book report summary tense

How to Write a Book Report (Guide, Examples & Templates)

Don’t let a book report intimidate you. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to write a book report that not only meets your teacher’s expectations but also reflects your unique perspective.

Get ready to ace your assignment.

What Is a Book Report?

Table of Contents

A book report is a summary and analysis of a book that you have read. It provides a detailed account of the book’s content, its main themes, characters, and plot, as well as your personal reflections on the book.

Book reports are typically assigned to help students practice their reading comprehension and writing skills.

A book report differs from a book review.

While a book review focuses on the reader’s opinions and is often found in newspapers or magazines, a book report is more structured and provides a straightforward summary and analysis of the text.

It helps teachers gauge students’ understanding and interpretation of the book.

Types of Book Reports

Understanding the different types of book reports is essential as each has a unique focus and structure.

Here, we break down the main types:

Summary Book Report

A summary book report focuses on providing a concise summary of the book’s main points. It covers the key elements such as the plot, characters, and main themes without going into too much detail.

Key Elements:

• Overview of the main plot points.
• Brief descriptions of main characters.
• Discussion of the central themes.

Character Analysis Book Report

This type of book report delves into the analysis of one or more characters from the book. It examines their traits, motivations, and development throughout the story.

• Detailed analysis of main characters.
• Exploration of character motivations and actions.
• Discussion of character development.

Theme Analysis Book Report

A theme analysis book report focuses on the central themes of the book.

It explores how the author conveys these themes and how they are developed throughout the narrative.

• Identification of major themes.
• Analysis of how these themes are portrayed.
• Examples from the text to support the analysis.

Comparative Book Report

A comparative book report compares two or more books, examining their similarities and differences. This type of report often requires a deeper level of analysis and critical thinking.

• Comparison of plot elements.
• Analysis of character similarities and differences.
• Examination of themes across the books.

What Should Go Into a Book Report?

When writing a book report, it’s important to include several key elements to ensure it is comprehensive and informative.

Each element serves a specific purpose in providing a thorough analysis of the book.

• Title and Author : Start with the book’s title and the author’s name. This sets the stage for your report and provides the necessary context for the reader.
• Plot Summary : Provide a brief summary of the book’s plot. Focus on the main events and avoid excessive details or spoilers.
• Characters : Describe the main characters and their roles in the story. Discuss their personalities, motivations, and development.
• Themes : Discuss the main themes and messages of the book. Explain how these themes are conveyed and their significance.
• Personal Reflection : Share your thoughts and opinions about the book. Discuss how it affected you, what you liked or disliked, and any lessons you learned.
• Conclusion : Summarize your overall impressions and the book’s impact on you. Provide a final recommendation and discuss whether you would suggest this book to others.

Book Report Outline

Creating an outline before writing your book report can help organize your thoughts and ensure you cover all necessary points.

Here’s a detailed outline to follow:

• Title and Author
• Publication Date
• Brief introduction to the book’s context or background
• Brief overview of the main events
• Major turning points
• Resolution of the story
• Main characters and their descriptions
• Character development and growth
• Important relationships between characters
• Central themes
• How they are portrayed
• Examples from the text to support your analysis
• Your opinion on the book
• How it affected you
• Any connections you made with the book
• Overall impressions
• Recommendation
• Final thoughts on the book’s impact

Next, we’ll go over how to write a book report in detail (covering all the steps). Then, I’ll give you a few templates and share a few full examples.

How to Write a Book Report

Writing a book report involves several steps that ensure a thorough analysis and clear presentation of your thoughts.

Below, we provide a step-by-step guide with detailed explanations for each step.

Step 1: Read the Book

Reading the book thoroughly is the first and most crucial step.

As you read, take notes on the main plot points, character developments, and significant quotes.

Highlight sections that you find particularly important or that you might want to reference in your report. This will make it easier to recall details when you start writing.

Step 2: Understand the Assignment

Make sure you understand the specific requirements of your book report assignment.

Different teachers may have different expectations regarding the length and content of the report.

Pay attention to the required length, format, and specific points that need to be covered. Understanding these requirements will help you tailor your report to meet the expectations.

Step 3: Create an Outline

Use the book report outline provided above to organize your thoughts and structure your report.

This will help you stay on track and ensure that you cover all necessary points

An outline serves as a roadmap for your report.

In addition to the outline above, I’ve also added a few templates later in this article that you can use.

Step 4: Write the Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for your report. Begin with the book’s title, author, and genre.

Provide some background information about the book, such as its publication date and any relevant historical context.

This could be information about the author’s inspiration, the historical period in which the book was written, or its reception at the time of publication.

Step 5: Summarize the Plot

Write a brief summary of the book’s plot. Focus on the main events and turning points, but avoid giving away any spoilers.

The plot summary should be concise yet comprehensive.

It’s a balancing act, for sure, but you’ll get better with a little practice.

Reading the examples in this guide will help you understand the balance you need.

Step 6: Analyze the Characters

Character analysis involves examining the traits, motivations, and growth of the main characters.

Describe the main characters and their roles in the story. Discuss how they develop throughout the book and what their actions reveal about them.

Discuss how they interact with one another and how they change over the course of the story.

Highlight any significant relationships or conflicts that contribute to their development.

Step 7: Discuss the Themes

Themes are the underlying messages or central ideas in the book.

Identify the central themes of the book and explain how they are portrayed.

Use specific examples and quotes from the text to illustrate your points. Explain why these themes are important and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the book.

Step 8: Reflect on the Book

Share your personal thoughts and opinions about the book. Discuss how it affected you and what you learned from it.

Talk about what you liked or disliked, any emotions it evoked, and any lessons you took away.

This section is an opportunity to connect your personal experiences with the content of the book.

Step 9: Write the Conclusion

The conclusion wraps up your report. Summarize your overall impressions of the book.

Provide a final recommendation and discuss whether you would suggest this book to others. This helps readers understand the impact of the book and its relevance.

Step 10: Proofread and Edit

Review your book report for any grammatical errors or typos. Make sure your writing is clear and concise.

Check for grammatical mistakes, spelling errors, and clarity.

Ensure that your writing flows smoothly and that your points are clearly communicated.

Before we go into the book report templates, check out this video on how to write a book report:

Book Report Templates

As promised, here are the book report templates you can use as your outline and inspiration.

Template 1: Summary Book Report

Title : Author : Genre : Publication Date :

Plot Summary : (Brief overview of the main events)

Characters : (Descriptions of the main characters)

Themes : (Discussion of the central themes)

Personal Reflection : (Your opinion and how the book affected you)

Conclusion : (Overall impressions and recommendation)

Template 2: Character Analysis Book Report

Character Analysis : (Detailed analysis of one or more characters)

Template 3: Theme Analysis Book Report

Theme Analysis : (Detailed analysis of the central themes)

Book Report Examples

Let’s go over some examples to show you exactly how to write a book report.

Keep in mind that I purposely made these examples shorter than you’ll probably want to write to save time and space in this blog post.

Example 1: Summary Book Report

Title : To Kill a Mockingbird Author : Harper Lee Genre : Fiction Publication Date : 1960

Plot Summary : The story is set in the 1930s in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama. It follows Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus Finch, a lawyer who defends a black man accused of raping a white woman. The book explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and empathy.

Characters :

• Scout Finch : The narrator and protagonist.
• Atticus Finch : Scout’s father, a lawyer, and moral backbone of the story.
• Jem Finch : Scout’s older brother.
• Tom Robinson : The black man accused of rape.
• Racial Injustice : The unfair treatment of black people in the legal system.
• Moral Growth : The development of Scout and Jem’s understanding of right and wrong.
• Empathy : Understanding others’ perspectives.

Personal Reflection : To Kill a Mockingbird deeply moved me. The themes of racial injustice and moral growth are still relevant today. The characters are well-developed, and the story is powerful and thought-provoking.

Conclusion : Overall, To Kill a Mockingbird is a must-read. It offers valuable lessons on empathy and justice. I highly recommend it.

Example 2: Character Analysis Book Report

Title : Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Author : J.K. Rowling Genre : Fantasy Publication Date : 1997

Plot Summary : Harry Potter discovers he is a wizard on his 11th birthday. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, makes friends, and uncovers the truth about his parents’ deaths. He confronts the dark wizard Voldemort.

Character Analysis :

• Harry Potter : An orphaned boy who learns he is a wizard. Brave, loyal, and determined.
• Hermione Granger : Harry’s intelligent and resourceful friend. Known for her knowledge and quick thinking.
• Ron Weasley : Harry’s loyal and humorous friend. Comes from a large, loving family.
• Friendship : The bond between Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
• Courage : Harry’s bravery in the face of danger.
• Identity : Harry discovering who he is and his place in the wizarding world.

Personal Reflection : Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is an enchanting and exciting read. The characters are relatable and well-developed. The themes of friendship and courage resonate deeply.

Conclusion : This book is a fantastic start to the Harry Potter series. It’s engaging and full of wonder. Highly recommended for all ages.

Example 3: Theme Analysis Book Report

Title : The Great Gatsby Author : F. Scott Fitzgerald Genre : Fiction Publication Date : 1925

Plot Summary : Set in the 1920s, the novel follows Nick Carraway as he observes the life of his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream leads to his tragic downfall.

• Jay Gatsby : Wealthy and mysterious protagonist.
• Nick Carraway : The narrator and Gatsby’s neighbor.
• Daisy Buchanan : Gatsby’s love interest.
• Tom Buchanan : Daisy’s wealthy and arrogant husband.

