For my Reference

[beccastareyes]

Originally posted on the mm.org forums... I liked it so much i want to show it off.

Re: Summaries, Summaries....
I think the best idea is to think of the overall plot (the conflict) and theme (the message -- if there is one) of your fic, then describe them in a sentence or two. Warnings (Couplings, and an explanation why your fic is rated as such) may also be required, for such things as sex, violence, same-sex couples, etc.

Here are a list of phrases I would avoid in summaries, though. Call them the Seven Deadly Sins of Summaries:

• Read and Review: I know about the Review feature. I do not need to be reminded, especially when I'm first starting to read the fic, since I normally review at the end. Furthermore, this adds NOTHING to the summary. It doens't make me want to read the story more. In general, that's what you want to consider -- what sells the story to readers.
  
• I Suck at Summaries: Then why should I expect your fic itself to not suck? Seriously, we all know our writing needs improvment -- that's why we practice. But we don't need to tell it to the world right out. If someone makes a suggestion on how to improve your summary, then take it. Else, either don't worry about it, or ask for help out of the fic.
  
• Not a Mary Sue: Either an OC is a Mary Sue or is not. Most cases are pretty obvious -- we don't need to be told the status of an OC. It smacks of insecurity -- it suggests your OC is a Sue, and you won't admit it. Instead of writing this, check with your beta-reader about your character, and get a reliable second opinion.
  
• Written on a Sugar/Caffine High: Trust me, no matter how funny you think you are when you're high on something, it's not as funny to a sober me.
  
• Based on a Dream I Had: Dreams can be very inspiring for fics. However, they are often short on coherence and require a lot of work to make good fic ideas. Anyway, inspirations are better left discussed in an Author's Note, rather than in the summary.
  
• No Flames: Flamers smell fear. Telling them not to flame you is like dousing yourself in gasoline. Besides, flaming isn't the end of the world -- it just means someone is stupid, childish and/or bored. (Added -- if you think that any negative review is a flame, you are going to go through life constantly pissed off -- the world does not worship everythign you do)
  
• I Won't Update Unless I Get X Amount of Reviews: If I liked the story, I'll review. If not, I don't care if you update. Either way, this makes you look like you are only writing to get reviews, which makes me think less of you.