Are Your Short Summaries Working for You?

[Ed]

Hi Writers,

I'd like to stress the importance of the short summaries . . . we have many customers who purchase dozens of articles, and if they are strapped for time as much as we are, then it's important that you get the most impact from your short summaries.

The short summaries should be succinct, but also should include anything that, if you were purchasing an article from Constant-Content, you would like to know. Provide a brief description of your article . . . but don't forget to mention particulars. Some examples:

• Does your article include supply lists, step-by-step guides, photos, tables, links per request, peer-reviewed journal references, etc.)?
  Is the article written in a specific voice or tone(conversational, informational, journalistic, provocative, etc.)?
  Did you have an audience in mind when you wrote the article (single mothers, young professionals, do-it-yourselfers, etc.)?

I've also noticed some sloppiness in short summaries. This is one area in which I have the ability to correct typos, but keep in mind that these should be proofread as well. If I were a new customer unfamiliar with the authors here, I would veer away from those who don't use complete sentences or proper capitalization in their short summaries.

In short, the short summary should showcase the highlights of your article professionally. In some cases, a single sentence will do; in others, you may need to give your customer a little more.

Do:

• Use complete sentences (in general - "Includes tables," or "Written in first person," would still be professional ways to alert a customer to these particulars).
  State information about your article other than the obvious. (If your article is titled, "How to Train Puppies," then make sure you expound on that idea in the short summary; avoid a short summary like this: "This is an article about how to train puppies."
  Avoid spelling, capitalization, and grammatical errors.
  Include any extras in your article
  Include anything that you think a customer should know.

Don't:

• Use lots of exclamation points in your short summaries. (LOOK! I have tables in my article!!)
  Encourage the customer to read the article. He or she will do so because of the information you provide, not because you suggest that they read it.
  Repeat the introduction of your article in the long summary. Use different words to describe the whole article.
  Begin your short summary, "This is an article about . . . " "This article talks about . . . " The customer knows it's an article; don't waste their time . . . get to the nitty gritty!

A customer should have a good idea whether or not he or she wants to purchase based on your short summary before going on to the "more" link.

Thanks,
Ed

[Carrie]

Don't:
Use lots of exclamation points in your short summaries. (LOOK! I have tables in my article!!)

Hee!

Does anyone know if spitting a mouthful of coffee onto a keyboard while trying to contain laughter causes permanent damage?

Thanks for the tips Ed - those are great points. I know I'm guilty of running off a quick sentence or two in the short summary and not proofing them for typos.

[Ed]

Well, most of the writers here are more professional than that example, but once in awhile I get a surprise.

It's true that exclamation points should be limited in their use. Many times they simply seem to say, "I'm trying to patronize you by making this sound more exciting than it is!"

That said, they do have their place. For example, an article entitled, "Can You Make Money Sitting on Your Rear All Day? You Can!" would look awfully bland without the exclamation point.

Ed

[Article Admin]

The best rule of thumb for a short summary is to think synopsis. This has worked well for me. Give details. Tell the reader exactly what the article entails. Be professional. Use proper punctuation, grammar and complete sentences. Sloppy workmanship in the short summary is unprofessional and will definitely work against you.