduction . Just as you wouldn't hang out with a stranger without knowing his/her name, you shouldn't expect your professor to read your book report without first knowing a little about the book.

Subject, genre, and overview of the meaning:

The first paragraph should also contain a sentence that refers to the subject of the book, the genre, and the meaning expounded within the work. This sounds like a lot of information, but with practice you can do this all in one sentence. To clarify, let's define subject, genre, and meaning:

• Subject: The subject is what the book is about. Here's an example of a sentence that explains the subject of a book: Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six relates the experiences of an international group of covert operatives that neutralize a European terrorist plot.
• Genre: This is the type of book you're reading. The summary on the back of a book will often tell you the genre in case you're not familiar with the categories. The book mentioned in the previous point could be classified as a thriller.
• Overview of the meaning: You don't have to get in-depth in the first paragraph, but you should let your reader know that your book report isn't simply a summary but also a treatment of the major themes discussed in the work. Here's an example of a sentence that gives a bit of information on the deeper meaning in a book: The novel raises some important questions regarding freedom of information, ethics, and government secrecy.

If we put all of the above information together, we have a sentence that gives a good overview of the information we plan to include when writing a book report: In the 1998 thriller Rainbow Six , Tom Clancy raises some important questions regarding freedom of information, ethics, and governmental secrecy as he describes the experiences of an international group of covert operatives that neutralize a European terrorist plot.

Keep your ideas structured

Once you've written a solid introduction, it's time to get to the meat and potatoes of your report: the summary and critical analysis. Here's a quick look at what our essay editing experts look for in each of these sections:

• Summary: A good rule of thumb to remember is that the summary should be no more than 1/3 of the report's length. This means that if you're writing a three-page report, your summary section should be no more than one page. In this section, you'll want to go over the main characters , events, and settings (without relating them to symbolism/meanings).
• Critical analysis: This is where you connect the events/actions/settings to the symbolism/meanings that you've gathered from the work. In this section, it's a good idea to remember that any assertion you make should be backed up with information from the book itself (either paraphrasing or direct quotations). You should also comment on the style of writing in this section and how it contributes to the overall feeling/meaning of the book. This section is the most important and should take up about 2/3 of your report.

Concluding thoughts

The concluding paragraph of a book report is where you summarize the ideas you've presented in the analysis and offer your opinion of the novel. Vague phrases such as "I liked this book" or "The book was good" should be avoided.

Any connection that you can make to real life may be helpful in this portion of the report. For example, here's a good opinion sentence using our previous Tom Clancy example:

Although this book was written in 1998, I argue that, given the U.S. political environment of the early 21st century, Clancy's comments regarding the ramifications of terrorism and the ambiguity of government secrecy are more relevant than ever.

Solicit a second opinion before submitting your book report

After you've finished writing your book report, you may be tempted to immediately submit it to your professor for grading. We recommend resisting this urge! Instead, ask a friend or classmate to review your work for any inconsistent content or awkward phrasing. Better yet, submit your document to our essay editing service and have a professional assess your ideas.

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How to Write a Book Report : Step by Step Guide

By: Angelina Grin

This type of assignment can be a little more complicated than it sounds. But it doesn’t have to be. You can buy book report , but in fact, with a little planning and preparation, you can write an excellent report hassle-free.

• ⚑ What is a Book Report? 

✒️ Central Characters and Their Roles

✒️ the setting, ✒️ use of symbolism, ✒️ citations, ✒️ formatting, what is the format of a book report, ✍️ pre-writing steps, ✍️ brainstorm before you start writing, ✍️ have an objective, ✍️ read the book well, ✍️ mark interesting places, ✍️ create a rough outline, ✍️ develop ideas, how to write a book report outline, how to title a book report, how to start a book report, how to write a book report summary, how to write a conclusion for book report, 📗 elementary school, 📘 primary school, 📙 middle school, 📓 high school, 📚 university, get a book writing service, ➡️ what should a book report include, ➡️ what are the 5 parts of a book report, ➡️ how do you end a book report, ➡️ what are the basics of a book report.

If you're unsure how to do a book report, this article will help get you started. Let’s look at how to write a report that will impress your teacher and get an “A” grade.

⚑ What is a Book Report?

You might ask, “what does a book report look like?” So, it is necessary that we define book report before diving deeply into how you can write it.

A report is an exposition that summarizes a written work's plot, characters, and literary style. It generally centers on a single work but can also focus on a particular subject or theme.

Usually, a report is a secondary-level assignment that seeks to boost students’ communication and analytical skills. Also, it helps students to practice the art of self-expression in any aspect of life.

While a report might look similar to a book review, there are significant discrepancies between the two. Book reviews are critical evaluations of a literary piece. They require the student to analyze the content while expressing their personal opinions on the subject matter.

How to Structure a Book Report

To understand how to write a good book report, you must first know what to put in it. So, what do you need in a book report? Report writing at the secondary and college levels may take these forms:

• Character analysis
• Theme analysis
• Plot summary

So, what are the elements of a book report?

Depending on your course requirements, you may be required to write a summary of any literary work. Regardless of what type of work you are writing about, incorporate some key points that elucidate why the text you read captivated you.

👉 Some key elements to include in book report structure are:

• Include a timeline of the events described in your story.
• Write down key details such as the title, publication date, publishing company, and the number of pages.
• Include a summary of the plot and topic in your report.
• Include a description of the story's setting.
• Name and describe the main characters.
• Use quotes from the text to support your viewpoint.

Structural Elements of a Great Book Report

Knowing how to structure your report correctly can be a fun and engaging way to interact with your favorite books. What does a book report consist of? Generally, a report has a formal format that a student should follow to write a compelling sample of critical analysis. Below are the key structural elements to include in your writing:

The central characters are the ones who make the story what it is. They're usually the main people who drive the action forward and keep things interesting.

If you're writing a report, you need to discuss those characters in detail—what they look like, how they act, and so on. You should also mention how each of them fits into the story: what role does they play? What does his or her presence contribute to the overall plot?

The structure of a book report should also include the events that take place in the literary piece. Identify the main events in the story. Remember that an event happens in a story — it can be as simple as "the character gets out of bed," or it can be something incredibly complex like an epic battle between two opposing armies. Also, ensure that each event has a purpose within the story's plot.

The setting is the time and the place where the story takes place. Knowing the setting is important because it can help you understand what happens in the story. If you don't know where the characters are, you won't be able to understand what their lives are like.

The setting of the story foreshadows what will occur. It also helps to give the reader a sense of where everything is taking place so they can imagine themselves being there with the characters.

Symbolism is a literary writing style that allows an author to convey a message through objects, characters, and places in the story. An example of this would be when an author uses the color green to represent hope or life.

Your report should identify how the author uses symbols throughout the novel. So, read between the lines to contextualize the setting, events, and characters and demystify how the author incorporates symbolism in their literature.

The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story. In this part, you describe what happens to your characters as they try to achieve their goals. A great report will explain how the plot moves forward, changes over time, and impacts other aspects of the story (like characters).

When writing a report, you want to ensure you support your writing with lots of quotations. It makes your paper more interesting and helps your reader to understand the point you are trying to make.

Formatting is the first thing your teacher will look at when they open your report. You must ensure that your formatting is correct and that every piece of information has been included in the proper section.

👉 Here are some formatting tips:

• Put quotation marks around direct quotations
• Boldface keywords in titles and subtitles
• Underline sayings
• Organize the text into an introduction, body, and conclusion.

You've read the book, and now it's time to write a report on it. But what is the format of a book report? The format you adopt depends on your instructor’s book report instructions.

