Has anyone any advice about writing a synopsis for presentation to publishers and agents
Replies
All of the responses are really helpful. I am currently at about 35000 words for the novel and found writing the synopsis at this stage very helpful. I have an overview of the story and the plot but writing the synopsis helped me think much more about the end. The synopsis is currently 800 words. Some of it is a bit tentative until the novel is finished.
Genre and style is a whole different subject that I will ponder as I continue to work!
I also agree with you Pablo about providing a comparison to other authors, although I would not include those comparisons in the synopsis, but instead touch on them briefly in the cover letter ie
'I've always enjoyed the work of xxx and think my story would appeal to a similar audience...'
The synopsis should only deal with your storyline, but including a comparison to an author they already represent in your cover letter lets the agent know the market you're aiming for.
All of the responses are really helpful. I am currently at about 35000 words for the novel and found writing the synopsis at this stage very helpful. I have an overview of the story and the plot but writing the synopsis helped me think much more about the end. The synopsis is currently 800 words. Some of it is a bit tentative until the novel is finished.
Genre and style is a whole different subject that I will ponder as I continue to work!
I also agree with you Pablo about providing a comparison to other authors, although I would not include those comparisons in the synopsis, but instead touch on them briefly in the cover letter ie
'I've always enjoyed the work of xxx and think my story would appeal to a similar audience...'
The synopsis should only deal with your storyline, but including a comparison to an author they already represent in your cover letter lets the agent know the market you're aiming for.
Some neat links and good advice here- http://janefriedman.com/2011/10/25/novel-synopsis/