There’s nothing like the term synopsis to strike fear in the hearts of authors. Well, every author but me, it would seem. For some odd reason, I don’t mind writing them. Maybe it’s because I’ve summarized many a long and torturous veterinary study into a short article that the average person can understand. Or maybe it’s just because I’m weird. Who knows!
But writer friends have come to know this quirk about me, and sometimes seek my advice. I even I taught a mini-class on synopsis writing to my writers group a few years ago. I also critique them for editing clients. With that said, I thought I’d share a few tips for writing a synopsis that doesn’t suck! For anyone who’s completed a 90K-word novel but is currently petrified as they stare down a blank page titled “Synopsis”, this is for you! (and I hope you see the contradiction in that last sentence–if you can write 90k words, you can definitely write 500 more).
Like the former teacher I am, I’ve also included some practice exercises to get you warmed up and ready to write your amazing synopsis. So grab a pen and paper and let’s get started!
What the Hell is a Synopsis Anyway?
A synopsis is a brief summary of your novel. It is typically one to two pages long, though one page is standard (500-600 words). A synopsis should include the following:
- the general setting of your novel
- your main characters (emphasis on “main”)
- a brief character sketch for each MC: “JON NELSON, age 38, a retired banker turned bodyguard . . .”
- a bit about how your MC feels as they set out to reach their big goal
- main plot points (problems character faces)
- any major twists (yes, you have to give these away)
- the ending (also very necessary)
A synopsis should NOT include:
- more than 4 main characters’ names (too confusing)
- information about you (save this for the query)
- dialogue
- backstory or long explanations
- rhetorical questions
Important Things to Do When Writing a Synopsis:
- Stick to the basics of your overall story. In a synopsis, it’s perfectly okay and preferable to “tell”’ instead of “show”.
- A synopsis should focus on three main things: (MAIN) CHARACTERS, STORY CONFLICT, and PLOT.
- Write in 3rd person, present tense, regardless of what POV or tense the book is written in.
- The first mention of each character’s name should be in ALL-CAPS or bold.
- Infusing your novel’s voice can make your synopsis all the better!
- The change in your main character (character arc) from the beginning of the synopsis to the end should be apparent.
Formatting a Synopsis
- Title: Synopsis of (book title) by (your name)
- Single spaced with one space between paragraphs (do not indent paragraphs)
- 12-point font (Times New Roman or equivalent). Note: the agent or publisher you’re querying may have a specific font they want, so always check.
Synopsis Writing Practice
Now for some fun! (said in my English teacher voice) Wording should be tight and concise in a synopsis. Practice by tightening up these sentences as much as you can without dropping the overall meaning of the sentence.
1.) Mary hated when Jim spoke to her this way, like he knew so much more about showing horses than she did–but she was the one with a case full of silver belt buckles while he’d merely been a spectator for the last few years. The truth that everyone else knew but Jim couldn’t seem to understand was that she was the expert, not him.
2.) When Jamal discovered the bomb beneath his office desk, his heart rate skyrocketed and his mind begin to race. But instead of yelling “bomb!”, he slowly backed away and used his cell phone to call for help. The Bomb Squad arrived within minutes, safely evacuating the building and then promptly removing the threat.
Prepping to Write Your Synopsis
To help you stay focused, list five major plot points of your novel. Plot point #1 should be your inciting incident. These plot points will be the backbone of your synopsis.
Revising Your Synopsis
Once your synopsis is written, you’ll likely need to make multiple revisions, cutting, tightening, and checking for clarity. Try to get your synopsis down to one page if possible. Cut, cut, and cut some more! It’s often helpful to have someone else read your synopsis as well. Other people often catch small things we don’t see.
Hopefully, you’ve find this information helpful! And remember, you can always hire me to critique your query package, including your synopsis. 🙂