Theme Analysis :

• The American Dream : The novel critiques the idea of the American Dream, showing its corruption and unattainability.
• Class and Society : Explores the differences and conflicts between social classes.
• Love and Obsession : Gatsby’s love for Daisy borders on obsession, leading to his demise.

Personal Reflection : The Great Gatsby is a poignant exploration of the American Dream and its flaws. The characters are complex, and the themes are timeless and thought-provoking.

Conclusion : This classic novel is a critical examination of society and ambition. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in American literature.

How to Write a Book Report for Different Grades

Book reports vary in complexity depending on the grade level.

Younger students focus on basic comprehension, while older students are expected to provide deeper analysis and critical thinking. Here’s a guide for writing book reports tailored to different grade levels.

Third-grade book reports should be simple and focus on the basics.

Encourage students to summarize the plot and discuss their favorite parts of the book.

For third graders, a book report helps develop reading comprehension and writing skills. Reports should include the title, author, and a brief summary.

• Title and Author : Clearly state the title and the author’s name.
• Plot Summary : Provide a simple summary of the book’s plot.
• Favorite Characters : Describe one or two characters they liked.
• Personal Opinion : Share what they liked best about the book.

Title : Charlotte’s Web Author : E.B. White

Plot Summary : This is a story about a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte. Charlotte helps save Wilbur from being slaughtered by writing words in her web.

Favorite Characters : Wilbur is kind and brave. Charlotte is smart and caring.

Personal Opinion : I liked the book because it shows the importance of friendship.

Fifth-grade book reports should be more detailed. Students should discuss characters, plot, and themes in more depth.

Fifth-grade book reports aim to build analytical skills.

They should include a summary, character analysis, and personal reflections.

• Title and Author : Include the book’s title and the author’s name.
• Plot Summary : Provide a detailed summary of the book.
• Character Analysis : Discuss the main characters and their roles.
• Themes : Identify and explain the main themes.
• Personal Reflection : Share personal thoughts and opinions about the book.

Title : The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Author : C.S. Lewis

Plot Summary : Four siblings discover a magical land called Narnia inside a wardrobe. They join forces with Aslan, a great lion, to defeat the White Witch and bring peace to Narnia.

• Peter : The oldest, brave and protective.
• Susan : Practical and nurturing.
• Edmund : Initially betrays his siblings but redeems himself.
• Lucy : Curious and kind-hearted.
• Good vs. Evil : The battle between Aslan and the White Witch.
• Redemption : Edmund’s journey from betrayal to heroism.

Personal Reflection : I enjoyed the book’s magical elements and the message of bravery and redemption.

Eighth graders should write more complex book reports, including detailed analyses of themes and characters, as well as personal reflections.

Eighth-grade book reports help students develop critical thinking.

They should provide a comprehensive analysis of the book’s elements.

• Plot Summary : Provide a detailed summary with major plot points.
• Character Analysis : Discuss the main and secondary characters, their development, and relationships.
• Theme Analysis : Identify and explore the main themes with examples from the text.
• Personal Reflection : Share personal thoughts, connections, and lessons learned.
• Conclusion : Summarize your overall impressions and provide a final recommendation.

Title : The Outsiders Author : S.E. Hinton

Plot Summary : The novel follows the lives of two rival groups, the Greasers and the Socs, in a small American town. It focuses on Ponyboy Curtis and his struggles with class conflict, violence, and identity.

• Ponyboy Curtis : The sensitive and thoughtful protagonist.
• Johnny Cade : Ponyboy’s best friend, whose tragic fate impacts everyone.
• Dallas Winston : A hardened Greaser with a soft spot for Johnny.
• Cherry Valance : A Soc girl who befriends Ponyboy and shows him the common humanity between their groups.
• Class Conflict : The tension between the Greasers and the Socs.
• Violence and Its Consequences : The impact of violence on individuals and communities.
• Identity and Belonging : Ponyboy’s journey to understand himself and where he fits in.

Personal Reflection : The book’s portrayal of class conflict and the search for identity resonated with me. It made me think about how we often judge others based on superficial differences instead of our shared humanity.

Conclusion : The Outsiders is a powerful novel that highlights the importance of empathy and understanding. I highly recommend it for its compelling story and thought-provoking themes.

High School

High school book reports should demonstrate a deeper understanding of the book.

They should include a detailed analysis of themes, characters, and plot, as well as personal reflections and critical evaluations.

Ultimately, high school book reports prepare students for more advanced literary analysis.

• Plot Summary : Provide a detailed summary with key plot points and resolution.
• Character Analysis : Discuss the main and secondary characters, their development, motivations, and relationships.
• Theme Analysis : Identify and explore the main themes with textual evidence and examples.
• Symbolism and Motifs : Analyze significant symbols and recurring motifs in the book.
• Personal Reflection : Share personal insights, connections, and critical evaluations.
• Conclusion : Summarize your overall impressions, provide a final recommendation, and discuss the book’s broader impact.

Title : 1984 Author : George Orwell

Plot Summary : Set in a dystopian future, 1984 follows Winston Smith, a member of the oppressive Party, as he navigates a world of constant surveillance and propaganda. Winston’s growing disillusionment leads him to rebel against the Party, but he ultimately faces severe consequences.

• Winston Smith : The protagonist who struggles with his sense of individuality in a totalitarian society.
• Julia : Winston’s love interest who shares his disdain for the Party.
• O’Brien : A high-ranking Party member who deceives Winston.
• Totalitarianism and Oppression : The dangers of absolute power and the loss of individual freedom.
• Surveillance and Privacy : The impact of constant surveillance on personal freedom.
• Truth and Reality : The manipulation of truth and reality by those in power.

Symbolism and Motifs :

• Big Brother : Represents the Party’s control and surveillance.
• The Glass Paperweight : Symbolizes Winston’s desire to connect with the past.
• Room 101 : Represents the ultimate torture and manipulation of individuals.

Personal Reflection : 1984 is a chilling depiction of a dystopian society. It made me reflect on the importance of individual freedoms and the dangers of unchecked power.

Conclusion : Orwell’s 1984 is a timeless warning about the perils of totalitarianism. Its themes are still relevant today, making it a must-read for understanding the value of freedom and truth.

University-level book reports should be highly analytical and include extensive critical evaluations.

They should also incorporate scholarly sources and references.

At this level, book reports should be at their most sophisticated and in-depth.

• Plot Summary : Provide a comprehensive summary with detailed plot points and resolution.
• Character Analysis : Discuss the main and secondary characters, their development, motivations, relationships, and conflicts.
• Theme Analysis : Identify and explore the main themes with detailed textual evidence and scholarly analysis.
• Symbolism and Motifs : Examine significant symbols, recurring motifs, and their meanings.
• Literary Devices : Analyze the author’s use of literary devices such as metaphor, irony, and foreshadowing.
• Personal Reflection and Critical Evaluation : Share personal insights, connections, critical evaluations, and discuss the book’s broader impact.
• Conclusion : Summarize your overall impressions, provide a final recommendation, and discuss the book’s significance in literature.

Title : Beloved Author : Toni Morrison

Plot Summary : Set after the American Civil War, Beloved tells the story of Sethe, an escaped slave haunted by the ghost of her dead daughter. The novel explores Sethe’s struggles with her past and the impact of slavery on her identity and relationships.

• Sethe : The protagonist, whose traumatic past influences her present.
• Denver : Sethe’s daughter, who seeks to understand her mother’s pain.
• Beloved : The ghost of Sethe’s dead daughter, embodying the haunting legacy of slavery.
• Paul D : A former slave who helps Sethe confront her past.
• Slavery and Its Aftermath : The lasting impact of slavery on individuals and families.
• Motherhood and Sacrifice : The complexities of maternal love and sacrifice.
• Memory and Trauma : The struggle to confront and reconcile with traumatic memories.
• The Color Red : Symbolizes both life and death, pain and passion.
• The Tree on Sethe’s Back : Represents the scars of slavery and the resilience of the human spirit.
• The Ghost : Embodies the haunting presence of the past.

Literary Devices :

• Non-linear Narrative : Represents the scattered pieces of memory and trauma.
• Imagery : Vivid descriptions that evoke the emotional and physical landscapes of the characters.
• Symbolism : Deepens the themes and emotional impact of the story.

Personal Reflection and Critical Evaluation : Beloved is a profound exploration of the legacy of slavery. Its complex characters and themes offer deep insights into the human condition. The novel’s non-linear narrative and rich symbolism challenge readers to engage with the text on multiple levels.

Conclusion : Toni Morrison’s Beloved is a masterpiece of American literature. Its exploration of trauma, memory, and resilience is both powerful and moving. Highly recommended for its literary merit and historical significance.

Final Thoughts: How to Write a Book Report

Congratulations! You’ve learned how to craft an engaging and insightful book report.

Keep honing these skills, and you’ll find that analyzing and discussing books will enhance your appreciation for literature and improve your overall writing ability.

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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 1,422,966 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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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

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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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 .

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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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10 Steps to Writing a Successful Book Report

• Writing Essays
• Writing Research Papers
• English Grammar
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

A book report should contain the basic elements, but 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 in a process that takes three to four days.

