Writers of novels of all kinds dream about getting their book published and seeing it fly off bookshelves around the globe. But the dream of publication also comes with fears and doubts about the steps included. In fact, seeking publishers and agents can be a huge stressor for potential novelists. One way to take that stress away is to know about the steps involved, to know what to expect, and to know what you can do to make those steps easier.
One commonly known step to publication is the synopsis that is required by publishers during the enquiry phase of finding the right publisher. A good synopsis can really catch and hold the editor of whatever publisher you’re looking at and make them more interested in publishing your work. As such, knowing how to write a good synopsis of your novel is essential!
The first thing to start with is the format of your synopsis. This is important because you want it to look professional, you want to show the editor you know what you’re doing and you do it well. Don’t use colorful paper, use only stock plain white paper. Don’t try and spice it up with something colorful and original, it won’t work and it might make reading your synopsis harder. Keep it simple, type with an easy to read font (most writers agree that Courier 12 point is the best), print it on plain white paper, leave one-inch margins along the edges. Place a header in the upper right hand corner of each page (reminiscent of college papers, isn’t it?). The header should include the page number as well as the author’s last name and the title of the novel. This is a very basic format, and publishers may require additional information be present when you submit it, so make sure to include anything they ask for. You can call to get this information or check their website.
Write the synopsis in present tense, no questions asked, present tense only. This is the correct format. You’ll also want to lead in with some sort of hook to draw the editor into the synopsis and provoke enough interest to get through until the end. Work with other writers, a writing coach or teacher, or even friends to find something that works best for this part. You can use a line of dialogue, but be sure it is highly effective. The common consensus is that dialogue can be used minimally in the opening or closing sections of your synopsis, but that it shouldn’t be used any more than that. You don’t want to get into too much detail, so include only minimal dialogue. Other hooks can simple be something interesting about the story or main character, just make sure it really provokes interest. Check out the web for some sample synopsis’, these can really help you begin to understand how the synopsis should be written.
Think of your synopsis as a miniature version of your novel. You want the editor to know the entire story from start to finish and at the same pace as the novel is going. For example, don’t reveal all the secrets in the beginning; reveal them in sequence as your synopsis goes on. However, it is also important to remember that the synopsis is not your entire novel and side stories and branches need not be included. While that information is important, and it is probably a great addition to your story, your synopsis is not the time to include it. All you want to do with the synopsis is interest the editor in your work so that they actually get a chance to read the entire manuscript and see those side stories. Follow your main character and stick to the high points in their storyline.
Give a brief, and I do mean brief (few adjectives and adverbs), introduction to the lead protagonist, the antagonist, and any other important characters, such as best friends or romantic interests that play a big part in the story. This introduction should be placed near the beginning when you are setting up the story. Give the setting and work in how these characters fit in there and their importance. This will also include a brief discussion of the story’s main goal. What the lead hopes to accomplish over the opposition.
As far as the rest of writing it goes, just pull the important parts out of the story and put them down tactfully in sequence. Avoid choppiness and quick transitions. Like any other writing, your transitions need to be smooth and flowing. You want the work to seem complete and impressive. This will make your manuscript look good. If you can’t write a synopsis the editor isn’t going to believe that you’re capable of writing an entire novel. Remember, the synopsis is supposed to be written in the same style as your novel, so whatever you write in your synopsis will really reflect on manuscript.
Edit, edit, edit! Only send a finish, polished synopsis. Have friends read it, have a separate editor read it, have a family member read it. The more eyes you have on it, the more errors you’ll be able to correct. If you have an agent, chances are your agent will be able to help you as well. Practice is the best way to get the perfect synopsis to send in, so practice writing it, or other book synopsis’, over and other. Revise and revamp your work. Before you know it, you’ll be happy with your synopsis and that’s just one more polished piece finished and ready to go into your publication package.
Resources:
Guide To Literary Agents, 16th edition. 2007. Writer’s Digest Books, Cincinnati, OH.
Kelly, S. (2003). Workshop: Writing the Novel Synopsis. Retrieved March 25, 2007, from Vision: A Resource for Writers Website: http://fmwriters.com/Visionback/Issue%2015/workshop.htm
Fiction Writer’s Connection. (2000). Writing a Novel Synopsis. Retrieved March 25, 2007, from Fiction Writer’s Connection Website: http://www.fictionwriters.com/tips-synopsis.html
*A special thanks to UMUC’s writing coaches.
