Has anyone any advice about writing a synopsis for presentation to publishers and agents
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The advice I've been given is that the synopsis should ideally be no more than one sheet of A4! Whilst this is tough, agents and publishers are not going to invest precious time reading a lengthy synopsis. If the initial page doesn't grab their attention, they are unlikely to read a chapter or more. You have to view the synopsis as a shop window, you need to draw the reader in with the first few paragraphs to explain the novel and grab their interest.
I find writing a synopsis almost as difficult as writing a book! However I have been told it is a straight blow by blow retelling of your story, no embellishment, chronological order and don't leave anything out. If the agent likes your first three chapters (or whatever they ask for) then they will refer to the synopsis to see where you go with the story. No reputable agent would ever disclose your work to anyone else. Also keep it simple, 500 words is a good guideline. As a challenge, see if you can write one in eighty words, that will force you to focus on the basic elements of your story.
Hope this helps a little and good luck with the submissions!
The advice I've been given is that the synopsis should ideally be no more than one sheet of A4! Whilst this is tough, agents and publishers are not going to invest precious time reading a lengthy synopsis. If the initial page doesn't grab their attention, they are unlikely to read a chapter or more. You have to view the synopsis as a shop window, you need to draw the reader in with the first few paragraphs to explain the novel and grab their interest.
500 words does not seem viable to take the story to an interesting point. I tried my best yet it is running in 10 pages for a 200 pages book.
Well...
I find writing a synopsis almost as difficult as writing a book! However I have been told it is a straight blow by blow retelling of your story, no embellishment, chronological order and don't leave anything out. If the agent likes your first three chapters (or whatever they ask for) then they will refer to the synopsis to see where you go with the story. No reputable agent would ever disclose your work to anyone else. Also keep it simple, 500 words is a good guideline. As a challenge, see if you can write one in eighty words, that will force you to focus on the basic elements of your story.
Hope this helps a little and good luck with the submissions!