Probably you’re asking, “how do you do a book report?” Well, book reports generally follow this format:

• ✔️ Include the title, author, and the number of pages.
• ✔️ Mention the type of book, e.g., fiction, folktale, non-fiction, etc.
• ✔️ Mention and describe the key characters.
• ✔️ Write a summary of the plot.
• ✔️ Describe the theme.
• ✔️ Write a personal point of view about the book. I.e., what you liked or disliked about it.

Book Report Guidelines

Did you ask: " Write my book report! "? Or you looking for top tips on how to write a book report essay? If so, don’t fret – we got you covered in this book report guide. Writing a report that stands out doesn't have to be daunting as it might seem. All you need to do is know the right guidelines to follow, and you’ll be good to go.

Here are book report steps to follow to write an impeccable overview of a literary text:

Before we get into how to type a book report, let’s look at the preliminary things before you begin crafting your report.

👉 Follow this book report tips:

• Take notes when reading a fiction piece. Ensure you track the characters, setting, and plot.
• For non-fiction work, track ideas, themes, and symbols to include them in your overview.
• Jot down key quotes and cite them throughout your assignment
• Categorize your notes into headings and subheadings to make the writing process easier.

Before you start to write your report, it's important to brainstorm some key points you want to make about the story. Think about what you liked or didn't like or what made it special to you. Check your notes and decide the claims you want to make. Also, consider what the teacher said in class about how they want reports written.

Your objective will help determine how much work goes into the report and what type of information needs to be included. You'll need to explain why the story is interesting and unique and why it deserves a recommendation.

The first step in writing a book report is reading the entire publication well. This will help you understand it better and give you an idea of what information to include in your report. Take precise notes on important characters, events, and settings.

Marking up your text is a great way to keep track of all the important things you want to include in your report. It also makes it easier to find them when you're writing. Mark sentences highlighting events, symbols, patterns, etc. that are important to the plot or theme of the story. Underline key facts that will make your piece appealing.

You can start writing your rough outline by outlining all of your book's major events and themes. It will give you an image of how your assignment will look like.

Use your notes to decide which idea to include in what paragraph. Also, ensure there is a proper transition of ideas throughout your writing. Proper coordination of ideas will help the teacher follow the flow of the publication.

If you want to know how to write an outline for a book report , this section got your back. Below are key elements to include in your outline:

• Introduction – You need to know how to write a good introduction for a book report. Include the title and bibliographical information. Provide the context of the story.
• Summary – write an overview of the book, including the plot, events, and character description.
• Conclusion – provide your thoughts on the book in this section. Did the book succeed in teaching you something new?

A report title should include the novel title and author. The title needs to reflect the report's content so that when someone sees it, they know exactly what they're going to get if they read it.

Book Report on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

We have a tip for you if you are wondering how to start your report. Begin with an introduction that mentions the 1) publication's title , 2) author , and 3) context .

More information here .

When preparing for your work, you want to know how to write a summary for a book report. This summary is a short overview of the literary work's plot, events, and main characters.

Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet is the most famous romantic tragedy. In this play, Verona's Montague and Capulet families' long-running feud kills Romeo and Juliet (a Capulet).

Romeo and Juliet plunge into love in the first part of the play. Conflict, retribution, and secret machinations drive the lovers to suicide in despair.

Shakespeare condenses the play into four days. He condenses time to show how events combine to kill the lovers. The tragedy's main themes—conflict and inevitability—predict its ending: Romeo and Juliet's death ends the deadly struggle between Verona's noble families.

Your book report summary should include the main ideas you have discovered in the publication.

Summarize the key ideas you included in the report. Also, provide a personal recommendation about how you felt about the book.

How to Write a Book Report for Different Academic Levels

A report on a book is a form of writing that students can do at any academic level. As such, the components of a book report may differ depending on the level of study.

If you want to know how to format a book report, here are tips on writing examples of book reports at different levels.

At this young stage, students can write a basic book report which is easy and straightforward. Below are guidelines on how to write a book report elementary school level:

• Include the book title and author
• Mention the various characters
• Summarize the plot
• Include a personal opinion

If you are wondering what to put in a book report, here are tips on how to write a book report in primary school:

• Include details such as title, author, genre, and the number of pages.
• Write the book summary.
• Describe the main character
• Your opinion

Check the following guidelines on how to write a middle school book report:

• Add the title and the author
• Write an introduction with the book title, author, and context.
• Write the plot summary
• Add your personal recommendation.

If you’re looking for the format of a written book report, don’t worry. The following are tips on how to write a book report college level :

• Learn your teacher’s requirements
• Read the book and take notes
• Follow the college book report format given by your tutor
• Include an introduction with the book’s bibliographical information
• Write the summary
• Write a conclusion with personal thoughts

Follow these tips on how to write a high school book report paper:

• Read the book keenly and jot down the main ideas
• Create an outline
• Include the title and author in the introduction
• Analyze the key characters
• Summarize the key events, themes, and symbols
• Conclude with your thoughts

Below are tips on how to write a book report university level:

• Know the instructions.
• Read the carefully while taking notes.
• Write an informative introduction with the book’s bibliographical information.
• Write the summary while synthesizing ideas.
• Write a conclusion with personal thoughts.

If you feel overwhelmed by homework, get help with book report at Studybay. We have experienced experts who can deliver high-quality book reports for all academic levels. Contact us now and ask for cheap book report help. We got you covered.

The title of the book, the name(s) of the author(s), an introduction, the context, a character description, a narrative summary, and a personal opinion should all be included in a report on a book.

Keep in mind that a good book report example should always include the five elements: the title, the introduction, the setting, a summary of the tale, and the conclusion.

A conclusion is the last section of a report on a book, and it should contain a personal judgment about it as well as the key ideas of the storyline.

A report on a book gives information about the author, the book, and its subject as well as the theme. In contrast to a review, which concentrates on giving an opinion about the book, a book report essay format involves writing a book’s summary.

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After going through the article, I can now create a book report without actually reading the book. I will focus more on the quotes, important words, and theme analysis. This will help put me in the right direction when writing the report.

When writing a college level book report, it is important to do an excellent job so as to get an excellent grade. The article explained how to review the character in the book to deliver a great report.

From the article, I know that character analysis is a crucial aspect of every high school book report. It defines the different characters and plot summary. The post makes writing a book report even easier than I actually imagined.

When writing a book report, students can choose any of these three types of the introductory paragraph, including descriptive, narrative, and expository paragraphs. Also, if you provide a brief summary of the author's arguments and opinions, it will make reading your book report more interesting.

Before reading this article, I never really understood the importance of body paragraphs and theme analysis in my college papers. Now, I know that this is where I define the purpose and plot of my research.

From the post, I understand that the starter paragraph of my book report must establish a foundation for all important thesis statements. I will gather more resources for my paper and deliver exactly what my teachers expect.

Thanks to this informative post, I now know the procedure for writing the thesis statement for my character analysis book report. I will focus more on the content, paragraphs, and grammar.

The article helped simplify the process of writing a book report. I now understand how to present good arguments and how to write page references. Students at the secondary level, college level, or another grade level can also adhere to the instructions in the post when writing their book report.

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• A Research Guide
• Writing Guide
• Assignment Writing

How to Write a Book Report

• What Is a book report
• Book report outline and structure
• Step-by-step writing guide
• Book report format
• Book report writing tips
• Report examples

What Is a Book Report?

Book report outline and structure.

• Introduction. In this part, you reveal the title, the author, the year of publication, the critics’ opinions, and the theme of the work. It contains background information about what you have researched and how interested the reader will be in your research. You can write a few introductory sentences and tell how you evaluate the book and its relevance to the modern world. Do not add too many details; you will tell about them in the following parts of a book report.
• Main part. Here you already talk in detail about the characters, the plot, the issues raised, and your observations. This section should be the most voluminous and detailed. Give arguments to your thoughts, help the reader to immerse themselves in the issue under study, and draw their own opinion.
• Conclusion. The final part may contain only a few sentences. Here you can again voice the analyzed question and recall your arguments. Sum up your paper.

