Different Approaches to Writing a Book Synopsis

How to Use a Synopsis for Both Plotting and Marketing a Book

Nov 6, 2009

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Most authors look upon writing a synopsis as a necessary evil in the manuscript publishing process. They tend to overlook the value of the unpolished 'working synopsis'.

A book synopsis can be used in many more ways than most people realise. In her book The Sell Your Novel Toolkit, experienced editor Elizabeth Lyon outlines nine different applications for a synopsis. The very thought of that would be enough to make some writers turn pale: "It's tough to learn just one way to write synopsis... let alone nine!" However, a flexible synopsis can not only make a novel easier to market, but much easier to plot. The author can start by writing a rough 'working synopsis', then smooth the rough edges off it later.

What is a 'Working Synopsis'?

It is likely that plenty of authors have already been using a synopsis as a planning tool without even realising it. They think of a synopsis is that polished, much-to-be-feared polished marketing piece that is sent to an editor with the completed manuscript... that story summary that is SO hard to get right. What does that have to do with the early stages of plotting?

The answer is: a lot more than most authors realise! Elizabeth Lyon calls this "using the synopsis as a working blueprint" and is convinced that it makes the job of writing a novel a great deal easier. She says: "I advocate writing at least three working drafts of a synopsis: one before or at the beginning of writing the first rough draft, another halfway through, and the third upon completion – before the first rewrite." Elizabeth goes on to explain that this is a way for authors to 'talk with themselves', so they can clearly picture the novel's structure and direction. This is an eye-opener to many writers.

The Benefits of Writing a Synopsis as a Rough Outline

Being able to write a rough, let's-explore-this-novel kind of synopsis is a tremendously freeing experience for an author. Here's why:

No editor is going to make judgements about whether or not to buy the book.
It's okay to leave blanks here and there when the writer is not sure about how the story is going to develop.
The act of 'writing out the story' helps an author to work out the direction of the plot.

How to Write a 'Working Synopsis'

Start by writing out the story as though recounting it to a friend. Use any tense that feels comfortable at this stage. Most people can easily tap out a synopsis that starts something like this: "The heroine, Jane Doe, goes to work only to find that she's being retrenched..."
Leave blanks – or simply write "will work this out later" – in parts where the story direction is still a bit fuzzy.
Treat the working synopsis as an enjoyable way to explore the direction of the story. Play with it; change it; cut bits out; put bits in.

Authors who treat a synopsis as a fluid outline of the novel give themselves a big advantage. They will find that by the time they finish the book, it is relatively easy to fine-tune and polish the synopsis to send to an editor. The final slick, professional version of the synopsis should do an excellent job of marketing the book.

The copyright of the article Different Approaches to Writing a Book Synopsis in Writing Fiction is owned by Marg McAlister. Permission to republish Different Approaches to Writing a Book Synopsis in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.