The next step in the process of getting Summer in a Bowl into the hands of readers is preparing a summary. Now, if I had done a more traditional query and had been working with a publisher I did not know, the summary would have been in my query letter. As you recall, in this case I was approaching the publisher who had done WHOOSH! so, after a phone conversation, I just sent him the entire manuscript.
For me, the summary is the hardest part of the process. I love to talk about my book. I get very enthusiastic and well, restricting myself to just a few words–rough!
This summary will be what potential future readers will see on Amazon. Would you be interested in buying the book after reading this? If you have changes to suggest, please let me know. My publisher and I both believe in this book and want to see it in the hands of as many children as possible.
Please look this over and let me know if any changes are needed!
Summary for Summer in a Bowl By Joan Leotta
Rosa and her Aunt Mary spend every Thursday together in the summer, tending Aunt Mary’s garden.
On this last Thursday of the season, they harvest the vegetables and Aunt Mary cooks them. Rosa is not sure she wants to try them until her father proclaims the dish, “Delicious!” and Rosa discovers that the soup is a way to preserve all of her summer fun. Summer in a Bowl is a wonderful introduction to the joys of gardening with children and the fun of cooking with children.
What Editors Want You to Know 