How to Write a Book Report?

Step 1: read the task and guidelines, step 2: read the book, step 3: create a document outline, step 4: writing a book report introduction, step 5: write the body, step 6: write conclusions, step 7: write the book report title, step 8: edit the finished paper, book report format, book report writing tips.

• Read the book carefully to understand the author’s idea. If you find it difficult to read the whole work, read in parts. For example, take a break every 10 minutes to keep your focus.
• Take notes and write out quotes. It will make it easier for you to work on the report further.
• Write as many arguments and examples as possible to support your point of view. It will help your professor understand how deeply you know the subject and how well you understand the book’s author.
• If you don’t understand the author’s point of view, read his other books.
• Don’t get carried away with quotes. Your task is not to rewrite the book in your report but to give it or the events described a precise assessment.
• After the report is ready, set it aside and then reread it. It will help you find any inaccuracies or mistakes you may have missed.

Book Report Examples

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4 Tips For Writing A Book Report

Throughout grade school, your kids may be asked to write book reports about fiction and nonfiction books they’ve read. These assignments can seem daunting—it’s challenging to write a short summary about something as long as a book!

But when you break it down, writing a book report is not so different from other types of informational writing.

A book report is an informational essay summarizing the events and important themes and facts of a text, either fiction or nonfiction. Generally speaking, a book report is a description of the text from an objective point of view. In other words, you’re not giving your personal opinion on the book.

In order to write a good book report, you have to provide enough information to give the reader an understanding of the book without giving so much information that it’s overly long and, well, boring. It’s all about balance.

We’ve broken down how to write a top-notch book report step-by-step, so you can guide your kids through the process with ease.

1. Read the book

There’s no shortcut to writing a book report. You have to read the book first. Resources like CliffsNotes can be helpful as a support, but they are no substitute for the real thing. If you’re reading a book you will be writing a book report about, it’s good to take notes as you read.

Ways to take notes in the book itself (often called annotating ):

• underlining important events
• circling main ideas or arguments
• highlighting when a new character is introduced
• drawing a star at moments of conflict

If you can’t write in your book, you can always use sticky notes (that can be removed easily) or take notes in a separate notebook as you read. If you’re using this method, be sure to keep track of the page numbers in your notes (e.g., new character: Timothy, friend of Sandra, p. 7).

2. Outline your book report

Preparing an outline before you write is important for any kind of informational writing, but especially when it comes to book reports. If you dive right in to writing a book report, you risk missing important details.

The kind of outline you need will depend on the kind of book you’re reporting on. If you’re writing about a fiction book, like a mystery novel or an adventure, your book report will focus on summarizing the plot, important characters, and sometimes the themes of the book. If you are writing about a nonfiction book, like a history, you will want to focus on the important facts and arguments in the text.

Your outline will also depend somewhat on the assignment. Some book reports are long, others are short. Some focus more on plot, others want to know more about characters or setting. Make sure your outline includes the specific details that the assignment asks for. And, of course, feel free to use our fiction and nonfiction book report outlines below to help you get started. That’s what we are here for.

Ideally, for every part of the outline, you should have a specific example or citation from the book to back it up.

Fiction book report outline:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Name of book
• Main character(s) and short description
• Setting(s): where and when the story takes place

Paragraphs 2–3: Summary

• Rising action : what happens before the climax
• Climax: the most tense, action-packed, or pivotal part of the plot
• Falling action : what happens after the climax
• Resolution: how the conflict is resolved

Paragraph 4: Analysis

This is where you should include the specific analysis the assignment is asking for. For example, some fiction book reports might require additional information about or insights into:

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

• Summarize the moral or resolution of the story
• Would you recommend this book? (optional)

Nonfiction book report outline:

• Main idea or claim of book

Paragraph 2–3: Summary

• Description of how the book was organized
• Main fact 1
• Main fact 2
• Main fact 3

This is where you should include the specific analysis the assignment is asking for. For example, some nonfiction book reports might require additional information about or insight into:

• the people featured in the book
• comparing and contrasting the book to another book
• what you found most interesting or surprising

3. Write your book report

Once you have your book report outlined, writing it can be a snap. It is just like most other informational essays. Use mostly declarative sentences. Describe things from an objective point of view. In other words, back up your ideas with examples, quotations, and citations from the book itself.

Remember to always use quotation marks when you are citing the book word-for-word. Here are some guidelines on MLA style citations (which is just one style of making citations, but it’s a very common one!) Don’t use too many quotes, though! You should try to use your own words as much as possible.

Also try to incorporate transition words and phrases into your writing. Some examples are:

• for instance/example

Example outline and paragraph:

Have you read the classic Hatchet by Gary Paulsen? Even if you haven’t had a chance to yet, you should get the gist of it from our outline for paragraph 2 of our book report:

Paragraph 2: Summary

• Conflict: Brian’s plane crashes into a lake in the Alaskan wilderness when the pilot has a heart attack.
• Rising action: Brian learns to build a shelter and where to find food. He learns to survive in the wilderness.

Here’s how we wrote this paragraph in our book report:

In the beginning of the story, Brian is on a plane flying above the Alaskan wilderness when the pilot has a heart attack. The plane crash lands in a lake. Brian learns to build a shelter using a rocky ledge. He discovers how to find food that is safe to eat, like turtle eggs, and not safe, like certain berries. He also learns how to make a fire, which he calls “a hungry friend, but a good one” (p. 86). Over time, he learns how to survive in the wilderness.

We backed up all of our ideas with specific details, like Brian building a shelter using a rocky ledge . You might notice that we incorporated some transitions into our writing, such as also and over time . We also used a direct quote from Hatchet , inside quotation marks, to back up our detail about fire.

We didn’t include our own opinion about the book or the character Brian in our summary. Like every informational report, our goal is to be impartial . Just the facts.

And a pro tip: don’t plagiarize !

4. Edit your book report

Like any report, your first draft of a book report is never going to be perfect. We recommend reading through it a few times while you edit. Read carefully for:

• specific facts or details from the book to back up every example;
• logical flow: did you use transitions and complete sentences to help guide the reader?;
• and spelling and grammar mistakes.

You might also want to ask an adult, teacher, or friend to read over your book report before you hand it in. It can help to get another opinion about your work, because others often see things we might miss.

Writing a book report can feel like a big task. But you can make it easier by doing the following:

• take notes while you read
• prepare an outline
• write using transitions and specific examples
• edit carefully

Oh, and don’t skip actually reading the book. That part is really important …

Ways To Say

Synonym of the day

• How to Write a Book Report
• How to Write a Book Report: Top Tips for Success

What Is a Book Report?

What elements should a book report include, steps of writing a book report, pre-writing steps, put your notes into actions, writing a college level book report.

Wondering how to write a book report that can demonstrate your understanding of the author’s major ideas, impress your teacher, classmate, get you a high grade?

Writing an effective book report can be a challenging assignment for many students because it requires that you should analyze a large amount of information in comparatively small space, discuss the writer’s main themes, the plot of the story, and characters from an objective stance. But don’t get discouraged!

In this guide, we will describe in details how to write a book report college level; we will provide you with top tips on how to successfully organize the paper writing process. Keep reading to learn about the basic steps needed for completing college book report projects.

A book report is an informative piece of writing. Book reports are similar to book reviews but there are some important differences. Let’s compare reports and reviews.

