Synopsis Basics

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You need a synopsis for your novel. If you’re submitting to traditional publishers or agents, they’ll require one. If you self-publish, the synopsis will teach you to succinctly summarize your story and help you craft cover copy and sales pitches.

The synopsis is a complete book summary. Try to keep it under a thousand words. It usually begins with the protagonist and the inciting incident. The antagonist and other main characters should be introduced. It lays out the story arc with the climax and resolution. Sub plots may or may not need to be shown, depending on how relevant they are to the overall story. It’s not necessary or advisable to introduce every character or scene. Show only what matters, but be sure to show what matters. Here’s a basic punch list.

What you should do:

·       Write the synopsis in present tense
·       Put main characters’ names in bold or all caps
·       Explain the primary conflict/character goals/motivations
·       Reveal growth of the main character
·       Tell the complete story arc beginning to end

 What you shouldn’t do:

·       Use the synopsis like a sales pitch
·       Include backstory or unnecessary detail
·       Try to make it beautiful prose
·       Neglect to tell the middle and the end
·       End with a teaser

Why is the book’s ending so important in a synopsis? Publishers want to see the beginning, middle, and end of your book because it helps them identify possible developmental problems with the story. There’s nothing nefarious about it. It just saves everyone a lot of time.

More great advice on synopsis writing:

https://www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com/write-a-synopsis.html
https://susanbrooks.wordpress.com/2013/12/15/writing-tips-how-to-write-a-synopsis/
https://www.janefriedman.com/how-to-write-a-novel-synopsis/

Next time—the bio.

Cindy