The dreaded synopsis

[sharon2306]

As part of my writing course I have to do a synopsis for my novel. I have never written one before and am unsure what I should put in it. It has to be no more than two pages long but there is no more information given. What should I include and what should I leave out? I have looked at synopsis of books on Amazon but they seem to be mostly blurbs and leave unanswered questions whereas I seem to recall reading somewhere once that you should answer all the questions about your story in the synopsis? Has anyone ever written a synopsis or have any advice or tips for me please? All help greatly appreciated!

[4amWriter]

Hi Sharon,

A synopsis is a narrative summary of your book--with feeling.

Focus on the essential parts of your story, and try not to include sections of dialogue. Keep events in the same order as they happen in the novel (but don’t break them down into individual chapters). Remember that your synopsis should have a beginning, a middle and an ending (yes, you must tell how the novel ends to round out your synopsis).

A synopsis is written in present tense (no matter the tense you use in novel). Also, it's written in third person (no matter the POV of your novel).

A synopsis should be written in the same style of writing your book is written in. If your book is "chatty," then your synopsis is, too. Basically, use the same "voice".

Introduce your main characters and their main conflicts, and weave them together. One paragraph should flow logically to the next. If you are switching ideas, you need to make sure you build in a transition to connect your paragraphs.

You do not have to include every character or every scene, plot point, or subplot in your synopsis. But your synopsis should give a clear idea as to what your book is about, what characters we will care about (or dislike), what is at stake for your heroes, what they stand to lose, and how it all turns out.

You must put the conclusion to your novel in your synopsis. No cliffhangers or teasers.

Synopses longer than one page should be double-spaced. Its paragraphs are usually indented, with no spaces between paragraphs. You do not use a cover page or any fancy headings or fonts.


Synopsis Checklist:


Does the opening paragraph have a hook to keep the reader reading?


Are your main characters' conflicts clearly defined?


Are your characters sympathetic?


Can the reader relate to them and worry about them?


Have you avoided all grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes?


Have you hit on the major scenes, the major plot points of your book?Did you resolve all important conflicts?Did you use present tense?


If I think of anything else, I'll let you know! Good luck!

[limebirdwriters]

Wow, I can't really say much more than has been said by Kate!

Please do feel free to share anything with us though Sharon as we may be able to help!

[sharon2306]

Good grief! It sounds even more horrific than I suspected. I have two main protagonists but there is an assortment of other characters, each with their own stories weaving through the novel. Do I write as much about those or mainly concentrate on the two leading characters? It's kind of an ensemble piece, set in a small village, and there are various subplots. The intention is that different characters will lead different books but all will feature in some way in every one (I have three planned at the moment). I can only write up to two pages so will have to be selective not to overload this! Thanks for your advice Kate. If you can clarify those points for me I would appreciate it.

[4amWriter]

Hi Sharon,

I suggest to focus on your two lead protags for now. You can mention in passing the others, but beware! It is easy to segue into their individual stories. Then your synopsis will be all over the place.

Basically, I would start out tracking your synopsis according to your main plot/thread. If you end up having holes here and there, perhaps that is where you will want to mention your other characters? You'll know better once you get going on it.

If you focus on your main plot to start--the main thread that goes from beginning to end--you shouldn't have to worry too much about filling in holes. If a subplot doesn't start until the 50th page, don't bother with it in the synopsis.

Does that help?

[sharon2306]

Yes thanks Kate. Will give it a go. I so appreciate all your advice! Funny, I never gave a thought to a synopsis before but when you start to think about it it suddenly seems like the most massive problem. No wonder so many writers dread it. Cheers again x

[limebirdsophie]

This is a great thread, full of really good advice... this is why these forums are so good. Proper advice that is easy to understand. Love it

[ottabelle]

Thanks so much!

[charlottemorganti]

HI all, I'm coming late to the party, but mention "synopsis" and my angst meter starts pinging. I hate them too. I can't add much to the great advice Kate provided. Except to say that someone told me -- imagine your novel is a movie you have just seen, then describe it to a friend in 500 words or less. (The idea is, I suppose, that you will describe only the most salient parts of the plot.)

[4amWriter]

Jan 23, 2012 1:20:27 GMT charlottemorganti said:

HI all, I'm coming late to the party, but mention "synopsis" and my angst meter starts pinging. I hate them too. I can't add much to the great advice Kate provided. Except to say that someone told me -- imagine your novel is a movie you have just seen, then describe it to a friend in 500 words or less. (The idea is, I suppose, that you will describe only the most salient parts of the plot.)

Hi Charlotte,

Yes, great tip. That's very helpful to keep us from going off in a thousand different directions.