A book review is a critical account of a fiction or non-fiction book where you have to give a summary of the content, assess the value of the book, and express your personal opinion whether you recommend or don’t recommend it to other potential readers. Typically, book reviews are college assignments. They can be also written by professionals; book reviews are published in newspapers, magazines, academic or scientific journals. Usually the authors of those attend specific training providers.

Book report projects focus mostly on giving a summary of a literary work than an evaluation of it. Teachers assign them to middle and high school students. These academic papers can take different forms, ranging from 250 to 500 words and include different elements according to their grade level.  

Why do students have to write book analysis? Writing book reports helps any student improve analytical and communication skills and practice expressing their thoughts and opinions about different aspects of the books they have read.

Middle grade-level book reports, as well as projects for students of higher grades, may be of three types:

• plot summary
• theme analysis
• character analysis (look at a character analysis example )

No matter what type of paper you are going to write, make sure to include certain basic points that can help you explain to your reader why this book was interesting. You can find them on the following list.

• Key details about a book, including title, author, publisher, year of publication, number of pages
• Time when the story takes place
• Setting and plot of the book
• Names of the characters you will be discussing and certain facts about them, for example, their character description
• A lot of examples and quotes from the book to support your point of view

Any good book report example should contain these elements.

Looking for advice on how to start a book report? Before we start discussing how to write a book report college level, let’s briefly outline what you should do at the pre-writing stage.

• Choose a book for your analysis - find out some basic information you will need to get started: author, title, genre.  Think about what aspects of the book spark your interest.  
• Start reading and make notes. When you read a book of fiction or a biography, keep track of the main characters, their actions, key events, and settings. Determine major topic and symbols (Trending Technology Topics). When reading nonfiction books , focus on identifying the main ideas, be ready to talk about them.  
• Choose direct quotes from the text that can be included in your paper to support your arguments.  
• Organize your notes: categorize items you have written under certain headings, sub-headings, bullet points, lists. Check if you have enough information to write about each category.  

Now it’s time to share your opinion - inform your friends and teacher why this book is worth their attention. How to do a book report that will make a powerful impression on your audience? It’s easier than you might be thinking - figure out connections between elements and try to discover their hidden meaning. Besides, you should stay creative.

• In the introductory paragraphs of your book reviews, you should announce the author, the book, the date of publication. Introduction should contain a sentence that explains the subject of a novel or a story. This sentence should analyze book’s genre, give a brief overview of the meaning.
• Essential part of your paper is the body. You should present an extended summary of the book, identifying author’s thesis, give some remarks about the writer’s tone, writing style.
• In conclusion, you should include a few sentences about the impact the book had on you and state whether you can recommend it. This part summarizes your ideas. You can offer your own opinion of the book. Consult your assignment guidelines to ensure that the concluding paragraph meets specific requirements of your teacher.   
• Revise the final copy. Improve logic and flow of your paper by adding transition words - add some interesting quotes if you feel they are necessary.  Check your grammar, punctuation, and spelling.                                                             

Book reports are common tasks for college students that help to assess their writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills. They are more complicated assignments than high school papers. How to write a book report college level?

The steps in writing this type of assignment for college are actually the same as when creating a paper for high school. But college-level papers require that you should write a book summary and provide critical analysis or evaluation of the text. And don’t forget about formatting. You should use one of the appropriate academic styles to organize the citations and bibliographical information: MLA paper format , APA, Chicago, etc.

Your academic work should include:

• The bibliographical information under the title of your academic paper
• The intended audience of the book you are analyzing
• The background information about the circumstances that led to the creation of the book
• The subject (topic) of the book and the thesis statement (in the author’s own words)
• The summary of the book’s content
• Critical evaluation supported with evidence from the book

When writing your summary of a book, you should keep in mind that it has to follow the author’s order. Include the key ideas that develop the author’s argument.  Present the book’s summary with the analysis of the structure. If you would like to share your report as well as thoughts about the book to other students all over the world, you may start your own blog and create your website. There you will be able to share your personal opinions and support your writing and reading. However you should not forget that all the websites should be hosted so it is important to take care of this.

Book reports and book reviews help students learn to summarize, analyze, compare and contrast, provide a clear, logical and effective argument, paying attention to every detail. You will need these skills throughout your entire life.  We hope that these easy tips on how to write a book report from experienced writers will help you succeed in completing your own projects.

Do you feel too tired with coursework overload? Have no idea how to start a book report? You can easily get professional help if you buy an essay paper online  at our custom paper writing service. It will be written strictly according to your specific requirements, be perfect in grammar, style, and format and can serve you as a great template you can follow to become a better writer.

When reading a work of literature in your classes, teachers ask you to write a literary analysis to prove your skills and knowledge. To analyze any book or short story, you need to break it down into small parts and examine how they all work. This is when a literary analysis outline will come in han...

“Although many people consider the character of Darth Vader from “Star Wars” a villain, I have got some arguments that prove the role of his alter-ego, Anakin Skywalker, had all reasons to turn to the dark side. He remained more humanistic than many other characters of the saga.”That is how a studen...

An assignment to complete a rhetorical analysis essay may seem pretty difficult for students who never completed such tasks before. Believe it or not, such a point is valid. The main goal of this essay differs from other types like persuasive or argumentative. Here the students don't need to work wi...

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Book Marketing for Self-Publishing Authors

Home / Book Publishing / How to Write a Book Description That Captivates Readers (And Sell Books!)

How to Write a Book Description That Captivates Readers (And Sell Books!)

A book description is one of the most important tools in a book marketer's arsenal. Your back cover description, also known as the book blurb, is essential for selling your book. It is a key factor in driving book sales, along with the book cover and title.

A bad book description will make your book look unprofessional and will likely lose you sales.

Many authors have improved their book descriptions and seen a significant increase in sales.

Follow some of the tips in this article, and you could end up with a book description that leaves your book flying off of the metaphorical shelves.

• The role that a book description plays
• How to write nonfiction book descriptions
• How to write fiction book descriptions
• General advice for creating the perfect book description

By the way, I have an in-depth book description formula that you can download for free. Check it out here .

Table of contents

• What is a Book Description?
• Examples of Nonfiction Hooks
• Examples of Scannable Nonfiction Blurbs
• Examples of the List of Benefits
• Step 4 : Use Trigger Words
• Examples of CTAs for Nonfiction
• Putting it All Together
• Examples of First-Sentence Hooks in Fiction
• Examples of Simple Layout for Fiction
• Examples of the Mic-drop Moment
• Examples of Comparison Points in Fiction
• Examples of Fiction CTAs
• Amazon Description Requirements
• General Tips and Advice
• Should You Hire Someone to Write Your Blurb for You?
• Final Thoughts on How to Write a Dynamic Book Description

A book description, often referred to as a back cover description, is a pitch to the reader about why they should buy your book.

If you ask most people what a book description is, they will tell you that it is a summary of your book, usually appearing on the back of the book and on the Amazon landing page.

Just one problem exists. That’s not what a book description is.

Yes, a book description appears on the back of your book, and on the sales page, but it should not be a summary of your book.

Your book blurb is a sales tool.

This is entirely different from a summary of your book. A summary will tell you what happens in the book. Sales copy will tell you why it matters.

Sales copy focuses on intriguing the reader. After reading your book blurb, the reader should be interested in learning more, preferably enough to buy the book.

That is why you should not think of your book description as a summary of your plot, but as a sales tool.

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Why Are Book Descriptions Important?

I’ve already mentioned a few of these, but let me sum up all the reasons why book descriptions are important.

• They get readers interested in your book
• They can lead to increased sales of your book
• They are part of your book’s first impressions, along with the book cover and title
• They provide a reason someone should buy your book.

Generally speaking, when you have a good blurb, your sales will do well, and if you have a bad blurb, sales will decline.

