Developing Descriptions

Whether it be an article, short story or novel, a description of the manuscript is essential. Online publications and websites, as well as retail outlets, possess a multitude of written material to meet and suit the needs of all reading audiences. Amid the vast selections within the numerous categories and genres, readers, in general, want to know what the published work is about before they will either read or make a purchase. It is at this point where descriptions become a defining and significant factor.

A description can also be classified as a synopsis or sub-heading. Beyond the title, a considerable degree of marketable success for a manuscript within any format can be contributed to a well-developed description. Although both online and print publishers bear the bulk share of the marketing and production details that are associated within the field of publishing, the responsibility for creating and developing a description is that of the material’s writer. Such philosophy can be based upon the premise that no one knows a manuscript better than its author.

While a writer can pour considerable or even immense amounts of creativity, skill and talent upon a piece of writing, the description will, in many instances, pose a challenge that is as significant as is its purpose. Upon composing any length of writing, a writer has a canvas of paper to more freely apply prose upon. However, where the description is concerned, writers are limited to confines that can range from a few sentences to two or three paragraphs. The rationale supporting such limitations lies within two of the description’s primary functions, which are to first, quickly capture a reader’s attention, and, secondly, to stimulate the reader’s interest to the degree of pursuing either a complete read or purchase of the entire body of the written work.

As writers have written an entire embodiment of publishable text, they now, in a concise format, must capture the essences from their manuscripts that would attract or entice potential readers towards such an article, story or book. Within a limited number of carefully chosen words, well-crafted into appealing sentences, shall produce what could be referred to as the written face of the piece, otherwise known as the description. These words of choice will, of course, come from the composing author, who, upon conceiving the notion towards the objective to create and develop the manuscript; will implore the same muse in conveying intrigue to prospective audiences.

Now that the distinct contrasts between descriptions of manuscripts and actual manuscripts, respectively, have been defined, a measure of logical avoidance needs to be expressed. Should a writer have, for example, a short story or an article written that falls within a range of from 1,500 to 2,500 words, then, to have a description with a word count of 500 to 1,000 words is ludicrous. On the other hand, if another writer engaged a single sentence to describe a novel of 40,000 words would not do adequate justice to its content. While there is no steadfast rule in regards to the word count or length of a description, a measurement of good sense must prevail. Other critical aspects to avoid upon developing a description are not to reveal the consequences of a climax or to unveil the resolving elements and conclusion.

Sometimes visual impressions can provide an enhancing insight to explanatory text. Where descriptions are concerned, some good examples can be found within existing published material. Such examples can be found on the back sides of either paperback or hard bound novels possessing book jackets, DVD or Video cases, magazines and newspapers, and online web pages. Although these referenced resources provide fulfilled descriptions in their respective formats and presentations, originality that corresponds to the uniqueness of each particular article, story or novel should be maintained by its author.

Where a summary can serve well for submitting a manuscript to a potential publisher of any nature, its all-encompassing and defined approach and intention would deflate a description for attracting readers. Simply stated, if a description provided a miniscule and condensed portrayal of the complete work, then, the intended audience would not be stimulated to further their respective pursuits by reading the contents. Therefore, writers must adopt the concept that the description’s process is fully intended to entice readers to read or purchase the written material, based upon the merits of education, informative value or entertainment.

Key ingredients to a successful description should include plot or qualification, main characterization or topic, action or subject, conflict or purpose, intrigue and suspense or intended point. Clearly note that climax or details, resolution and conclusion or summation were omitted from this process, as these elements, if included within the description, would give the storyline away, just like when someone tells of how a particular movie ended to those individuals who have not yet seen the film. On this theme, writers embarking upon creating and developing a description to promote their full body of work should regard such task as if they were designing a coming attraction piece. Online and print writers should consider the impact a good movie trailer has upon the general public, and then instill the same effects, through the application of text, to their descriptions.

Compose the description on the premise that it will capture and lead readers to and through the article, novel or story. Impart a sense of immediacy within the entire description. Gauge the reading time of a description in seconds. The description must open with the core essence of the plot or qualifying matter, to promptly be followed by a swift introduction of either the protagonist or topical matter. Then, without delay, actively state the challenge(s) or the root of the report. At last, express the challenge(s) that are to be dealt with or the objective slant. Finally, with conviction, deliver a full essence of suspenseful intrigue or the commitment to deliver upon intentions that will, like a magnet, draw the targeted audience into and through the entire body of the manuscript.

It is at the discretion, skill, talent and envisioned creativity of the writer to set out and develop a description that will sell readers on choosing to read the article, story or novel. When structuring the description it is best to infuse its content with fulfilling, short and simple sentences that are both eye-appealing and attention-gnarring. In composing the description, writers should bear in mind the necessary components and limits, as well as their respective functions, though not to be bound by rigid guidelines or inflexible standards, with originality being the hallmark. Draw upon the manuscript’s highlights, and present these elements or facts as if they were beacons, signaling for its content to be read.