Why is writing a single page of words more daunting than writing a 300-page novel?
Why do I need a synopsis?
The purpose of a synopsis is to show an agent, editor, or competition reader that you can tell a story from beginning to end. It is part of the submission package along with a cover/pitch letter and opening extract. The synopsis is a technical document containing the main plot points of your novel including twists, spoilers, and your main character’s arc. Another way to think of it is as a simple map of the book.
A synopsis is also helpful for YOU. It can help you spot plot holes, unbelievable coincidences, lack of motivation and whether your character has agency.
How to write a synopsis
The Basics
Word count:
A wordcount of 5-600 words is generally considered ideal – but make sure you follow the individual instructions of whoever you are submitting to – some allow up to 2k words, some want only 300 words.
Format:
Start your synopsis with:
- the title in ALL CAPS
- approximate word count (round to nearest 1,000)
- genre, e.g. Rom Com, Fantasy, Horror
- plus, age range if writing for young people, e.g. Magical Middle Grade Adventure, YA Fantasy
Use the spacing, font type and size detailed in the agent/competition guidelines.
Style:
The synopsis is written in third person omniscient narration, present tense. Use precise, specific and active language.
Names:
On first use of a character’s name use all caps or bold font. Limit the number of names to 3 or 4. Other minor characters can be referred to by their role e.g. the postman, teacher etc, or relationship to your main character e.g. her best friend, his mother etc. Keep names to a minimum for clarity of reading.
The Content:
Keep in mind what is driving your main character (and thus the plot) and what’s at stake for them.
One – Introduction
- Who is your main character?
- How does the story start?
- What is the inciting incident?
- What do they want and why?
- What’s at stake?
Example:
Sixteen-year-old JENNY has been ill for five years – or so she’s been told. Manipulated by her mother, she’s had no access to the outside or online worlds. When Mum wakes screaming one night, Jenny calls an ambulance, saving her life, but also bringing unwanted attention from the authorities. Accused of fabricating Jenny’s illness and defrauding well-wishers, Mum is placed on remand amid a storm of social media and press outrage. Blaming herself, Jenny vows to prove Mum’s innocence and get their old life back.
In this brief paragraph we have:
- the age, name and some background of the main character
- the inciting incident – calling the ambulance
- what she wants – to prove her mother’s innocence
- why – because she feels responsible
- stakes – her relationship with her mother
Two – Obstacles and conflict
Think about
- what gets in the way of what your character wants – obstacle.
- who tries to stop them and why – external conflict.
- how these things affect your main character – internal conflict
- what they do to overcome each obstacle and resolve conflict
- how your character changes …
Three – Resolution
- what happens at the climax/ all hope is lost moment?
- how is it resolved?
- an ending that ties back to the beginning – does your character get what they want? Or do they get what they really needed but didn’t know that they did?
Tips:
The Domino Effect
Imagine the plot as dominoes tipping over. Cause and effect. Show the connections between your plot points – the MC wants A, so they do B, which causes problem/obstacle/conflict C, and so they do D which causes E ….
Plotter or Pantser?
If you are a planner/plotter you may have your three act structure mapped out which will really help with distilling your plot for the synopsis.
If you are a pantser (like me) keep in mind the inciting incident, the midpoint, and the moment where all hope is lost – and make sure these points are there in the synopsis.
Share
Ask for feedback from those who have, and those who haven’t, read your novel. Get them to point out any bits that aren’t clear and to ask you questions about the story.
Adapt
Constantly review and adapt your synopsis taking into account who you are submitting to and what they are looking for.
Cut
Cut any words that are not adding value!
Further Resources:
Resources for writing a synopsis:
Pub(lishing) Crawl: Breaks down how to write a synopsis using the plot of STAR WARS as an example