Writing a Synopsis can be incredibly daunting but not impossible. Take it from me, it can be discouraging to the point of procrastination to start writing your it. But I am here to tell you not to be discouraged. Have confidence in yourself and your writing to complete this next step in your career and get that Synopsis done.
If it is the first time you’ve ever written one than there is quite a bit to learn. I researched as much as I could before I started the process. Truth be told, I wrote a few full drafts, to get it right. The first one was too vague. Second one too detailed. Third one, once polished, was right. That’s not mentioning the several I started but never finished in the beginning. Like I said, it’s difficult to sum up an entire novel.
Some of you may be saying, well how hard can it be it’s just a description of your book right? Not exactly. Let’s start with the difference between a Synopsis and a Blurb. That’s right, most people confuse the two. Including me, at first. One thing you will never hear (well technically read) me claim to be is the perfect author who gets everything right the first time. That’s not reality. Reality is, even the best writers made mistakes in the beginning and I bet they still do from time to time. Because you are never done growing and learning as an author.
Back on topic, what is the difference between a Synopsis and a blurb.
Synopsis
- Is a brief summery or survey of your work. (As per the online definition).
Blurb
- Is a short description of a book that appears on the cover or in an advertisement.
The difference between the two is a Synopsis is for an agent or publisher giving them a detailed albeit just the most important details including the ending.
The Blurb is vague and written to draw in the reader without giving important details away. This is written to make someone pick up the book read the cover and go, hmm I wonder how Sandy finds out who the killer of her neighbor is, I guess I have to buy it to find out.
So now that we know the difference lets begin with the more detailed information on what a Synopsis needs to include.
Basically you will include all the most important plot points, main characters, climax and resolution. All of that will be in a one – two page, 500 – 1000 word package to present to the agent or publisher.
- Do not include the fact that your character has platinum blond hair or powder blue eyes.
- Do not include what your characters had for lunch.
- Do not include what their favorite color is.
Only include important facts that are relevant to the progression of the story. Keep it fact based, as far as the main details of the story. Need to know, absolute pertinent information.
For example, a start to a story:
Sarah is an astronaut, who hates flying. She is deathly afraid of getting on a plane but she is training to go to space. Intense training leads her to meet David. They fall in love but when Sarah breaks her back in a training exercise she has to learn to walk again. David tries to see her but she refuses. After months of rehabilitation, she tries to start her training again, only to hear that David left the program to become a pilot. They refuse to allow her to train when she doesn’t pass her physical. Overcoming her fear, she convinces David to hire her as a pilot. They get married and she spends her life teaching and helping others overcome their fear of flying.
Of course that’s just a quick example (full disclosure nothing in that one paragraph story is fact checked as far as if the idea would work) but you get the idea. Give the main details. This is not a description where you would include emotions of your characters. You want the agent or publisher to see the quick outline of the story in paragraph form. You don’t want them to have to spend too long reading it. That’s why they only ask for samples and I’m learning sometimes only for a query letter and a synopsis. They want the bare minimum to asses if they want to read more. Agents and Publishers are busy and don’t want to waste time reading something that they are not interested in.
This is just my findings on writing a Synopsis. All my research has led to me having written a Synopsis in the length that’s needed to get the point across. Think of your novel, your idea, as a business proposal. You can be as passionate as you want, that will encourage readers to pick up your book but to an agent or publisher it is first and foremost a business deal. Yes, they may love to read and love what they do but they need to know if it is a novel that they can represent to the best of their ability. As much as you need to know that they will too. If they don’t find the main idea interesting enough between your query letter, Synopsis and sample of your manuscript than they are not the right person to represent your novel. If they are willing to give you advice though, take it and learn from it.
One of the steps to finding an agent or publisher is to write a Synopsis. In my now vigorous search for an agent (which is just taking down many names right now), I can tell you that most of them will ask for a Synopsis. So, get writing it. Don’t wait a second longer. You got this! Don’t let fear stop you. You have a story to tell and a Synopsis is just one small part of a long list of things to do to get there. But guess what? That one thing will be done and you can move on to the next and the next after that until you reach your goals.
Good luck and may the writing muses be with you in your endeavors. If I can write a Synopsis than anyone can. There may be swearing, there may be snacks, and there may be rewrites but when you’re done, the smile on your face and the sense of accomplishment will be worth it.
Thank you for reading my blog.
Until Next Time…JUST KEEP WRITING.
Tiffany’s Writing Journey 