How To Write a Book Report

• Have an objective in mind, if possible. Your objective is the main point you want to argue or the question you plan to answer. Sometimes your teacher will offer a question for you to answer as part of your assignment, which makes this step easy. If you have to come up with your own focal point for your paper, you may have to wait and develop the objective while reading and reflecting on the book.
• Keep supplies on hand when you read. This is very important. Keep sticky-note flags, pen, and paper nearby as you read. Don't try to take "mental notes." It just doesn't work.
• Read the book. As you read, 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--these are worth noting.
• Use your sticky flags to mark pages. When you run into any clues, mark the page by placing the sticky note at the beginning of the relevant line. Mark everything that piques your interest, even if you don't understand their relevance.
• Note possible themes or patterns that emerge. As you read and record emotional flags or signs, you will begin to see a point or a pattern. On a notepad, write down possible themes or issues. If your assignment is to answer a question, you will record how symbols address that question.
• Label your sticky flags. If you see a symbol repeated several times, you should indicate this somehow on the sticky flags, for easy reference later. For instance, if blood shows up in several scenes, write a "b" on the relevant flags for blood. This may become your major book theme, so you'll want to navigate between the relevant pages easily.
• 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 try to determine which view or claim you can back up with good examples (symbols). You may need to play with a few sample outlines to pick the best approach.
• Develop paragraph ideas. Each paragraph should have a topic sentence and a sentence that transitions to the next paragraph. Try writing these first, then filling out the paragraphs with your examples (symbols). Don't forget to include the basics for every book report in your first paragraph or two.
• Review, re-arrange, repeat. At first, your paragraphs are going to look like ugly ducklings. They will be clunky, awkward, and unattractive in their early stages. Read them over, re-arrange and replace sentences that don't quite fit. Then review and repeat until the paragraphs flow.
• Re-visit your introductory paragraph. The introductory paragraph will make the critical first impression of your paper. It should be great. Be sure it is well-written, interesting, and it contains a strong thesis sentence .

The objective: Sometimes it is possible to have a clear objective in mind before you start . Sometimes, it is not. If you have to come up with your own thesis, don't stress about a clear objective in the beginning. It will come later.

Recording emotional flags: Emotional flags are merely points in the book that bring about emotion. Sometimes, the smaller the better. For example, for an assignment for The Red Badge of Courage , the teacher might ask students to address whether they believe Henry, the main character, is a hero. In this book, Henry sees lots of blood (emotional symbol) and death (emotional symbol) and this causes him to run away from the battle at first (emotional response). He is ashamed (emotion).

Book report basics: In your first paragraph or two, you should include the book setting, time period, characters, and your thesis statement (objective).

Re-visiting the introductory paragraph: The introductory paragraph should be the last paragraph you complete. It should be mistake-free and interesting. It should also contain a clear thesis. Don't write a thesis early on in the process and forget about it. Your point of view or argument may change completely as you re-arrange your paragraph sentences. Always check your thesis sentence last.

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Writing a book summary is like telling a gripping story in a nutshell. It requires the knack for capturing the crux of a story without losing its essence. When it comes to summarizing a book, it’s all about weaving the key elements – characters, plot, and themes – into a concise yet captivating narrative.

In this guide, we’ll explore the art of creating the perfect book summary to intrigue readers. From how to start a summary of a book to perfectly concluding the summary, we’ve included everything. You’ll learn how to convey the heart of your story and paint a vivid picture of the world you’ve created. So let’s dive in to see practical tips and amazing book summary examples!  

Create an appealing book summary and ignite readers’ interest! Learn more

What is a book summary? 

A book summary is a short and accurate description of a book’s main themes, plot, and characters. Summaries of books highlight key ideas and messages conveyed by the author. They also convey unique story elements and information about the major events and the setting of the story . It is different from a book synopsis which is used by authors to pitch their work to publishers or literary agents.

What is the summary on the back of a book called?  

The summary on the back of a book is known as a book blurb . A blurb is a short, promotional piece that aims to generate curiosity about the book. In contrast, a book summary is longer and offers a more comprehensive story outline. 

Why is a book summary important?

A book summary helps readers make a quick decision whether to read the book or not. It can also be a good promotional tool for authors. An attractive book summary can be posted on social media platforms to increase book visibility and sales. 

How long should a book summary be? 

While the length of a book summary varies, it ranges from 100–250 words. For more complex and lengthier works (such as historical fiction), the book summary can be longer. 

How to write a book summary 

Here is a step-by-step guide about how to write a book summary: 

1. Invest time

Read the book again, or at the very least, review the main themes of the story , characters, and story points before you start writing.

2. Determine the focus

Identify the central theme, idea, or conflict that drives the narrative and ensure your opening sentence or paragraph reflects that core element.

3. Create your hook

Begin with a compelling first line that draws readers in and sums up the main points of the book. Consider mystery, intrigue, or a perplexing predicament.

4. Sketch the experience

Provide a succinct summary of the primary story points, highlighting the onset of action, climax, resolution, and stirring up of emotions. Keep it simple and rational, but refrain from getting overly technical. 

5. Lay out the personas

Give a brief introduction to the key characters, emphasizing their motivations, personalities, and roles in the narrative. Never forget: show, don’t tell! To create a clear picture, use conversation and actions that are descriptive.

6. Reiterate the themes

What are the guiding principles or theories that the book delves into? Mention the topics just enough to avoid sounding condescending. 

7. Close with impact

Pitch in further details to the reader! Put a closing thought-provoking question, an inspirational quote, or a general overview of the book’s influence at the end of your summary.

8. Edit and refine

Check for misspellings, grammatical mistakes , and consistency. Make sure the tone and style fit the genre and intended readership of the book. Whether you’re writing a summary of books or a single book, these tips will benefit you.  

Note: Use a thesaurus! Replace common words with more evocative synonyms to improve the quality and add depth to your writing.

Bonus section: 5 more tips on how to write a summary of a book

Write an engaging opening line.

Draw them in with the opening line and pique their curiosity about what comes next. Try a witty quip, a chilling revelation, or an unnerving mystery.

Example: In the opulent haze of Gatsby’s Long Island parties, Jay Gatsby longs to recapture a lost love and rewrite the American Dream, one dazzling green light at a time. (Adapted from The Great Gatsby )

Be lucid and straightforward

Get right to the point without being weighed down by the details. Keep it clear and concise without the fluff or flowery language. 

Example: Hazel and Augustus, embark on a profound journey of love and discovery, despite the shadows cast by their cancer diagnoses. As they navigate the complexities of life and illness, their story poses a heart-wrenching question: how do you live fully when your time is running out? (Inspired by The Fault in Our Stars by John Green)

Steer clear of spoilers

Probe the conflict and the plot twists, but don’t give away the endgame. Hint at the challenges the characters face, but don’t give away the surprise element.

Example: A brilliant young scientist, ostracized for his unorthodox theories, stumbles upon a discovery that could rewrite the laws of physics… and unleash a cataclysmic force upon the world. (Inspired by The Martian by Andy Weir)

Highlight the book’s strong points

While writing a summary of a book, ask yourself what makes the book unique and captivating. Is it the setting, the characters, the writing style, or the profound themes it explores? Underline the distinctive features, protagonists and antagonists, or profound viewpoints. 

Example: In a tale of friendship, betrayal, and redemption, Amir and Hassan’s lives in war-torn Afghanistan test their limits of loyalty and courage. This story captures the complexities of guilt, love, and the quest for atonement amidst a country’s struggle for freedom. (Inspired by Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner ) 

Be Impartial

Stay true to the story and characters, and never add a bias or opinion. If the protagonist makes questionable choices, don’t sugarcoat them. Your summary should be a faithful representation of the story, allowing readers to form their own conclusions.

Example: Ten isolated souls, a storm-battered island, and a killer with a twisted agenda. And Then There Were None is an edge-of-your-seat puzzle where the line between guest and victim blurs with every death. (Inspired by Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None )

Book summary example

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

In the dark labyrinth of Swedish high society, a scandal of epic proportions is about to unfold. Mikael Blomkvist, a tenacious journalist, has his reputation and career at stake. In a desperate bid for redemption, he takes on the investigation of a decades-old mystery – the disappearance of a young heiress from a powerful family.

Entwined in this web of secrets is Lisbeth Salander, an enigmatic and fiercely intelligent hacker. With her dark past and unconventional methods, Salander becomes Blomkvist’s most unpredictable ally. Together, they delve into a murky world of hidden truths and twisted lies, unearthing a web of vicious deceit and betrayal.

As they unravel the threads, the duo confront a sinister adversary who will go to any lengths to keep the past buried. In this gripping narrative, the story weaves through the realms of power, and corruption, challenging every notion of justice and morality.

Book summary vs. book review 

A book review includes your personal thoughts and critical analysis, whereas a book summary concentrates on the book’s objective storyline and characters. While a book summary aims to merely describe a book’s content, a book review informs readers about the book’s quality. 

This concludes our guide about book summaries. After grasping how to write a summary of a book, don’t stop. Begin brainstorming ideas to create a summary of books or a single book as per your requirements. 

Want to take your book summary to the next level? Our expert team at PaperTrue can create a compelling book summary for you. We also provide expert self-publishing services such as editing, creating a book cover design, online book distribution, securing an ISBN, and creating a book copyright page. 

Here are some other articles you might find interesting: 

• Top 10 Best Print-on-Demand Book Companies in 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a summary of a book, how long are book summaries, what should a good book summary include, are there different types of book summaries, do authors create their own book summaries.

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Writing Tips: Writing a Book Report (Fiction)

A book report makes you think about what you are reading. You will find this adds to your enjoyment of the book.

