Synopsis

by Sophie Barlow
19th August 2013

Has anybody tried to write one and how did they find it?

I'm trying at the moment but I never seem to be happy with it. so much to say and so little space to say it.

I'm getting ready to submit and I was wondering what the rest of the community have to offer in terms of 'getting it right' (if there is such a thing)

Replies

Synopsis writing is a pain.

Publishers often want a page, booksellers want 50 words (more a blurb, really) and it's sorting out the really relevant plot points that's the problem. Especially if it's a complicated 100k word story!

I tend to write short blurbs when I'm struggling to write a narrative or messing around with cover pictures. But a full synopsis (which tends to run to four pages) is a project of its own - I start with that and then reduce word count, rather than try to write a single page straight off. If there's an easy way of synopsis writing, I haven't found it yet. So if anyone else knows one PLEASE tell us :)

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Jonathan
Hopkins
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Jonathan Hopkins
19/08/2013

Try...telling yourself what the story is about in two minutes. When put in writing and short sentences, should give the desired outline and the general view you are expressing. OK then 3 minutes if you must! Hope this helps and good luck.

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Edward
de Silva
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Edward de Silva
19/08/2013

If you look at any synopsis of a famous opera or ballet online, or on a CD sleeve, you will see a step-by-step guide of the plot and storyline.

It will tell the story from beginning to end in a series of acts.

The synopsis will inform you of the important landmark events/twists that affect the protagonist and the other characters in each act that they appear in.

You need to do a much shorter synopsis for a novel. Use short sentences of the key points in your novel.

Your synopsis should ONLY be about the plot and storyline of your novel, and the growth of your protagonist, and NOTHING ELSE.

Save any other information for your covering letter.

I hope that helps.

Good luck.

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Adrian
Sroka
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Adrian Sroka
19/08/2013