How to Write a Synopsis

For many, writing is an escape. We throw our hearts onto the page and later pick through the debris and edit down so the words contain a cohesive narrative. Some of you have done this over and over again, completing short stories, essays, and even full-fledged novels. But when it comes to summing up thousands of words into a pithy synopsis, we don’t know where to begin, especially if we want to woo agents and publishers.

Let’s start with the basics.

What is a synopsis?

A synopsis is a written summary that relates to the reader the basic plot and arc of the story. These tend to be the staple content of elementary book reports. But the real question is how to write one that will leave an agent or publisher itching to sign you and rep your book.

The goal of a well-written synopsis is two-fold. First, it imparts your story’s plot and second, it should compel publishing gatekeepers to want more. To do this, the beginning needs to hook the reader with a sense of urgency that makes potential publishers and agents battle to read your book. unique

A Synopsis Isn’t a Blurb

A blurb is a brief description of your work for marketing. A blurb runs around 100 to 150 words and can be found on the backs of books, wikis, IMDB, etc. A synopsis sets itself apart from a blurb by containing:

• the whole story arc;
• your voice;
• unique story elements;
• the story’s resolution.

Length matters

While the length and number of pages of your synopsis will vary depending on the project, the ballpark averages around 500 words–one to two single-spaced typed pages, or two to five double-spaced pages.

In case an agent or publisher requests a “brief” summary, you’ll want to have one prepared. These briefs are boiled down to one page or less.

Laying the Foundation

Your synopsis will need to present your complete, well-crafted plot and story arc. To achieve this, lay your foundation before you begin writing your synopsis.

Make a List of the Main Plot Points

Listing your book’s main plot points will help summarize the story. Items to Include:

• The inciting incident – how did the central conflict in your story start?
• Rising action events – what events take place to build tension between the inciting action and the climax?
• The climax – the climax is why people are reading, it’s the most exciting part of your book.
• The resolution – as stated earlier, the synopsis doesn’t need to create a mystery for the reader like a blurb, agents and publishers expect to learn how it ends.

Character Motivations

Don’t get too bogged down with the details here. Space is limited. Instead, briefly mention character motivations at both the beginning as it leads to the inciting incident and the end to tie up the resolution.

Beginning of synopsis: The three sisters have wondered their whole lives about their real parents and the strange powers they are developing [motivation]. When they are old enough, they set out to find where they come from and if there are more people like them [inciting action].

End of synopsis: At the end of their journey, they find the village where they were born and their grandmother who is waiting for them [resolution], feeling confident and at peace that their questions were answered about their magical powers [restated motivation].

Much like a book review or report, the contents of your synopsis should be written in the third person, present tense regardless of the point of view of your book.

What’s your voice?

Your writing voice is one of the key elements that will make you stand out in the pack. Your voice makes your story one of a kind. That being said, your writing voice can be one of the hardest elements to get across in a synopsis due to its short length. Choose your words carefully and with purpose to reflect your unique writing style. Your voice should come through in the synopsis, reflecting the tone of your novel.

Plot Twists

If your novel includes a few good twists, emphasize them in your synopsis, but don’t be coquettish. Give your twists attention at the beginning of your synopsis. Use your exquisite way with words to highlight that something may not be as it seems from the outset. This will help hook the reader into wanting to know more.

Point of View

Does your narrative contain a unique point of view? If so, mention it by saying, “This book is told from the point of view of a mouse in a castle.”

This approach is most compelling when your novel employs an exceptionally special point of view. Additionally, it’s also useful for run-of-the-mill narrators. If you have several different points of view, be sure to mention the individual narrator’s quirks as well as any biases or flaws such as an unreliable narrator.

Edit for Clarity

Don’t beat around the bush. Agents and publishers are busy. They want you to get to the point. Tell them what happens in your book. Don’t be afraid to delete to make your synopsis as concise as possible.

Tell, don’t show. This concept is contrary to what we writers have had drilled into us, but you need to get your point across as succinctly as possible. While editing your synopsis, pay attention to sentences that don’t belong, or can be construed as disconnected, especially in the initial paragraphs. There should be no literary-esque mysteries in the phrasing of your synopsis. Shoot for Earnest Hemingway, not James Joyce.

Edit for Length

If your synopsis is tolling in at over two pages, it’s time to make some critical cuts. Minimize sentence length and remove subordinate clauses (parts of a sentence that can’t stand on their own) and reinforce the main clause of the sentence).

In addition, remove details that aren’t important and don’t lead to the next sentence. Every sentence counts.

Flow Like a River, Not a Sidewalk

The final draft of your synopsis should flow seamlessly. It should read like an expertly-written review of your book. Every major plot point should be accounted for in a concise and clear manner.

Get A Second (or third) Set of Eyes

No writer works in a vacuum. Get others to read your synopsis, either a friend or an editor if possible. Objectivity gets lost in our own writing and we need outside feedback to make sure all the t’s are crossed the the i’s are dotted. Ask them to specifically look at word choice, transitions, and details to cut and those to keep.

Check Out What Others Have Written

Stay away from reading other synopsis before you begin your own. attempt to craft yours first. This will help your writing stay fresh and hold your unique voice. Make sure the synopses you read are professions. Choose a best-selling book or an author you admire.

Recap

A synopsis can make or break whether an agent or publisher picks up your novel. No matter how expertly crafted your query letter may be, your synopsis tells agents and publishers what your book is about, why they want to read it, and if it will make money.

Crafting a great synopsis is an art that must be honed, just like writing itself. The more you practice, the better you will become and soon you’ll be knocking the Manolos off your dream agent/publisher.