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Should I describe a book I've read in the past or present tense?

For example, should I say, "Recently, I finished a novel that was called The Pyrates. The plot of it was that a hero called Avery was sent by the King of England blah, blah, blah."

"Recently I finished a novel that is called The Pyrates. The plot of it is that a hero called Avery is sent by the King of England blah, blah, blah."

If the sentence should be a mixture of past and present tense verbs, be notify me. For example, it was called The Pyrates, the plot of it is that blah, blah, blah,

• present-perfect
• present-tense
• simple-past

• The present tense is highly advisable in this case. The book is still around, and hopefully will stay around for quite awhile even though you're done reading it. –  Ricky Commented Nov 26, 2015 at 22:57
• 1 Either one is okay. Depends on the context. If you are writing a paper for school, then probably the present tense since the book still speaks today. –  NES Commented Nov 27, 2015 at 0:36
• When in doubt, use the present tense. Do not mix tenses, unless you have a specific reason to. –  Peter K. Commented Nov 27, 2015 at 2:45
• There's even a name for the use of the presente tense is this situation: literary present tense . See this related question . –  Jacinto Commented Mar 26, 2016 at 11:28
• "Recently, I finished a novel; OR read a novel" is obviously what is meant. It was about etc. etc. etc. That refers to your experience of reading it. Your experience is over: past tense. –  Lambie Commented Aug 31, 2021 at 12:55

3 Answers 3

I am trying to think what kind of book I might describe using the past tense.

Certainly the plays of Shakespeare, which are still currently performed, albeit written 400 years ago are usually described in the present tense. I even looked at some reviews of Thomas More's Utopia , published in the early 16th century. And those were mostly, but not all, in the present tense.

I don't think you will ever go wrong by sticking to the present tense, when describing fiction.

However when it comes to history, it is a different matter. If one were describing, for example a biography of Queen Elizabeth I, I believe one would use the past tense. The Armada arrived off the south-west coast and was spotted from the look-out at St Michael's Mount... . I have also heard people tell stories from the bible in the past tense. And that is probably because they regarded it as factual history.

All of the events which are written about in a work of fiction should be referred to in present active tense. I do not know why this is, but I was taught that the events in the book are constantly being read, and therefore constantly happening. You should only use another tense when the text refers to something which happened outside the scope of the novel, before or after the story took place.

• Here are some references supporting that: The Writer , IELTS , someone from Utah State U . –  Stuart F Commented Aug 11, 2021 at 10:30

To retell the plot, describe specific actions, scenes, use as simple sentences as possible. Events can be retelling in the past tense or in the present, but it will be simpler and more logical in the present:

Harry Potter is ten years old. He lives with his uncle and aunt. They don’t like him. He doesn't know that his real parents were wizards. One day he is invited to magic school Hogwards.

• As stated in my edit comments, we do not allow advertising. Once the lock has expired you will be able to edit your answer again. You can use external sites to corroborate your own text (that is, you can provide an editorial gloss of an external site and quote+link for corroboration), but direct advertising will be treated as spam. –  Andrew Leach ♦ Commented Aug 31, 2021 at 9:23

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Sam Thomas Davies

How to Write a Book Summary (Step-by-Step)

by Sam Thomas Davies | Last updated: July 13, 2023 | Filed Under: Self-Improvement

In 2015, I wrote a book summary for The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. 

Distilling the book’s key ideas helped me remember what I read. Plus, readers got a lot from it, so I continued with other nonfiction books I read.

Since then, I’ve written 100+ book summaries for the best non-fiction books of all time. And, in doing so, I’ve learned a thing or two about writing good book summaries.  

In this article, I want to share how to write a book summary that will help you remember what you read months, even years, after reading.

Table of Contents

Why write a book summary.

• Step 1. Take Notes While You’re Reading

Step 2. Write the Main Takeaways in Your Own Words

Step 3. continue to summarize overtime .

I’ve found there are three key benefits to writing a book summary.

First, writing a book summary helps you remember what you read. We’ve all read a book only to forget its key ideas as soon as we finish. Summarizing a book in your own words, though, minimizes that problem by helping you internalize the book’s key insights. 

Second, writing a book summary helps you connect key concepts from other books. When writing a book summary for The Little Book of Yes , I noticed the author wrote about the importance of endings, a key idea also covered in The Power of Moments .

In The Power of Moments , Chip and Dan Heath explain that when people assess an experience, such as an experience with a brand, they tend to rate the experience based on the ending. In The Little Book of Yes , by contrast, Noah Goldstein discusses endings in the context of persuasion. 

By summarizing an idea, in my own words, and then looking at that idea through the lens of another context, I was able to understand it on a deeper, more applicable layer. 

Granted, for ideas covered, again and again, there’s a risk of moving too far from the source. (Think of all the instances of “research shows that” with no reference.) 

But for principle-based ideas (e.g., the trichotomy of control ), connecting “knowledge trees,” as author James Clear calls them , helps you internalize and remember what you read.

Third, writing a book summary helps you improve your writing . As Head of Content for Sleeknote , I create a lot of content and need to refer to and reference ideas I’ve read as quickly as possible. 

In this article on copywriting examples , I wanted to talk about how copywriter Claude Hopkins saved Schlitz from bankruptcy. Still, I couldn’t remember which book had introduced me to the story. 

So, I ran a search in my Commonplace Book , found the book, ( Scientific Advertising ), and featured the story in my article.   

You might not be a writer or even a creative for that matter, but as we’ll discuss in Step 3., there’s value in “remixing” an idea as part of the retrieval process. 

Now we’ve covered the benefits of writing a book summary let’s discuss how to write a summary, step-by-step.

Step 1. Take Notes While You Read

If you’re reading a print or hardcover book, highlight important quotes, ideas, or questions, and then write the page number on the first blank page.

By contrast, if you’re reading a Kindle book, use Kindle’s “notes” and “highlights” to capture and save important takeaways. Try to be as descriptive as possible to save time when exporting.

When reading Drive by Dan H. Pink, I marked a popular highlight.

But I also added a note, so when I summarized Drive , weeks, or even months later, I knew who Pink was quoting.

I also recommend highlighting the book’s chapter headings as you’re reading. You won’t always write a book summary, chapter by chapter, but for certain books, where each chapter builds on the last, it’s much easier to get an overview of your notes and highlights.

If you’re reading a print or hardcover book, write your notes and highlights into your preferred word processor or note-taking app. (I recommend Notion for reasons I’ll mention in Step 3.)

However, if you’re reading a Kindle book, adding your notes and highlights is quicker and easier. To export your notes and highlights, go to Your Amazon Kindle page . 

Next, copy all your notes and highlights and paste them into a preferred word processor or note-taking app. For this tutorial, I’m using Notion .

Then, remove all instances of “Read more at location [NUMBER],” “Delete this highlight,” and “Add a note” to remove all redundant copy.

Next, rewrite each highlight in your own words. If a highlight lacks context, like the example I mentioned in Step 1., rewrite it to include the note.

For example, before rewriting, this highlight read, “‘When money is used as an external reward for some activity, the subjects lose intrinsic interest for the activity,’ he wrote.” 

However, after editing, it became, “In one study, Edward Deci found that when money is used as an external reward for some activity, subjects lost intrinsic interest for the activity.”

If you highlighted chapter headings, as suggested in Step 1., turn them into subheadings. I also suggest adding a divider to separate each block. 

Editor’s Note

If you commit to writing book summaries over time, you will soon have dozens, if not hundreds, of summaries that will require a sound organizational system.

To do that, I recommend building a digital commonplace book in Notion. To learn more about how to do that, check out this article .

One of the best book summarization practices is called progressive summarization (PS). Coined by Tiago Forte, the idea is to summarize your notes, and then summarize that summary, then summarizing that summary, distilling the ideas into smaller and smaller layers each time.

There are five layers to PS, but I’ve adapted it for a book summary, specifically.

First, we have layer 1, which is a book’s notes and highlight, unedited, including redundant copy like “Add a note.” The problem, though, as mentioned previously, is raw notes lack context and are therefore unhelpful when we return to them in the future.

Layer 2, the first round of summarization, solves that problem, with a summary of the book, in your own words.

Layer 3 is the second round of summarization. Forte recommends bolding the book’s big ideas at this layer, but I use highlights instead for reasons I’ll explain in a moment.

At layer 3, I highlight key takeaways that are not context-specific.

Next, for Layer 4, I bold what I call “ Directives .” These are bite-sized instructions that “tell” you what to do. Here’s a Layer 3 example (highlights) with Level 4 (bold) added after a fourth revision.

At this stage, if I notice an idea that’s similar to one in another book, I use Notion’s callout box feature to draw attention and link it to the book summary for reference.

Finally, for a tiny minority of book summaries I write, I “remix” them by combining them with another idea for a piece of content. Remixing is a Layer 5 practice.

For instance, for one of my weekly Words Into Works newsletters, I knew I wanted to share a story about Abraham Lincoln, which Ryan Holiday introduced me to in his book, The Daily Stoic . 

I also knew I wanted to use the story to illustrate the idea of pausing, an idea I learned from The Little Book of Yes . So I combined Holiday’s story with Goldstein’s idea and added a creative spin to help me internalize the idea.

I should mention progressive summarization is done best over time. You shouldn’t go through all five levels for a summary in one sitting, nor will you need to. 

But for a select few, you will return, again and again, over time, and improve on the summary you wrote, often with a greater understanding than when you first wrote it.