Selling a book involves many factors like the cover, title, and content, but none of these can guarantee success. If someone does one of them poorly, it can guarantee the failure of a book.

A book description is no exception. Get it wrong, and you could be looking at zero sales. Crafting a winning book description is crucial as it captivates potential readers and can be used for promotion in multiple places.

So let’s dive into how you can write amazing book blurbs.

How to Write Nonfiction Book Descriptions

A nonfiction book blurb should answer all three of these questions:

• Who is this for
• What does it solve
• What results come from it

This is the basic formula for a nonfiction book. You want to show the problem and demonstrate how your book will provide the solutions to that problem.

Additionally, you want to make sure that the reader feels like you are talking to them directly. That is why it is important to use words like “you” when describing your ideal reader’s problems and solutions.

Lastly, a nonfiction blurb should be scannable. By this I mean that your paragraphs should not be overflowing with details and descriptions, but should be quick, succinct, and flow well.

With that basic knowledge in mind, here are the steps to craft your nonfiction book description. For further inspiration and guidance, you can refer to some of the best book description examples available.

Step 1 : Craft the First Sentence Hook

In the first sentence, you need to draw them in and let them know who this is for and what benefit they will get.

Some first sentences just focus on one or two of those. Regardless, you need to make sure you hook them or else they won't click to read the rest.

Here are some of my favorite openings to various nonfiction books:

From The Miracle Morning for Writers

“Need to find more time to write–without sacrificing the important things? Looking to consistently discover great book ideas? Wish you could generate a steady income from your words…or increase what you already make?” 

From 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management

“Double Your Productivity Without Feeling Overworked and Overwhelmed.”

From Habit Stacking

“Master Your Goals, Improve Your Life, or Overcome a Major Obstacle — One Small Habit at a Time”

Step 2 : The Scannable Middle 

As I've already mentioned, people scan nonfiction book descriptions.

Therefore, call their eyes to the most important spots or phrases by either using larger font, bolding or underlining, shorter paragraphs, as well as bullet points.

But be careful, because overuse can look unprofessional and dilute the rest.

Here are some examples of good scannable middles:

From Dopamine Detox :

Reclaim your focus in 48 hours or less .

Do you keep procrastinating? Do you feel restless and unable to focus on your work? Do you have trouble getting excited about major goals?

If so, you might need a dopamine detox.

In today's world where distractions are everywhere, the ability to focus has become more and more difficult to achieve. We constantly stimulate ourselves, feel restless, often without knowing why.

When the time comes to work, we suddenly find an excess of other things to do. Instead of working toward our goals, we go for a walk, grab a coffee, or check our emails. Everything seems like a great idea—everything except the very things we should be doing.

Do you recognize yourself in the above situation?

If so, don't worry. You're simply overstimulated.

Try a Dopamine Detox to reduce stimulation and improve focus in just 48 hours . This will allow you to focus on your most important tasks.

More specifically, in Dopamine Detox you'll discover:

• what dopamine is and how it works
• the main benefits of completing a dopamine detox
• 3 simple steps to implement a successful detox in the next 48 hours
• practical exercises to eliminate distractions and boost your focus
• simple tools and techniques to avoid overstimulation and help you stay focused, and much more.

Dopamine Detox is your must-read, must-follow guide to help you remove distractions so you can finally work on your goals with ease. If you like easy-to-understand strategies, practical exercises, and no-nonsense teaching, you will love this book.

From Fool Proof Dictation :

250 exercise prompts alone worth every penny!

Fool Proof Dictation can help anyone learn to dictate fiction proficiently and fluently. How?

• By taking the fear and mystery out of dictation.
• By providing exercises designed to nurture and connect parts of the brain used during dictation.
• By offering specific tips to remove the discomfort that causes most writers to abandon dictation.

Fool Proof Dictation is the only ebook of its kind, focusing primarily on the mental process of dictation . It’s a self-paced training system that streamlines the dictation process . There are warm-ups, practical exercises, and an easy to follow routine for dictating your scenes .

Fool Proof Dictation serves both absolute beginners and writers who’ve tried dictation but grew discouraged, eventually giving it up. This system offers an ease-of-use that will surprise everyone with how effective and gratifying dictation can be!

This ebook details the method I use when I dictate fiction. It also explains all the exercises I’ve used over time to train my brain for effective dictation. On top of that, it includes enough prompts to keep those exercises working for months!

Step 3 : List the Benefits

Use lists; they really help.

When you write them, don't just say what they are. Instead, add a translation of how that benefits them.

For example, instead of saying “four methods of reading faster,” you add “so you can finish your books faster.”

Here are a few examples from other nonfiction books that do this job well:

From How to Be an Imperfectionist :

What You'll Discover

• The lesser known, but most damaging form of perfectionism almost every person has
• A simple-to-apply technique to have unshakable confidence
• Why perfectionism hurts performance, and the rare exception where it helps
• Detailed and customized solutions for these five subsets of perfectionism: need for approval, rumination, unrealistic expectations, concern over mistakes, and doubts about actions
• Fun illustrations with a powerful message to begin each chapter
• …and much more!

From How to Be a Bawse:

• Let Go of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Temptation will try to steer you away from your goals. FOMO is just a test of your priorities, a test that a bawse is ready to pass.
• Be Nice to People: Treat niceness like an item on your daily to-do list. People will go out of their way to help and support you because you make them feel good.
• Schedule Inspiration: Lack of motivation isn’t permanent or a sign of weakness. Expect it and proactively schedule time to be creative.
• Be the Dumbest: Challenge yourself by surrounding yourself with people who know more than you do. It’s a vital way to learn and improve.

From How to Be The Girl Who Gets the Guy :

• How to let go of clingy, insecure behaviour that sends men looking for an escape route.
• How to attain the kind of confidence men love.
• How to be Independent without being masculine.
• What to do when a man tells you he’s not looking for a serious relationship.
• When and how to use the “No Contact” rule.
• Tips to keep you date night ready at all times.
• Why bending over backward trying to please every man you date never works.
• Ways to use your femininity to your advantage, even if you’re not the feminine type.
• How to maintain a little mystery in your life.
• Why Financial Independence is key to your happiness.
• What to Do When he pulls.
• How to handle being stuck in relationship limbo.
• What to do when a man stops calling.
• Social Media Do’s and Don’ts.
• The benefits of dating multiple men.
• How to stop playing hard to get and start being hard to get.

This is the icing on the cake. Trigger words are words or phrases that are proven to have a bigger impact in marketing.

So, once you've got your description written, go through a list of power words to find some that work for your description. Some examples of these include:

I have a full list of these trigger words that you can download for free here .

Step 5 : Close with the CTA

Our studies found that when you end your book description with a statement to buy now, it increased conversion rates by 3.7%. So, remind shoppers to take action now and buy.

Here are a few good examples of calls to action in nonfiction book blurbs:

From Happier Human :

“Pick up your copy today by clicking the BUY NOW button at the top of this page!”

From The Science of Getting Started :

“GET OFF YOUR BUTT and just get started by clicking the BUY NOW BUTTON at the top right of this page!”

From How to Train a Puppy :

“Download now to create an amazing bond with your puppy!

Scroll to the top of the page and select the buy now button.”

When you put all of this advice together, you end up with a nonfiction blurb that looks something like this:

Write a powerful hook that either discusses how, what, and/or results in reading this book.

Follow it up with a great couple of sentences to keep them reading and if you didn't use one of the three in the top sentence, then use it here.

Write scannable sentences that are power statements

Be sure to go through your sentences and your lists and make sure to bold, underline, and in some cases italicize appropriately, so as to direct their eyes to what you want them to actually read.

