{"id":1297,"date":"2024-08-22T17:17:26","date_gmt":"2024-08-22T17:17:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/?p=1297"},"modified":"2026-03-08T14:02:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T14:02:51","slug":"things-ive-learned-the-synopsis-tips-advice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/index.php\/2024\/08\/22\/things-ive-learned-the-synopsis-tips-advice\/","title":{"rendered":"Things I&#8217;ve Learned: The Synopsis &#8211; tips &amp; advice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/child-1099770_640.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/child-1099770_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/child-1099770_640-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 984px) 61vw, (max-width: 1362px) 45vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Why is writing a single page of words more daunting than writing a 300-page novel?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why do I need a synopsis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/index.php\/mentoring-editorial-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">submission package <\/a>along with a cover\/pitch letter and opening extract. The synopsis is a technical document containing the <strong>main plot points<\/strong> of your novel including <strong>twists<\/strong>, <strong>spoilers<\/strong>, and your main character\u2019s <strong>arc<\/strong>. Another way to think of it is as a simple map of the book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"427\" height=\"323\" src=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/treasure-map-1850653_640-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1313\" style=\"width:519px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/treasure-map-1850653_640-1.jpg 427w, https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/treasure-map-1850653_640-1-300x227.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 427px) 85vw, 427px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-light-blue-background-color has-background\">How to write a synopsis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Basics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Word count:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>A wordcount of 5-600 words is generally considered ideal \u2013 but make sure you follow the individual instructions of whoever you are submitting to \u2013 some allow up to 2k words, some want only 300 words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Format:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Start your synopsis with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the title in ALL CAPS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>approximate word count (round to nearest 1,000)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>genre, e.g. Rom Com, Fantasy, Horror<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>plus, age range if writing for young people, e.g. Magical Middle Grade Adventure, YA Fantasy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Use the spacing, font type and size detailed in the agent\/competition guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Style:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The synopsis is written in third person omniscient narration, present tense. Use precise, specific and active language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Names:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>On first use of a character\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Content:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind what is driving your main character (and thus the plot) and what\u2019s at stake for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">One &#8211; Introduction<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Who is your main character?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How does the story start?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is the inciting incident?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What do they want and why?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What\u2019s at stake?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/question-mark-6395460_640.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/question-mark-6395460_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/question-mark-6395460_640-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 984px) 61vw, (max-width: 1362px) 45vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Sixteen-year-old JENNY has been ill for five years \u2013 or so she\u2019s been told. Manipulated by her mother, she\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s innocence and get their old life back.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this brief paragraph we have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the age, name and some background of the main character<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the inciting incident &#8211; calling the ambulance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>what she wants &#8211; to prove her mother&#8217;s innocence <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>why &#8211; because she feels responsible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>stakes &#8211; her relationship with her mother <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Two &#8211; Obstacles and conflict<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/stones-1808222_640.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/stones-1808222_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/stones-1808222_640-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 984px) 61vw, (max-width: 1362px) 45vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>what gets in the way of what your character wants &#8211; obstacle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>who tries to stop them and why &#8211; external conflict.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>how these things affect your main character &#8211; internal conflict<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>what they do to overcome each obstacle and resolve conflict<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>how your character changes &#8230;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Three &#8211; Resolution<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>what happens at the climax\/ all hope is lost moment?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>how is it resolved?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>an ending that ties back to the beginning \u2013  does your character get what they want? Or do they get what they really needed but didn&#8217;t know that they did?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/package-6909091_640.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1318\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/package-6909091_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/package-6909091_640-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 984px) 61vw, (max-width: 1362px) 45vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Domino Effect<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/mikado-1013877_640.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1302 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/mikado-1013877_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/mikado-1013877_640-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/mikado-1013877_640-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 984px) 61vw, (max-width: 1362px) 45vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Imagine the plot as dominoes tipping over. Cause and effect. Show the connections between your plot points \u2013 the MC wants A, so they do B, which causes problem\/obstacle\/conflict C, and so they do D which causes E \u2026.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plotter or Pantser?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are a pantser (like me) keep in mind the inciting incident, the midpoint, and the moment where all hope is lost \u2013 and make sure these points are there in the synopsis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Share<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask for feedback from those who have, and those who haven\u2019t, read your novel. Get them to point out any bits that aren\u2019t clear and to ask you questions about the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adapt<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Constantly review and adapt your synopsis taking into account who you are submitting to and what they are looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cut<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/scissors-1534065_640.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1319 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/scissors-1534065_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/scissors-1534065_640-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 984px) 61vw, (max-width: 1362px) 45vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Cut any words that are not adding value!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Further Resources:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Resources for writing a synopsis:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bathnovelaward.co.uk\/how-to-write-a-strong-one-page-synopsis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Bath Novel Award<\/a> : One Page synopsis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/publishingcrawl.com\/p\/how-to-write-a-1-page-synopsis?utm_source=publication-search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Pub(lishing) Crawl: Breaks down how to write a synopsis using the plot of STAR WARS as an example<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mushens-entertainment.com\/blog\/the-dreaded-synopsis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Juliet Mushens \u2013 synopsis blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Write-Great-Synopsis-Expert-Guide-ebook\/dp\/B006ZA88Z8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Nicola Morgan: Write a Great synopsis book<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bathnovelaward.co.uk\/the-novel-synopsis-ten-literary-agents-offer-their-advice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Bath Novel Award:<\/a> Synopsis tips from 10 lit agents <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/index.php\/2024\/08\/22\/things-ive-learned-the-synopsis-tips-advice\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Things I&#8217;ve Learned: The Synopsis &#8211; tips &amp; advice&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,7,9,12,13,115,109,110,19,23,24,108,25,26],"tags":[27,28,114,113,111,112,82,84],"class_list":["post-1297","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-constructive-criticism","category-editing","category-improve-your-writing","category-mg-writing-coach","category-mg-writing-mentor","category-submission-package","category-synopsis","category-synopsis-writing","category-writing","category-writing-feedback","category-writing-mentor","category-ya-novel","category-ya-writing-coach","category-ya-writing-mentor","tag-amediting","tag-amwriting","tag-novel-synopsis","tag-submission-package","tag-synopsis","tag-synopsis-writing","tag-writing-mentor","tag-writing-tips"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1297","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1297"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1297\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1380,"href":"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1297\/revisions\/1380"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1297"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1297"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kathrynclarkwriter.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1297"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}