Write a Great Synopsis
Apply Core Basic Rules to Improve a Synopsis
One writes a synopsis for the same reason as one writes a book jacket blurb: to sell a story idea to a publisher and ultimately to a reader.
Why Write a Synopsis
In fact, the synopsis writen for a novel will likely be used by the publisher’s marketing department to advertize the book. Writing a great synopsis is just as important as writing a compelling first three chapters to hook an editor. Editors most often ask for a combination of these three things in an initial submission:
- query letter
- sample chapters (usually three)
- synopsis
However, publishers’ specifications for synopses vary greatly. For instance, the length of a synopsis may vary from one page to twenty pages and its style will vary accordingly. Whether a synopsis is submitted with novel sample chapters or not, writing one will directly benefit your novel by helping to sort out what’s important and what drives the theme and characters of a story.
What is a Synopsis?
It helps to know what a synopsis is before embarking on one. Unlike an outline, which is basically a plot summary, a synopsis integrates plot with theme and characterization so a publisher can gauge the meaningfulness of the story. A synopsis can contain the following items: 1) theme; 2) setting and period; 3) plot summary; 4) character sketches; 5) dialogue; 6) emotional turning points; and 7) subplots. The synopsis combines these components to reveal the story’s unique nature and what makes it stand out to both publisher and ultimately reader.
Some Basic Rules for a Synopsis
Despite the varying specific guidelines among publishing houses, they agree on several universal rules that every synopsis should follow. These include:
- Summarize the complete novel (beginning, middle, and end) regardless of whether sample chapters are included and don’t leave out the ending (as a teaser);
- Always write the synopsis in the present tense (e.g., the Budong eats Jarek; not the Budong ate Jarek)
- Write the synopsis from the author’s perspective and use vivid language (e.g., use active power verbs and avoid modifiers)
- The first time a character is introduced in a synopsis, type the name in CAPITAL letters, but do this only the first time the character is mentioned.
- Stay consistent with how a character is described (e.g., not John the first time and Mr. Smith the next)
The guidelines of the publishing house to which one is submitting should be checked before finalizing the synopsis and the rest of the submission. Every house will be a little different.
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