Writing a book summary requires time, energy, and effort. That much is a given. But when done consistently, over time, it’s one of the best investments you can make in yourself. 

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June 23, 2020 at 12:05 am

It feels like divine intervention to have found your website, Sam. I just finished reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad a week ago, and was summarizing it and linking to other alternative summarizes to the document and I came across your website. I’ve been looking to incorporate book summaries into a blog and my own commonplace book to help myself internalize the content and help my friends. This article of yours is just what I needed. Once I saw your mention of Scientific Advertising , I knew I immediately had to comment on my thanks and check out the rest of your website haha. I’m looking forward to exploring more of your site!

June 23, 2020 at 7:16 am

Thanks a lot, Shawn. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

August 16, 2021 at 11:23 am

Thanks to you. I enjoyed reading this article and gain a lot of ideas. Thank you once again.

August 18, 2021 at 4:33 pm

My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed the article.

November 4, 2021 at 10:44 pm

Many thanks to you! I enjoyed to read this article and it was very impressive! Thanks

November 14, 2021 at 8:54 am

Thanks, Bava. Glad you found it helpful 🙂

July 22, 2020 at 2:11 pm

Sam –

I love your work. Thanks for all you are doing to make great knowledge more accessible to all of us.

I’d like to start writing summaries of the great books I listen to. How long does it take you to write a summary? I want to block some time in my calendar to write summaries.

Thanks so much!

– Curt

July 24, 2020 at 10:55 am

Thanks, Curt. Writing a book summary can take anywhere from six to nine hours, depending on the book’s length.

August 10, 2020 at 1:19 pm

Wow. That is a long time! Thank you for sharing the fruit of your efforts!

August 10, 2020 at 1:47 pm

My pleasure. Thanks for reading, Curt.

August 18, 2021 at 2:03 pm

Thanks a lot, sir. I really grabbed something here. Though a lot of time is required I will practice.

August 18, 2021 at 4:32 pm

Thanks, Jennifer.

August 25, 2020 at 2:10 pm

Amazing job you are doing Sam by writing these priceless summaries. A heartfelt thanks! Btw, just wanted to know: Do we still need to read the books after reading your summary? 😛 I mostly read non-fiction self help books to get ideas for improvement which I believe you are covering aptly in the summary. So what do you suggest? Should I save my time and focus on the implementation part?

August 29, 2020 at 3:07 pm

Thanks, Anabil. I would also recommend reading the book still. The summary is only one interpretation, one that often changes with each new read.

July 7, 2021 at 12:57 pm

Thank you, Sam. I think I understand what you have written here. Helpful. 🙂

I have a question. How do we differentiate a summary of fiction from nonfiction?

Thanks, Kulbushan

July 12, 2021 at 6:17 am

Thanks, Kulbushan. I would still focus on summarizing the book chapter-by-chapter.

August 6, 2021 at 7:49 am

Thanks for your work, Sam. This is so far the most valuable post I have read on summarizing books. The step-by-step guide along with the principles is exactly what I was looking for. While I was at it, I also read some of your book summaries – and kudos to that! 🙂 I am very grateful for your site.

August 6, 2021 at 5:12 pm

Thanks, Sri. I’m glad you found it helpful.

August 26, 2021 at 5:27 am

Thanks, Sam.

February 8, 2022 at 6:19 am

This is so true Sam I think writing summaries help us condense our learning and helps our audience as well as they can easily consume our byte-sized lessons.

February 17, 2022 at 11:00 pm

Very insightful. I struggle remembering most books I read so decided to use a summary to at least reflect. I decided to research how to do this and I chanced on your website. Thank you. Very helpful.

May 18, 2022 at 7:00 am

Thanks, Seth. Glad you found it useful.

February 18, 2022 at 1:48 pm

This is dope, I loved it. Thanks for being plain and clear for a better understanding.

February 28, 2022 at 7:14 am

My pleasure, Andrew. Glad you liked the post.

April 8, 2022 at 4:34 pm

Hi Sam, Your highly instructive and rich article is surely providing great support for writers of overviews and summaries. I have almost finished a book of a prehistoric-linguistic denomination. I am about to prepare it for publishing. One of my tasks is to edit an overview. Would you be able to do the overview for me and how much it will cost?

Kind Regards,

April 18, 2022 at 3:59 pm

Afraid not, Sabah. Try searching for a copyeditor on Upwork. Best of luck.

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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 …

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Should I use past or present tense when writing about my book in a query letter?

When discussing events in a work of fiction use present tense. This is called “literary present tense.” A few lines of summary might read like this:

Julie takes her mother to the ballgame and finds their seats are right next to Ron and his family.

In a summary, you would only use past tense if there were a shift in the time frame within the events you’re describing. For example:

Julie refuses to acknowledge Ron. How could the same man that slammed the door on her fingers dote on his children with peanuts and soda?

The verb “slammed” is in the past tense because the event happened before the baseball game.

This literary present tense applies to discussions of the fiction only. When describing your own qualifications or the writing of the story, use past where appropriate:

I received my MFA in fiction from Writing University. My stories have been published in . . .

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what tense should I use for the summary part of a book report and my own opinion ? *I need to talk about the events described in the book on my summary part

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@Crystal_tmn Present tense. I think this book... The book is illustrating that... In this chapter, the main character... In summary, the book/author does a good job of....

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• what tense should I use...

What tense should you use for the summary of the story in the book report?

When writing a plot line for your own story, use any tense that you want to!

If you're writing for an assignment, most people use present tense. For example: The hero travels to the old ruins in search of treasure. He finds a maiden held captive and rescues her. Together they defeat the evil wizard and gain the treasure.

You should use the present tense for the summary of the story in a book report. This is because the events of the story are being described as if they are occurring in the present moment, helping to create a sense of immediacy for the reader.

The most typical tense used in any report is past tense. As in, "In this story, the hero went on a quest and defeated a dragon to gain his treasure."

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How to write a great book synopsis

• A synopsis is important even if you’re self-publishing. Your synopsis allows you to see problems with your plot and characters so you can fix them before your book hits the market.
• A book synopsis should be between 500 and 800 words. This works out at approximately 1 single-spaced page in a standard 12pt font.
• Your synopsis should include 5 key elements. This includes the premise, a main plot and subplot overview, your main characters, and an implicit outline of the appeal of your book.

Writing a book synopsis is notoriously tricky for authors. Synopsis writing is generally much drier and less creative than novel writing - and it’s never going to be easy to condense a 90,000 word novel into 500 words. That’s why it’s important to understand how to write a book synopsis that’s concise, compelling, and follows convention.

Nearly all editors, agents, and publishers request a synopsis for your book when you submit your work to them. Self-published authors can also benefit from writing a novel synopsis - it helps you spot plot holes, structural issues, and underdeveloped characters, and identify the key selling points of your book for your marketing campaign.

Use this guide to writing a book synopsis to help you plan, structure, and write a great book summary.

Let's define what book synopsis is

A book synopsis is a summary of your novel from start to finish. It includes an outline of the main plot, your primary characters, any subplots and plot twists, and what happens at the end.

Many new authors baulk at giving away their carefully crafted ending, but there’s no need to worry - your book synopsis isn’t going to be published. After all, it’s not exactly in agents’ or publishers’ interests to spoil the ending of a book for readers. Instead, they’ll read your synopsis to help decide whether they think your book will sell, and whether to represent you as an author.

The synopsis has a very important role

For authors pursuing traditional publishing, the purpose of your book synopsis is to sell your novel to an agent or publisher. Before they request your full manuscript, they want to know exactly what happens in your book - which is where your novel synopsis comes in.

If you’re planning on self-publishing your book , your synopsis is a tool for laying out the saleability and structure of your novel. By writing a synopsis, you can see which plot points are unwieldy, and which characters are underdeveloped, so you can fix these things before your book hits the market.

The difference between a plot summary and a synopsis

A plot synopsis is a type of plot summary. There are also other types of book summary, each of which has a different function in the publication of your book. The most common book summary types include:

• Synopsis - Your synopsis is a summary of all the major plot points, including the ending. This is used to sell your book to agents or publishers, or to cast a critical eye over your book content.
• Blurb - A blurb is typically found on the back page or dust jacket of your book. The blurb should sell the book to potential readers, offering teasers and plot potential, without giving too much away.
• Elevator pitch - Your elevator pitch is a sharp one-liner that captures the essence of your book in a compelling way. It should make the reader want to find out more.

There’s a lot of literary jargon around book summaries, which can make it difficult to pinpoint exactly what you need to write in your synopsis. Below, you’ll learn what you need to include in your book synopsis.

How long should a book synopsis be?

It’s generally agreed that a book synopsis should be between 500 and 800 words. This works out at approximately 1 single-spaced page in a standard 12pt font.

Many agents will have specific guidelines you need to follow in terms of synopsis word count, so tailor your submission for each agent. This could mean you need a synopsis that’s 500 words, and one that’s 700 words. The extra work will pay off - you’re way more likely to get a response from an agent if you’ve read and met their submission requirements.

What should a book synopsis include?

There are 5 key elements that every book synopsis should include:

1. The premise of your book

Your book’s premise comprises your overarching theme, setting, and conflict, forming a great hook designed to keep readers engaged.

2. A direct overview of the main plot

Go back to basics here. Show that your plot has all the key story elements in your novel synopsis, including an inciting incident, a climax, and a satisfying ending.

