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We know writers would rather get a tooth pulled than work on their synopsis. The tips contained in this summary will take some of the pain out of preparing the ever-elusive synopsis.
Here’s what we’ve learned in over eleven years of helping writers place their work with agents and publishers. Writers HATE the job of writing a synopsis. For you, it might be right up there with death and public speaking in terms of the fear factor. If you’re having trouble and are procrastinating about writing your synopsis, you’re in very good company.
Follow these insider’s tips to make it easier. If all else fails, write a mini synopsis (short paragraph) that hooks the reader. Use this paragraph in your query letter. It is better to include this mini synopsis and get your manuscript mailed to an agent rather than suffering over it, wasting precious time trying to create the perfect synopsis. We cannot stress this enough— JUST DO IT!
Write your synopsis in the same format as your manuscript. If you’re not sure of the industry standard, Writer’s Relief can help you by providing format pages. Double-space your synopsis. Use one-inch margins all around. Do NOT right justify your text. Use left justification only. Put a header on every page. Use Times New Roman or Arial font. Do not use Courier font.
Begin by describing your story in 25 words or less. You must capture the agent’s or editor’s attention. If you succeed in creating this “hook,” you’ll be farther ahead than most people submitting their work. Editors and agents read hundreds of submissions every day. Don’t get cutesy, but keep the reader awake. Don’t be boring!
Include a COMPLETE summary of your story from beginning to end, written in present tense. Focus on major plot points or turning points. Omit secondary characters, subplots, and minor events. Don’t go into too much detail.
Focus your synopsis by telling what the book is about, not how things happen. Keep focused on your primary characters and major events. As is always the case—show, don’t tell.
Do not ask empty questions in your synopsis. They will not fool the agent into asking for the remaining pages of your manuscript.
Include the setting, main characters, and the all-important CONFLICT. Identify conflict between characters. Include motivation. Then, show the resolution of this conflict.
Finally, TELL YOUR ENDING. Wrap up your story. We know you want to tease your reader and keep ’em guessing, but DON’T.
Proofread your synopsis. Make sure grammar, punctuation, and spelling are perfect.
Test your synopsis on a qualified friend or relative. Would they be interested in reading the entire book based on your synopsis? If not, ask how you can make it more interesting. Ultimately, use your own “gut” to determine what works.
Agents and editors don’t agree on the length of your synopsis. Our advice, keep it to one or two pages. Make sure you include enough information to tell your story, but don’t get bogged down. Your goal is to get the agent or editor into the first pages of your book. That’s where the real story begins!!