How to write an effective synopsis

What is a synopsis?

A synopsis is a one-to two-page description of the entire plot of your book, including the ending. It gives an in-depth glimpse into your plot and helps literary agents determine if your manuscript is worth a full read. The synopsis is the second step in the publishing process, coming right after the query letter. But sometimes literary agents request both the query letter and synopsis in a submission.

How do you write a synopsis?

Similar to a query letter, your most important goal when writing your synopsis is to briefly summarize your manuscript in a way that intrigues and hooks literary agents. Typically, a synopsis should be five hundred words, giving you more room than a query letter. The word count typically only changes if the literary agents specify another length. 500 words is enough to explain the main ideas of your plot and give the agent a solid overview of your story. A synopsis tells the same story as your manuscript, but all the details are taken out. It moves through all the key plot points. It needs a clear beginning, middle, and end, just like your manuscript. One of the best ways to build a solid synopsis is to start by condensing each chapter into just a couple of sentences, and from that, build a comprehensive synopsis with a clear narrative arc that easily explains the major plot points. Your writing style is important in your synopsis. You need to remember to keep things clear and concise. You don't need to be wordy. At the same time, don't just explain each event mechanically. Part of the reason why you need to use your own style is to make the literary agent reading your synopsis feel something. Your synopsis should be a mini version of your manuscript, not an emotionless description.

Why is feedback so important?

Aside from helping with the editing process of typos in your query letter and synopsis, a trusted writing partner, beta-reader, or close friend can be helpful in the area of providing feedback that helps you fix issues in your story that involve clarity and style. A well-written query letter will maximize your chances of success when releasing a new book, so get as much feedback as you can and put that feedback into use and play.

Hopefully, this information helped you to better understand what a synopsis is, and how to write one in the most proficient way. Thank you for choosing this document to read, and thank you for not skipping over any important elements. I appreciate you! Please fill out the poll below! All and any feedback helps me to make this website/blog better.

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