In this completely comprehensive guide, you'll learn:

• Something new they'll learn plus a benefit
• Something else with a trigger word plus the benefit
• A change in their life because of what they learned

Another great list is what this guide or book includes:

• Come up with a list of things you can include
• Best when written like they are bonuses
• Upgrades like case studies or certain data?

Now comes time for the strong call to action. So, make your last sentence count, and drive them for that sale like I do below.

Start living the best life possible, and pick up your copy by clicking the BUY NOW button at the top before the price changes.

How to Write Fiction Book Descriptions

When it comes to writing fiction book descriptions, the advice is a little different.

First, do not give away too many details about the story. This is not a book report, and it should not explain the story.

Second, you want to raise the stakes. Impress upon your reader the magnitude of the story. The larger the stakes, the more the reader will want to know what happens.

And unlike nonfiction, you want to minimize bold, italics, lists or gimmicks. Instead you should use short paragraphs and plain text whenever possible.

With that basic advice in mind, here is my step-by-step process to write amazing fiction book descriptions:

Step 1 : Craft the First-Sentence Hook

This is the most important sentence of your entire book description because it will be the deciding factor as to whether or not a shopper will read the rest.

Because of this, I actually spend 80% of my time thinking about this one sentence. It should be catchy and draw them in.

Here are a few examples of some really great hooks in fiction books:

From The Dare :

“Have you ever had one of those really bad days at work?

You know, one where your hot boss catches you photocopying your backside in his office?

No? Just me then?”

From Tell Me I’m Wrong :

“What if you discovered your husband was a serial killer?”

From Protecting What’s Mine :

“If you can’t stand the heat, don’t fall for a firefighter…”

Step 2 : A Simple Layout for the Middle

Fiction book descriptions are clean and rarely use bold font or headings. Generally, you can make the first sentence bold and perhaps parts of the final Call To Action, but that’s about it.

Also, you should keep the paragraphs short and to the point. Research shows that readers are less likely to read the book description if you use large paragraphs.

Here are some book descriptions that have a nice simple layout:

From The Emperor’s Wolves :

Multiple races carefully navigate the City of Elantra under the Dragon Emperor’s wing. His Imperial Wolves are executioners, the smallest group to serve in the Halls of Law. The populace calls them assassins.

Every wolf candidate must consent to a full examination by the Tha’alani, one of the most feared and distrusted races in Elantra for their ability to read minds. Most candidates don’t finish their job interviews.

Severn Handred, the newest potential recruit, is determined to face and pass this final test—even if by doing so he’s exposing secrets he has never shared.

When an interrogation uncovers the connections to a two-decade-old series of murders of the Tha’alani, the Wolves are commanded to hunt. Severn’s first job will be joining the chase. From the High Halls to the Tha’alani quarter, from the Oracles to the Emperor, secrets are uncovered, tensions are raised and justice just might be done…if Severn can survive.

From Unsouled :

Sacred artists follow a thousand Paths to power, using their souls to control the forces of the natural world.

Lindon is Unsouled, forbidden to learn the sacred arts of his clan.

When faced with a looming fate he cannot ignore, he must rise beyond anything he's ever known…and forge his own Path.

Step 3 : The Mic-drop Moment

Your last sentence of the book description section should be powerful and encapsulate the plight of the story and the struggle your antagonist faces.

Here are some mic drop moments that are absolutely perfect:

From Three Mages and a Margarita :

“It turns out this place isn't a bar. It's a guild. And the three cocky guys I drenched with a margarita during my trial? Yeah, they were mages. Either I'm exactly the kind of takes-no-shit bartender this guild needs, or there's a good reason no one else wants to work here.

“So what's a broke girl to do? Take the job, of course—with a pay raise.”

From The Girl in the Ice :

“The last investigation Erika led went badly wrong… resulting in the death of her husband.”

From The Vault :

“With ambiguous loyalties, clashing agendas and danger beyond measure, these two men will struggle to form a team. But in a battle as unequal as this, the unexpected might be the best strategy that they have.”

Step 4 : Add Comparison Points 

Especially if you’re a newer author, it is best to help the shopper know what kind of book this is by relating it to books, specific genres, or authors the shopper would know. 

This helps build credibility and lets the reader know that if they liked those things, then they’ll probably like your book.

Check out these examples for some great comparison points:

From The Cleaner :

“If you like Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, and Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne, you won't be able to put down the compulsively addictive John Milton series.”

From A Mother’s Secret :

Full of twists and turns, this is perfect for fans of I Invited Her In and The Mother-in-Law.

‘More chilling than Gone Girl and twistier than The Girl on the Train, this emotional, raw, dark family drama keeps you guessing until the end’ JANE GREEN, author of The Friends We Keep

From American Dirt :

“Already being hailed as “a Grapes of Wrath for our times” and “a new American classic”, Jeanine Cummins' American Dirt is a rare exploration into the inner hearts of people willing to sacrifice everything for a glimmer of hope.”

Step 5 : Close with a CTA

Here are some examples of good calls to action for a fiction book:

From BBQ With a Side of No Apologies : 

“Go up and click Read Now or Buy Now to find out what happens when James reminds everyone why they should fear the Granite Ghost.”

From Superdreadnought:

“Don't miss out on the action of Superdreadnought 5 and Superdreadnought 6! Both included in this fantastic boxed set!”

From Enemy Territory :

“Buy Enemy Territory to journey into a strange new world today!”

Once you have all these together, your book description should look something like this:

Write a hook that best catches them off guard and lures them into reading the rest of the book description.

Follow the hook with the story setting paragraph. This helps to establish the time, settings, and genre style. Sometimes we include the main character, but most times that's best for the next paragraph.

Enter the protagonist and their part in the story. Make your reader relate to them and their plight. Explain to the shopper who the main character is, why they are important to the story, and why the reader should follow their journey.

This paragraph is best for raising the stakes. Crank up the intensity on why this story matters. Think like a movie trailer in the words they use, and less like a book report. Use power statements and impress upon the reader the magnitude of the struggle.

This is the mic drop statement to conclude your description and leave them wanting more. It must be powerful and provocative.

This is where you can put a comparative statement. You can say things like if you like [enter show, movie, book, genre term] then you'll love [title of your book] . This is also where you can mention your status as an author in this genre and your awards.

Here is your call to action: Will Scarlett find love again, or will she face a life of loneliness? Click the BUY NOW button at the top and enter Scarlett's world today.

In addition to the general advice above, it's important to be conscious of Amazon's description guidelines so that you don't do anything they won't approve of.

Generally, Amazon does not accept any of the following:

• Anything pornographic, obscene, or offensive
• Direct reference to phone numbers, mailing addresses, email addresses, or website URLs
• Reviews, quotes, or testimonials (many people get away with this, but I advise against it to be safe)
• Requests for reviews from your readers
• Advertisements or promotional material
• Time sensitive information such as dates of a promotional tour or lecture
• Pricing information
• Referencing other websites to place orders
• Spoiler information
• An overabundance of keywords

While Amazon is not always able to police everything on this list, if your book blurb contains any of them, you are running the risk of having your book delisted.

For that reason, I generally recommend you adhere to Amazon's guidelines at all times.

In addition to everything I've talked about so far, there are a few pieces of advice that I would add. A lot of these didn't quite fit in the structure above, so I am including them here:

• Be succinct: copywriting is a different art from writing a book. When writing copy, you want to make every single word count. Trim everything that doesn't contribute so you can say what you need to say in as few words as possible.
• Get the right POV: in most cases, you will be using third person point of view (POV) for your blurb. However many nonfiction books will use second person POV, and certain genres of fiction may even use first person. Examine other blurbs in your genre to be certain which POV is most common.
• Use keywords: while you should avoid over-stuffing your blurb with keywords, it never hurts to include a few terms or phrases that people are likely to use in their Amazon searches.
• Write as the publisher: it is important to remember that your blurb is not a summary of your book. It is a sales tool. Act as if you are a publishing company, not the author, when writing your book description.
• Find good examples: my best advice, if you are having trouble writing your blurb, is to find other books in your genre that have done well. Specifically look for independently-published books (because traditionally-published books are often lazy with their book descriptions) that are selling well. Then examine the structure of each sentence and the role that it fills. Model your book description after those examples.

