That Pesky Synopsis
Sooner or later, someone will ask you for a synopsis. Yes, the request will strike terror in your heart…but it needn’t. Let’s discuss a couple of ideas to help organize and approach the task, as well as suggest a way to format the finished product.
There are books, online classes, classes at conferences, and internet articles by the bazillion addressing the topic in detail…and they each vary a bit. My post is no more authoritative than this sources…maybe less so. Nonetheless, I’ll share the things I believe worked for me.
To start, read the agent’s (or publishers) web site to determine synopsis requirements. Obviously, adhere to their guidelines.
Let’s assume they just say, “include a brief synopsis.”
Okay, here are some elements you might want to consider to help you whip the synopsis monster…
- Tell the story beginning to end, linearly, including the ending, of course. Why? A straight line is less confusing for those not familiar with your story. Obviously, the agent will probably only read it…or try to…once. Too confusing? Rejection.
- Discuss only the required characters. As with the suggestion above, the fewer characters for an unfamiliar reader to confuse or learn, the better.
- Tell only the salient plot-points–things the reader would have to know in order for the plot to make sense. AND, as an adjunct to this suggestion…
- Make sure those salient plot-points include key conflicts and their resolutions.
- Avoid character descriptions, back story, detailed setting information, asking questions…you gotta answer them. Essentially, avoid anything that doesn’t impact the conflict(s).
- Distilling 80 or 90 thousand words into a “brief” synopsis isn’t easy. But you gotta figure a way to do it. So, limit the document to between 3 and 5 double spaced pages—the shorter the better. Make every word count. I’ve seen requests for a one page synopsis! Start with four pages—three if you can. Force yourself to use four and no more. Use it when a “brief synopsis” is requested. After the four pager is polished, use it as the basis for the two pager.
- Granted, your synopsis will omit huge chunks of plot. Accordingly, there’s a natural tendency for your prose to sound choppy—at least to your ear. How did we get from the murder scene to the police station? Use paragraph transitions that set a bit of background and serve to smooth the jagged plot curve. For example, “Unable to sleep for a week because of the murder, Joe goes to the police station where…some action.”
- Use a hook. Just like your novel, hook ‘em at the start, then, get to the action or central conflict as soon as possible.
- Keep the pace up tempo. BUT, try to avoid sounding breathless…you know, “And then Bob…some action. And then, Judy…some action, ad infinitum. This is tough, I know.
- Close with a bang. Leave ‘em laughing at the end…or at least smiling. Leave ‘em wanting more. Drop in a surprise. For example, in my two pager, I talk about 4 million dollars the protags discover that has no apparent owner…it’s found money! I mention it on page one, but, I don’t say anything about what happens to it until the end. In fact, it’s tossed in like an after thought….“Oh, and the four million dollars? They keep it . . . and no one ever knows.” Does that work? I dunno, but it’s different. Maybe they’ll smile. Remember, tell the ending.
What is the standard format for a novel synopsis? From AgentQuery.com
- Word Count: 500-1000 words (approximately 2-3 pages).
- Spacing: One-page synposis: single-spaced with breaks between paragraphs, one-inch margins. Two-pages or more: double-spaced, one-inch margins.
- Tone: Regardless of the tense and point of view of your novel, your synopsis should always be written in third-person, present tense.
- Font: Times New Roman, 12-point font.
- Page Numbers: upper right-hand corner.
- Header: Last name and book title in upper left-hand corner. Steinbeck/Grapes of Wrath.
Lastly, Lisa Gardner, a successful mystery novelist, has a great ten part series on her web site addressing writing tips. Most of the ten deal with constructing a synopsis. She and I disagree on a couple of techniques, but overall, her pointers are very good. I recommend them to anyone engaged in either query or synopsis agonies.
All righty, then. Thanks for hanging in there. See you again on Monday? Hope so. Best Wishes for a safe and fun-filled weekend.
Themocracy
Synopsis and outlines are different as well. Also, one must avoid using adjectives and adverbs. (Yeah, now that’s a challenge, huh?)
Thanks for the tips and links. I’m headed to Lisa Gardner’s now. Writing a synopsis is challenging for me…I can use all the help I can get!
I hated writing mine…
You’ve broken it down well – where it actually sounds doable. I think it took me as long to write my first synopsis as it did my first manuscript. I’ve written my second and the publisher accepted it but I’m not really pleased with it. I think I’ll approach it again double checking it against your tips.
How much do I hate synopsis writing? Words fail me. The concept sounds simple enough. The accomplishment, however, is beyond difficult. At least for me. I’ve never liked any of mine.
Which would I prefer, a root canal or writing a synopsis?
Hold on, I’m thinking…
Great advice, Galen! The synopsis is so darned hard, isn’t it? Mine tells my story okay, but I’m not terribly happy with it doing it in a fun or exciting way. You’ve got some great things to keep in mind!
Well written, comprehensive and helpful tutorial, Galen.
The Old Silly
Great post, Galen. This is one of the (many) banes of my existence. I am dreading getting to this once I am done with any of my WiPs. This post though, is very helpful and you can bet I’ll be referring to it at that time.
I hate writing these more than I do a query. But I need to write on in another month or so. I’ll remember you then.
Excellent advice! I hate synopses with a passion…
Elizabeth
I hate writing synopsis. It’s like trying to distill crystal from two or three gallons of water.
Really Angelic
Such a wonderful post! Now if I can remember to come back here when I’m ready for that dreaded synopsis writing time again! Thanks for being so clear.