3. An introduction to your main characters

Make the reader care about your characters by offering compelling character motivations.

4. An outline of your major subplots

Your subplots probably converge with the main plot at some point, so it makes sense to include them in your book synopsis.

5. An implicit understanding of the appeal of your book

Synopses are notoriously dry - but if you care about your story, this should shine through in your book summary. Demonstrate why others will care about your book, too.

What tense should a book synopsis be written in?

Your book synopsis should be written in the present tense and the third person - even if your book isn’t. This automatically helps you write your synopsis in an appropriate, professional tone, without hyperbole or bias.

What is the format of a synopsis?

As well as using a standard tense and perspective, most book synopses follow a similar format. Here’s how you should structure your novel synopsis, including book synopsis examples from famous published works.

1. The premise

The premise is similar to your elevator pitch - the key piece of intrigue that makes the reader want to find out more. This opening line from the synopsis of Michelle Zink’s Prophecy Of The Sisters includes a fascinating hook: ‍

Sixteen-year-old Lia Milthorpe’s life is in danger from the person she loves most – her twin sister. ‍

Zink manages to introduce the main characters, a sense of peril, and a key area of conflict in a single line. It’s a great way to open the synopsis.

2. The plot

Don’t dilly-dally - when you’ve set the premise, dive straight into the plot of your book. This will form the bulk of your word count. You can find out how to write an expert plot summary below. In the meantime, take a look at this extract from J.K. Rowling’s synopsis for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone .

Harry Potter lives with his aunt, uncle and cousin because his parents died in a car crash - or so he has always been told. The Dursleys don’t like Harry asking questions; in fact, they don’t seem to like anything about him, especially the very odd things that keep happening around him (which Harry himself can’t explain).

The Dursleys’ greatest fear is that Harry will discover the truth about himself, so when letters start arriving for him near his eleventh birthday, he isn’t allowed to read them. However, the Dursleys aren’t dealing with an ordinary postman, and at midnight on Harry’s birthday the gigantic Rubeus Hagrid breaks down the door to make sure Harry gets to read his post at last.‍

Rowling splits her paragraphs into plot points. The first paragraph outlines the status quo - Harry’s unhappy home life - while the second goes on to state the inciting incident: Harry’s invitation to attend Hogwarts. Structuring your synopsis in this way is a great tactic for ensuring you don’t stray too far from the main arc of your story.

3. The ending

Spell out exactly what happens at the end of your book - your synopsis is no place for a cliffhanger. If you’ve chosen to leave your book open-ended, reflect this in your synopsis.

Here’s an example of a synopsis ending for Cinderella , written by literary agent Janet Reid: ‍

The heartbroken prince travels the kingdom to determine which lady fits the glass slipper. Her stepmother locks Cinderella in the attic but her mouse friends help her escape. The glass slipper fits her, and Cinderella and the prince live happily ever after. ‍

Reid removes the sense of anguish, fear, and ultimate relief that comes with the climax and resolution of Cinderella. Synopses are often deadpan and unemotive, so don’t be afraid to be forthright about the ending of your story.

How to write a book synopsis

It’s time to get writing. Follow these steps on how to write a plot synopsis to write a succinct, professional summary of your novel.

1. Write a single sentence for each major plot point

If you started your book with an outline, this will come in handy here. Using the following prompts, write one sentence for each of these points in your book:

• Inciting incident
• Plot action

Some writers mark the timeline of the story or map out the events to help them stay on track. Try to keep your word count below 300 words. This gives you leeway to fill in extra detail later.

2. Check on your characters

You’ve probably introduced all the characters you need to include in your synopsis in the 5 sentences you just wrote. That said, you may not have given enough detail about their motives or personalities to make your synopsis sing.

Note down any crucial character points you need to include, but be frugal with the details. Extraneous backstories are a waste of words in your synopsis, so don’t let your personal connection with your characters get the better of you here. Only include information that’s relevant to the plot.

3. Join the dots

Now you have a strong idea of the key plot points and character motivations you need to include, it’s time to craft the synopsis.

Build up your outline into a synopsis by filling in the gaps that will help the reader make the leap from one plot point to the next. If your story is solid, it will more or less tell itself at this stage - your job is to make it sound compelling. Don’t worry if your first draft is too long or a little messy.

4. Come back to it later

You wouldn’t submit your first draft of your novel to an agent - so you shouldn’t submit your synopsis first draft, either. Let it sit for a few days so you can get some distance from your work. When you come back to it, read it with a critical eye. Check it explores each of the elements in the section above. Perhaps most importantly, check it meets the word count and formatting requirements set by the agent.

5. Get feedback on your synopsis

Seeking peer feedback on your book synopsis is a great way to learn what works in a plot summary from other writers. If you can, find writers who have had their synopses accepted by agents or publishers and pick their brains about what worked well for them.

Some agents will also offer feedback on your synopsis if they think it has potential. This is invaluable, so take any of their comments on board.

Tips for writing a great book synopsis

Here are our top tips for writing the best possible book synopsis:

• Be concise — Cut the fluff from your synopsis and keep your writing to the point, while maintaining your natural writing style. Agents don’t have time to wade through reams of description to find out what actually happens in your book.
• Use action rather than description to portray characters — Instead of saying, “The doctor is kind and selfless”, use action to characterise your characters: “The doctor does everything she can to save him.”
• Weave subplot points through the synopsis — Connect the dots of your main plot and subplot points seamlessly to avoid jarring character introductions or plot twists.
• Write a second, third, and fourth draft — Your book synopsis can make or break your relationship with a literary agent, so it’s worth taking the time to get it right. Write multiple drafts until you’re happy it’s ready to send out.

Common mistakes to avoid in your book synopsis

Avoid these common errors in your synopsis to keep your summary well-structured and easy to read:

• Muddying your narrative structure — The spine of your story is really important in your synopsis, so don’t compromise this with extra detail or flowery descriptions.
• Giving too much detail — There are sure to be little details you love and want to include in your synopsis, but try to keep your summary top-level.
• Introducing too many minor characters — We only need to meet your key characters in the synopsis, so keep the rest under wraps (this will help you keep your word count down, too).
• Ignoring formatting requirements — It’s really important to stick to the requirements set out by the publisher or agent you’re submitting to. Triple check these before you click send.

Submitting your synopsis

Now you know how to write a book synopsis, you can start submitting your synopsis and query letter to agents. Before you hit send, double check the requirements from each agent to check you’re sending them what they want to see. You’re sure to increase your response rates - and maybe even receive a couple of manuscript requests. While you're at it, you should also start thinking about your author bio !

Alternatively, if you’re thinking of self-publishing, check out our advice for self-published authors . You’ll find tons of useful guides for writing and marketing your new novel.

Advice from a published writer

Alex Fisher , "Seadogs and Criminals"

Like the author bio, keep it short and sweet. It’s basically an invitation into your book. Describe the essential points and direction of the story without giving too much away. Introduce the main character, the plot, the motive/goal and finish with a question (if that works) and that’s all you need.

Dangle the story in front of the potential reader with enough information to grip them and ignite their curiosity, hook them in and make them want to know what this is all about, make them want to read on, without waffling. Too much information and you’ve lost them; the reader is smart and wants to discover the story for themselves in their own way. Keep it snappy, between 100 to 200 words. Be lethal.

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Election certification under threat

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A legal roadmap to protect the 2024 election including from 35 officials who have refused to certify results

In this report, CREW identifies 35 rogue election officials across the country who have already refused to certify election results and may be in a position to do so again. The report focuses on the eight states where county officials have unlawfully refused to certify elections since 2020: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Michigan. The report also identifies the legal remedies available to state and federal authorities, as well as voters, to protect the certification of the 2024 election. 

In the aftermath of the 2020 election and the January 6th insurrection, threats to the election certification process have escalated, now with an increasing focus on county-level certification. Since 2020, more than 30 county officials across the country have voted to deny or delay certifying election results in violation of law, often citing false claims of voter fraud or irregularities. Among those officials are avowed 2020 election deniers, individuals who acted as fake presidential electors for Donald Trump and a criminally convicted participant in the January 6th insurrection who was later removed from office in a lawsuit led by CREW.

These remedies include emergency court orders to compel compliance with the law, criminal charges to punish and deter misconduct and legal procedures to remove obstructionist officials from their county positions.

So far, states have shut down these dangerous efforts to sabotage the certification process—including in Arizona and New Mexico where state authorities secured emergency court orders, called writs of mandamus, compelling county officials to follow the law. But the threat of disruption looms large in this year’s election. 

If county officials successfully obstruct certification, it could have a cascading effect on state and federal certification deadlines. It could also lead to mass disenfranchisement of qualified voters. 

County certification is the culmination of the process by which votes are counted and reported to higher authorities. State laws make clear that certification is non-discretionary. It is not an opportunity for county officials to politically grandstand, lodge protest votes against election practices they dislike or investigate suspected voter fraud. The point of certification is not to verify the truth and accuracy of the election as a whole, but rather to confirm that county officials completed verification processes outlined in state law.

“State laws make clear that certification is non-discretionary. It is not an opportunity for county officials to politically grandstand…”

State laws provide robust mechanisms outside of the certification process—including recounts, audits, evidentiary hearings before state election boards and election contests in court—to address suspected fraud and errors. These are the legally-designated avenues for resolving the rare cases where genuine problems arise in an election, not the certification process. When county officials stray outside of their lane to perform tasks the law does not assign to them, they are disrupting the administration of state election laws and exposing themselves to potential civil and criminal liability.