That last tip is how I got started writing my own book descriptions, and it has made a huge difference in the quality of my blurbs. I learned a lot from running through those exercises.

Need Help with Your Keywords?

Take my full featured video course on how to select the best keywords and categories for your book.

This is a personal decision that you will have to make. If you don't like writing your own book description or don't have the time to learn how to do it, you can hire someone to write it for you. This can be a good choice.

However, book descriptions can be costly, sometimes exceeding $200 for a high-quality one.

I suggest looking at popular indie books in your genre and trying to write like them. It can help improve your writing.

However, if you are finding that sales are stagnating and you don’t know what to do to fix them, it could be the blurb. Perhaps hiring a professional to fix that blurb for you will be the key.

I hope that all was helpful for you. I looked for great examples of each step in the process, for fiction and nonfiction, that you can use to guide your book description.

As with all forms of writing, your book description is something that will take practice. That is why I recommend writing several versions of your book description every time, then picking the best parts of each.

In addition, examining other best-selling blurbs will greatly help you hone your craft and understand what works and what doesn't.

If you need help, download our free Book Description Formula and use the Book Description Generator to get started!

Dave Chesson

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

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Money blog: Interest rate cut on Thursday - what are economists predicting?

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Leave your Money Problem/consumer dispute in the box below - remember, we can't look into it unless you leave an email address or phone number.

Tuesday 30 July 2024 14:38, UK

• Interest rate cut on Thursday - what are economists predicting?
• How chancellor's statement affects your pocket
• Greggs price hikes revealed
• Two £175 bank switching incentives about to end

Essential reads

• What happened to Tooty Frooties - and will they return to shelves? We ask Nestle...
• Basically... Do you need a mortgage broker?
• Estate agents reveal how to make yourself stand out as a tenant
• Money Problem : Can I put thousands I've saved in my spouse's ISA?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive of features

Ask a question or make a comment

The government has confirmed it will soon set out updated plans to regulate the "buy now, pay later" industry.

It comes after Tulip Siddiq, economic secretary to the Treasury, said last week that "regulating buy-now, pay-later products is crucial to protect people and deliver certainty".

She said the government was "looking to work closely with all interested stakeholders and will set out its plans shortly".

The Tory government first outlined plans to regulate the sector in 2021 - but the timeline for new rules to protect consumers still remains unclear.

Sky News learned last summer that the Treasury  planned to shelve a crackdown on the sector - prompting renewed calls for action from campaigners and consumer groups.

Under BNPL regulation, companies such as Clearpay and Klarna would need to run affordability checks before signing up customers.

Borrowers with complaints would also be able to take their cases to the Financial Ombudsman Service, as well as benefiting from enhanced consumer rights.

Forecasters have had a hard time predicting both the path of interest rates and inflation this past year - and no one seems willing to put their neck on the line and speak with any certainty about what the Bank of England will do at its six-weekly meeting on Thursday.

As of this morning, market forecasts seen by Sky News puts the chances of a base rate cut from 5.25% to 5% at 58%.

This follows inflation returning to the target of 2% in recent months - down from 11.1% in October 2022.

Interest rates are hiked to ease inflation by encouraging saving instead of spending - when this happens, price rises tend to slow.

However, services and wage inflation remain higher than the Bank would like, fuelling concern that the battle with inflation is not yet over.

That's why a long-awaited rate cut - which would be good news for mortgage holders but less so for savers - seems to be in the balance.

Economists polled by Bloomberg this week came out just in favour of an August cut rather than September.

"The Bank of England's August policy decision is on a knife edge. It's hard to have a strong conviction about the outcome of the August meeting but, on balance, we think a cut is more likely than a hold," say Dan Hanson and Ana Andrade, from Bloomberg Economics.

One thing analysts do seem to agree on is that it will be a drawn out process to return the base rate to 4% or 3%, where it is expected to eventually settle.

Sonali Punhani, UK economist at Bank of America, said: "The BOE is unlikely to give clear guidance on the future rate path or signal the start of a sustained cutting cycle.

"It would keep the focus on the data to determine the timing of the next move."

According to Bloomberg, investors have only priced in two quarter-point cuts this year, with Bank economists Huw Pill, Jonathan Haskel and Catherine Mann pointing out lingering price pressures, particularly in services inflation and wage growth. 

Are you struggling because of high interest rates? Sky News is keen to hear from people who are due to refix their mortgages, are on variable rates or are trying to get on the housing ladder.

Email us your stories at  [email protected]  or use the box at the top of this page. 

Lloyds Bank's £175 switching offer closes tonight - so new and some existing customers will need to be quick to complete a move using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). 

The service swaps all direct debits and standing orders.

Anyone interested must open a Club Lloyds account online, by phone or in branch - then switch at least three active direct debits.

There are three accounts - one for £3 a month, one for £10 and one for £21. They include various benefits from savings rates and TV subscriptions to travel insurance and breakdown cover. You can find out more here .

It's worth noting that if you've already received switching cash since April 2020 when moving to Lloyds or Halifax, you're ineligible.

You have an extra day if you're looking at First Direct's £175 offer - this closes a midnight on Wednesday.

Again, you have to use CASS. For this one, you need to have at least two direct debits or standing orders - and you must deposit a minimum of £1,000 and register for digital banking within 30 days. The other stipulation is you need to use your debit card at least five times during the first 30 days of opening your account.

This one is for new customers only.

Incentives include: a £250 interest-free overdraft, fee-free overseas transactions and ATM withdrawals, plus access to a 7% interest regular saver account.

Find out more here .

Barclays also has a £175 switching offer, while Co-op will give you £100 plus £10 cashback for six months and an insurance package.

Greggs has admitted prices have been hiked in the last few weeks - and has blamed soaring wage bills.

Confirming what many people have been tweeting about in recent weeks, chief executive Roisin Currie told the PA news agency some items were up 5p and 10p - but the meal deal is unchanged.

Ms Currie said the company had acted to offset higher pay for its 32,000 staff, having raised salaries earlier this year ahead of the increase in the National Living Wage.

She said: "The biggest inflation cost right now is the increase in the National Living Wage and making sure our employees get the wage increases that are appropriate.

"That puts pressure on the cost increases within the business."

This emerged as the group reported a 16.3% rise in underlying pre-tax profits to £74.1m for the six months to 29 June.

Greggs says it remains committed to its long-term aims to have "significantly" more than 3,000 shops across the UK, having opened 99 new shops and closed 18 to reach 2,524 in the first half.

It is planning to open up to 160 new shops net this year as a whole.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

BP is among the top gainers on the stock market this morning after it reported higher-than-expected profits of more than £4.2bn for the first half of the year.

The oil giant was up more than 2% in early trading following the publication of its latest results.

The FTSE 100 firm also said it would increase its dividend for shareholders by 10%.

However, critics reacted with outrage to the figures as they accused BP of not caring about the impact of its business on climate change.

Fiona Waters, from energy bills campaign group Warm This Winter, described the profits as "obscene".

She added: "They have rolled back on their green pledges that would mean lower bills, an end to energy price shocks and would also help save the planet."

A spokeswoman for fellow campaign group Global Witness added: "While millions of us struggle with high temperatures and high bills, BP are raking in billions of profits, paying out massive dividends, and doubling down on dirty new oil and gas projects."

Yesterday, the chancellor announced the windfall tax on the profits of energy and gas companies would rise 3%, to 38%, from November.

On the flipside of the FTSE 100, shares in drinks giant Diageo plunged more than 10% on Tuesday.

It comes after the company reported a steeper-than-expected 4.8% decline in annual organic operating profit in its preliminary results for the year ending June.

The company blamed "an unfavourable foreign exchange impact and organic net sales decline" but said it was confident it would return to growth when the "consumer environment improves".

Overall, the FTSE 100 is down 0.68%, while the FTSE 250 is up 0.79%.

On the currency markets, this morning £1 buys $1.29 US or €1.19.

Meanwhile, despite tensions in the Middle East, the cost of a barrel of Brent Crude oil is just below $80 (£62), a slight fall on this time yesterday.

Evri is to hire 9,000 new staff in the UK following its multi-billion pound takeover.

The delivery giant said it is looking to employ 8,000 more couriers, along with around 1,000 warehouse and other supporting roles.

The company said key locations selected for the new jobs included Scotland, Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, Plymouth in Devon and also  Gatwick Airport .

Couriers typically earn around £16.50 per hour, according to Evri.

Read the full story here ...

For the first time, finance leaders from every G20 country have agreed to tax the world's billionaires.

Treasury ministers and central bankers from the group of 20 major economies agreed to reference fair taxation of "ultra-high-net-worth individuals" in joint statements after meetings in Brazil.

But an agreement to team up on taxing the world's richest families papered over disagreements about how to do it, raising fears about how viable the plan is.

NatWest has said it "welcomes" the government's commitment to returning it to full private ownership after the chancellor announced she was scrapping a retail share sale in the high street bank.

Rachel Reeves said the plans, announced by the previous Conservative administration, were a "bad use of taxpayer money" and suggested the bank's remaining state-owned stock would now be sold off to large, institutional investors instead.

Basically, a mortgage broker is a person or company that sorts out a mortgage deal between you and the lender.

They can help you seek out the best option for your situation and apply on your behalf, doing the legwork so you don't have to – including gathering paperwork and passing it along.

A mortgage broker will likely earn a commission from the lender, and possibly the borrower as well, at closing – although some offer their services to buyers for free.

Mortgage brokers , unlike mortgage bankers , don't use their own funds to originate the mortgages.

How do they work?

Mortgage brokers use a system where they can access some or most of the deals being offered on the market by lenders.

Based on their client's budget and type of property they're looking for, the broker can tell them which lenders are likely to accept them and recommend deals they think are most suited.

Factors that brokers will look at when recommending a mortgage include the size of the buyer's deposit, how long they are looking to fix for, interest rates and other personal information such as credit history and outgoings.

What are the benefits of using a broker?

You don't have to use a mortgage broker to secure your mortgage - if you're feeling confident enough, you can go to lenders directly.

But a broker could end up saving you money by finding you a more favourable rate or making a recommendation that's better for you financially. You may also end up getting access to more products than you would through your own research.

Brokers also have expertise in the mortgage market which the average person doesn't - so they'll be able to advise which mortgage would work best for their client at that time.

Another biggie is the convenience. Trawling through all the deals being offered by different lenders yourself can be a tedious job, but a broker can cut out all of this work for you.

What are the downsides?

You're not guaranteed to get a better rate through a broker - and if they charge you a fee at the end, you may end up being more out of pocket than you realised.

Some brokers may only work with certain lenders, meaning they don't have access to the whole market. 

And while a reputable broker will be able to offer a good range of the best deals from the biggest names, some may be incentivised to steer borrowers towards certain lenders or loans that offer them a higher commission.

Read other entries in our Basically series...

Rachel Reeves, the new Labour chancellor, said yesterday the Treasury had identified a "forecast overspend" for this year of £21.9bn.

As a consequence, she announced cuts worth £5.5bn this year, rising to £8.1bn next year.

The measures impacting your personal finances include: 

• Winter fuel payments will be scrapped for around 10 million pensioners - those not receiving means-tested benefits;
• A £86,000 lifetime cap on social care costs, due to start from October 2025, has been postponed. There is currently no cap;
• The manifesto pledge to charge 20% VAT on private school fees will kick in from January 2025;
• The Labour plan to replace the non-dom tax status will be implemented from April 2025;
• The windfall tax on the profits of energy and gas companies will rise 3%, to 38%, from November;
• Ms Reeves also hinted at potential tax rises - or "difficult decisions" - in her October budget, though not income tax, national insurance or VAT.

We also learned yesterday that:

• The chancellor had accepted advisory recommendations to give most NHS workers, teachers and members of the armed forces above-inflation pay rises of 5.5-6%;
• The government has offered striking junior doctors in England a pay deal - over two years - of 22%.

Want to know more? Business correspondent Paul Kelso is at the Sky News screen to take a deeper dive...

After the revival of popular Cadbury's chocolate bar Top Deck earlier this year, we asked you which discontinued treat you would like to see brought back - and we got so many responses that we've decided to make a weekly feature of it called  Bring It Back . 

Every Tuesday, we'll pick one from our comments box and look at why it was so beloved and, crucially,  find out whether the companies in question might consider reintroducing them.

This week, we take a look at Tooty Frooties.

First launched in 1963 by Mackintosh (which became Rowntree Mackintosh a few years later), the purple bags of sweets quickly became a hit with children and adults alike.

Chewy, and fruit-flavoured and with crunchy, multicoloured shells, the product could be considered somewhat of a precursor to Skittles.

Such was their popularity that spin-offs including the shortlived mint-flavoured version called Tooty Minties and even a Tooty Frooties Easter egg was introduced to the market.

However, as sweet trends shifted towards jelly and foam textures, sales of the original product waned - and it was finally axed in 2019.

Kelly Francis was among those who continues to mourn the loss of the confectionary.

"I will never understand why they got rid of Tooty Frooties," she lamented.

"They were levels above any other sweets you can buy.

"There was something really special about the chewy, fruitiness with the crunchy shell on the outside. There is barely a week that goes by when I don't think about them."

But will they ever return to the shelves of your local corner shop or supermarket?

We asked Nestle, which took over Rowntree's in 1988.

"Rowntree's Tooty Frooties were launched in 1963 and delisted in 2019 due to changing consumer preferences," a spokesperson said.

"Of course, sweet tastes and trends change all the time, and while there's no plan to bring back Tooty Frooties, Rowntree's has launched several exciting new products in the past years and has some more new offerings in development for 2025 – so watch this space."

So while it may not be exactly the news lovers of the classic sweet wanted, there is at least some hope that at least one of the products being worked on by the confectioners goes some way towards filling the fruity, chewy and crunchy hole left in their lives by its absence.

Which currently discontinued chocolate bar, crisps, sweets - or any other food product - would you like to see brought back, and why? Let us know in the comment box at the top!

Harry Potter fans have been told not to go to King's Cross station in September for the annual "back to Hogwarts" day.

Every year, thousands of Potterheads head to the fictional Platform 9 ¾ at the London station on 1 September for the start of the new Hogwarts term.

But what began as a small gathering of fans now sees thousands descend on the station.

In an effort to stop that, Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD)  has urged fans to instead tune into the official Harry Potter YouTube channel at 11am.

"There will be no event, departure board, or countdown at the station this year," they said.

Job Centre security guards launched a fresh strike today in a long-running dispute over pay.

The GMB said more than 1,500 of its members will stage their fourth week-long walkout, remaining on strike until Saturday.

The union said the guards, employed by private firm G4S, do a dangerous job, adding that 90% of them are paid just the minimum wage.

The GMB claimed G4S is in breach of minimum wage laws by insisting on unpaid training at home, which the company denied.

Previous strikes were held in June and earlier this month.

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