For statewide races and races across multiple counties, county certification marks the end of one phase of a multi-step election process, and it must occur by a hard deadline to ensure later state and federal certification deadlines are met. If county officials try to obstruct this process, state and federal laws provide effective mechanisms to compel certification by statutory deadlines and to punish misconduct.

That election certification is a ministerial, non-discretionary function has been a settled principle of American election law since the turn of the twentieth century, when state courts across the country shut down partisan attempts by county officials to refuse to count lawful votes. But some officials emboldened by former President Trump’s 2020 election denial movement now seek to weaponize this routine government process, undermining the foundations of our election infrastructure. 

Their reasons for denying or delaying certification have often been brazenly lawless. (As used in this report, “refusal to certify” means voting either to delay or deny certifying election results.) For example:

• Couy Griffin, the former county official in New Mexico who a state court removed from office for engaging in the January 6th insurrection, stated: “My vote to remain a ‘no’ isn’t based on any evidence. It’s not based on any facts…It’s only based on my gut feeling and my own intuition.”
• Jerry Forestieri and Timothy DeHaan, two former county officials in North Carolina who the state election board removed from office, said they were voting against certification to protest a federal court ruling from several years earlier that they claimed was “illegal” and “pervert[ed] our election practices.” DeHaan admitted “[w]e feel the election was held according to the law that we have, but that the law is not right.”
• Ron Gould and Hildy Angius, two current county officials in Arizona, said their votes to delay certification were purely a “political statement” to protest election practices in a different county.

County officials in other states, such as Georgia and Pennsylvania, have offered a veneer of legal justification for refusing to certify. Others have withheld certification based on arbitrary and shifting demands for non-essential election records. No matter these officials’ motives or the sincerity of their concerns, the law gives them no “discretion” not to certify. 

As the Georgia Supreme Court explained more than a century ago, “[t]he duties of [election] canvassers are purely ministerial; they perform the mathematical act of tabulating the votes of the different precincts as the [election] returns come to them.”

In recent years, conspiracy theories about elections and the certification process have contributed to an increase in violence, threats, harassment, doxxing and other forms of intimidation toward election workers. While we strongly advocate using appropriate legal mechanisms to hold accountable any county election official who defies the law, violence and intimidation have no place in our democracy, regardless of any misconduct by government officials. 

State-by-state analysis

County officials who have refused to certify elections, tom crosby .

• Current position: Cochise County Board of Supervisors, District 1 County Supervisor, Vice-Chairman .
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Cochise County, 2022 : Crosby voted with Peggy Judd to delay certification of the election results beyond the statutory certification deadline.
• Current position: Cochise County Board of Supervisors, District 3 County Supervisor.
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Cochise County, 2022 : Judd voted to delay certification of the election results beyond the statutory certification deadline. 
• Current position: Mohave County Board of Supervisors, District 5 County Supervisor
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Mohave County, 2020: Mohave County was one of the counties in which officials initially voted to delay certifying the election results, although they ultimately certified by the statutory deadline. General Election, Mohave County, 2022: Gould and two other board members initially voted against certifying the election results. Gould ultimately voted to certify the election and claimed he was doing so “under duress.”

Hildy Angius

• Current position: Mohave County Board of Supervisors, District 2 County Supervisor
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Mohave County, 2020: Angius seconded Gould’s motion to delay certification, but ultimately certified by the statutory deadline. General Election, Mohave County, 2022: Angius, along with Ron Gould and Travis Lingenfelter, initially voted to delay certifying the election results. Angius ultimately voted to certify the election “under duress.”

Travis Lingenfelter

• Current position: Mohave County Board of Supervisors, District 1 County Supervisor
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Mohave County, 2022: Along with Angius and Gould, Lingenfelter initially voted to delay certifying the election results. He ultimately voted to certify the election.

Legal remedies under Arizona law

Arizona law provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

• Mandamus relief (i.e., emergency court orders compelling county officials to follow the law)
• State constitutional protections of the right to vote and to have one’s vote counted
• Legal mechanisms authorizing courts to sanction, punish, and replace county officials who defy court orders to certify election results
• Criminal penalties for willfully subverting certification

For more detail on the officials and legal remedies read the full report.

Theresa Watson

• Position: Previously a member of the Boulder County Canvass Board . If re-appointed by the Boulder County Republican Party, Watson would again serve as a county canvass board member for the Boulder County Canvass Board.
• Refusal to certify: Coordinated Election, Boulder County, 2023: Watson voted against certifying the results of the November 7, 2023, Coordinated Election, but was unsuccessful in preventing certification. Presidential Primary Election, Boulder County, 2024: Watson voted against certifying the results of the presidential primary , but was unsuccessful in preventing certification.

Candice Stutzriem

• Position: Previously a member of the El Paso County Canvass Board . If re-appointed by the El Paso County Republican Party, Stutzriem would again serve as a county canvass board member for the El Paso County Canvass Board. 
• Refusal to certify: Coordinated Election, El Paso County, 2023 : Stutzriem elected not to certify the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification. Presidential Primary Election, El Paso County, 2024 : Stutzriem voted against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification.

Nancy Pallozzi

• Position: Previously a member of the Jefferson County Canvass Board . If re-appointed by the Jefferson County Republican Party, Pallozzi would serve as a member for the Jefferson County Canvass Board. Pallozi serves as the Chair of Jefferson County GOP.
• Refusal to certify: Coordinated Election, Jefferson County, 2023: Pallozzi voted against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification. Presidential Primary Election, Jefferson County, 2024: Pallozi voted against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification.

Legal remedies under Colorado law

Colorado law provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

• Legal mechanisms authorizing the Secretary of State to certify an election if a county board refuses to do so

Debbie Fisher

• Current position: Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration , Assistant Secretary
• Refusal to certify: General Municipal Elections, Cobb County 2023: Fischer voted against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 4 to 1 vote. 

Nancy Jester

• Current position: DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections, Board Member
• Refusal to certify: DeKalb County, General Municipal Election 2023: Jester and another member of the DeKalb Board of Registration and Elections voted against certifying the election results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 3 to 2 vote. 

Anthony Lewis

• Refusal to certify: DeKalb County, Primary Election 2022: Lewis voted against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 4 to 1 vote. DeKalb County, General Municipal Election 2023: Lewis refused to certify the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 3 to 2 vote.

Julie Adams

• Current position: Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections, Republican Member
• Refusal to certify: Presidential Preference Primary, Fulton County March 2024: Adams and Michael Heekin voted against certifying the primary results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 3 to 2 vote. Primary Election, Fulton County May 2024: Adams abstained from certifying the primary.

Michael Heekin

• Current position: Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections, Vice Chair
• Refusal to certify: Presidential Preference Primary, Fulton County March 2024: Heekin and Julie Adams voted against certifying the primary results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 3 to 2 vote.

David Hancock

• Current position: Gwinnett County Board of Registration and Elections, Member
• Refusal to certify: Presidential Primary Election, Gwinnett County 2024: Hancock was the sole member to vote against certifying the results of the primary but was unsuccessful in preventing certification.

Alice O’Lenick  

• Refusal to certify: 2020 General Election, Gwinnett County: After first voting to certify the election results with the unanimous Gwinnett County Board of Registration, O’Lenick voted against certifying the results of the recount but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 4 to 1 vote.

Roy McClain

• Current position: Spalding County Board of Elections and Voter Registration, Secretary
• Refusal to certify: Spalding County, General Municipal Election 2023: McClain voted against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 2 to 1 vote.

Legal remedies under Georgia law

Georgia law provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

• Current position: Esmeralda Board of County Commissioners, County Commissioner, District 2
• Refusal to certify: Esmeralda County, Primary Election, 2022: Winsor and another County Commissioner who is no longer in office, Timothy Hipp, successfully delayed certification .

Rex Steninger

• Current position: Elko County Board of Commissioners, County Commissioner  
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Elko County, Recount 2022: Steninger voted against certifying the primary results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification.

Jeanne Herman

• Current position: Washoe County Board of Commissioners, Vice Chair and County Commissioner, District 5
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Washoe County, 2020: Herman was the sole commissioner to vote against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification. Primary Election, Washoe County 2022: Herman was the sole commissioner to vote against certifying the primary results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification. General Election, Washoe County, 2022: Herman was the sole commissioner to vote against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification. Primary Election, Washoe County, 2024: Herman and Michael Clark voted against certifying the election results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification. Primary Election Recount, Washoe County, 2024: Herman and two other commissioners vote d against certifying the recounts of the election results in one race for a commission seat and one race for a local school board seat, successfully outvoting the other two members of the commission. The board ultimately voted to certify the recounts under threat of removal and criminal prosecution. Herman was the lone holdout.

Michael Clark

• Current position: Washoe County Board of County Commissioners, County Commissioner, District 2
• Refusal to certify: Presidential Preference Primary, Washoe County, 2024: Clark was the sole commissioner to vote against certifying the primary results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification. Primary Election, Washoe County, 2024: Clark and Jeanne Herman voted against certifying the election results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification. Primary Election Recount, Washoe County, 2024: Clark and two other commissioners vote d against certifying the recounts of the election results in one race for a commission seat and one race for a local school board seat, successfully outvoting the other two members of the commission. Clark ultimately reversed his position and voted to certify under threat of removal and criminal prosecution.

Clara Andriola

• Current position: Washoe County Board of County Commissioners, County Commissioner, District 4
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election Recount, Washoe County, 2024: Andriola and two other commissioners vote d against certifying the recounts of the election results in one race for a commission seat and one race for a local school board seat, successfully outvoting the other two members of the commission. Andriola ultimately reversed her position and voted to certify under threat of removal and criminal prosecution.

Legal remedies under Nevada law

Nevada law provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

• Legal mechanisms authorizing courts to remove county officials who refuse to perform their official duties

Gerald Matherly

• Current position: Otero Board of County Commissioners, County Commissioner, District 1, Chairman
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Otero County, 2022: Matherly, Couy Griffin and the other commissioner, Vickie Marquardt, voted unanimously against certifying the primary election. After the secretary of state sued the board and threatened a criminal referral, Matherly and Marquardt voted to certify . 

Vickie Marquardt

• Current position: Otero Board of County Commissioners, County Commissioner, District 3
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Otero County, 2022: Marquardt, Griffin and Matherly voted unanimously against certifying the primary election. After the secretary of state sued the board and threatened a criminal referral, Marquardt and Matherly voted to certify . 
• Current position: Sandoval Board of County Commissioners, County Commissioner, District 2
• Refusal to certify: Municipal Election, Sandoval County, 2022 : Commissioner Block voted against certifying the municipal election results for the Village of Jemez Springs but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 3 to 1 vote. Primary Election, Sandoval County 2022 : Commissioner Block voted against certifying the primary results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 4 to 1 vote.  General Election, Sandoval County, 2022 : Commissioner Block voted against certifying the election results but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 4 to 1 vote.

Legal remedies under New Mexico law

New Mexico law provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

Elizabeth McDowell

• Current position: Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, Board Member, Secretary
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Mecklenburg County, 2020. McDowell and Mary Potter Summa voted against certifying the election results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 3 to 2 vote.

Mary Potter Summa

• Current position: Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, Member
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Mecklenburg County, 2020: Summa and Elizabeth McDowell voted against certifying the election results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 3 to 2 vote.

Surry County, NC

After the 2022 election, two members of the Surry County Board of Elections, Jerry Forestieri and Timothy DeHaan, refused to certify the election results. They wrote in a letter that they were protesting a federal court ruling they claimed was “illegal” and “pervert[ed] our election practices.” The State Board of Elections later removed both men from their county positions because, as the state board chair explained, “[t]hose who administer elections must follow the law as it is written, not how they want it to be.”

Although the officials involved in the Surry County certification refusal are no longer in office, we include the episode in this report because it is an illustrative example of effective state enforcement action.

Legal remedies under North Carolina law

North Carolina law provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

• Legal mechanisms authorizing the State Board of Elections to intervene if a county board refuses to certify
• Legal mechanisms authorizing the State Board of Elections to remove county officials who refuse to perform their official duties

Samuel DeMarco

• Current position: Allegheny County Council, At Large Council Representative ; Allegheny County Elections Board, Member
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Allegheny County, 2020: DeMarco voted against certifying the election results on November 23, 2020 but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a 2 to 1 vote. DeMarco voted against certifying amended results on November 25 but was again unsuccessful by a 2 to 1 vote.  

Christian Leinbach

• Current position: Berks County Board of Commissioners, Chairman
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Berks County, 2022 : After initially voting to certify an election result that excluded ballots that, despite being timely received, missed a handwritten date, Leinbach refused to recertify a result that complies with the law and includes all legal votes. Eventually, a court ordered compliance and the county board complied. 

Michael Rivera

• Current position: Berks County Board of Commission, Vice-Chair
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Berks County, 2022 : After initially voting to certify an election result that excluded ballots that, despite being timely received, missed a handwritten date, Rivera refused to recertify a result that complies with the law and includes all legal votes. Eventually, a court ordered compliance and the county board complied. 
• Current position: Fayette County Commission, County Commissioner , Chairman
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Fayette County, 2022: According to the Joint Stipulation in the litigation around the certification in Fayette County, the board certified an election result that excluded ballots which, although timely received, did not include a handwritten date. Dunn and the Fayette County board then refused to recertify a result that complied with the law and included all legal votes. Eventually, a court ordered compliance and the county board complied.

Ray D’Agostino

• Current position: Lancaster County Commission, County Commissioner, Vice-Chairman
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Lancaster County, 2022 : D’Agostino voted to convene the count and canvass of the election. According to the Joint Stipulation in the litigation around the certification in Lancaster County, the board certified an election result that excluded ballots which, although timely received, did not include a  handwritten date. The Lancaster County Commission then refused to recertify a result that complied with the law and included all legal votes. Eventually, a court ordered compliance, and the county commission complied.

Joshua Parsons

• Current position: Lancaster County Commission, County Commissioner , Chairman
• Refusal to certify: Primary Election, Lancaster County, 2022 : Parsons initially voted to canvass the election. According to the Joint Stipulation in the litigation around the certification in Lancaster County, the board certified an election result that excluded ballots which, although timely received, did not include a handwritten date. The Lancaster County Commission then refused to recertify a result that complied with the law and included all legal votes. Eventually, a court ordered compliance and the county commission complied.

Alyssa Fusaro

• Current position: Luzerne County, Board of Elections and Registration, Vice-Chair
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Luzerne County, 2022: Fusaro and another member of the board voted against certification at the Board’s first meeting resulting in a 2 to 2 deadlock with one abstention that prevented certification of the election results. At a subsequent special meeting, Fusaro and another member again voted against certification of the election results but were unsuccessful in preventing certification by a vote of 3 to 2.

Daniel Schramm

• Current position: Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration, Secretary
• Refusal to certify: General Election, Luzerne County, 2022. Schramm abstained from the initial vote to certify the election results, which resulted in a 2 to 2 vote and certification being denied. At a subsequent special meeting, Schramm voted with the majority to certify the election by a vote of 3 to 2. At a second vote two days later, Schramm voted yes and the election was certified. 

Scott Hough

• Current position: Northampton County Election Division, Vice Chair
• Refusal to certify: Municipal Elections, Northampton County, 2023. Hough voted against certifying the election results, but was unsuccessful in preventing certification by a vote of 4 to 1.  

Legal remedies under Pennsylvania law

Pennsylvania law provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

• Legal mechanisms authorizing courts to sanction and punish county officials who defy court orders to certify election results
• Legal mechanisms for removing county officials who refuse to perform their official duties

Unlike the states discussed above, none of the county officials in Michigan who previously voted against certifying elections remain in office. Nonetheless, this report includes Michigan because of the history of attempted county-level certification abuse in the state, as well as the state’s successful efforts in thwarting such abuse.

Prior election certification refusals

Wayne county, mi, 2020.

The first significant certification dispute in recent times happened in Wayne County, when County Board of Canvassers Monica Palmer and William Hartmann initially refused to certify the 2020 general election results over baseless claims of voter fraud. 

In response to the Wayne County incident, Michigan voters amended their constitution in 2022 to make clear that county officials have a “ministerial, clerical, nondiscretionary duty…to certify election results based solely on…statements of returns from the precincts and absent voter counting boards in the county and any corrected returns.”

Delta County, MI, 2024

In April 2024, two members of the Delta County Board of Canvassers, Bonnie Hakkola and LeeAnn Oman, refused to certify the results of a special recall election for County Administrator because they did not believe the results were statistically accurate and wanted a recount. 

Legal remedies under Michigan law

Michigan law also provides an array of legal remedies that can be used to protect the certification process and punish abuse, including: 

• Legal mechanisms authorizing the Board of State Canvassers to certify an election if a county board refuses to do so

Federal legal remedies

Because the states administer elections, they are the first lines of defense against county-level certification subversion. But the federal government also has a vital role in enforcing relevant federal statutes and constitutional provisions protecting the right to vote. Thus, if a state is unable or unwilling to take action against rogue county officials who threaten to disenfranchise voters in violation of federal law, the U.S. Department of Justice should intervene. 

Here are some of the federal criminal and civil remedies available to protect against certification abuse at the county level:

Sections 11(a) and 12(c) of the Voting Rights Act

Section 11(a) of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) (codified at 52 U.S.C. § 10307(a)) is the federal statute most clearly implicated by a county official’s willful refusal to certify election results. It provides: “No person acting under color of law shall…willfully fail or refuse to tabulate, count, and report” a “vote” of any “person…qualified to vote.”

Section 12(c) of the VRA (codified at 52 U.S.C. § 10308(c)) makes it a crime to conspire with others to violate other provisions of the VRA, including section 11(a).

18 U.S.C. § 241 (conspiracy against rights) and 18 U.S.C. § 242 (deprivation of rights under color of law)

County officials’ refusal to certify could also violate what federal prosecutors have called the two primary statutes that criminalize the actions of governmental officials who abuse their authority to deprive their fellow citizens of their constitutional rights: conspiracy against rights, 18 U.S.C. § 241, and deprivation of rights under color of law, 18 U.S.C. § 242.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 241, it is a felony to “conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate” an individual “in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution or laws of the United States,” including the right to vote and to have one’s vote counted.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 242, it is a misdemeanor for any person acting under color of law to “willfully” deprive a person “of any rights, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States,” including the right to vote and to have one’s vote counted.

Other federal provisions

County officials’ refusal to certify election results could also implicate various other federal constitutional and statutory provisions, including the First, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments and section 101(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars states from denying the right to vote based on an error or omission that is not “material” to the voter’s qualifications.

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