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The Synopsis:
Any publisher will require a synopsis and two sample chapters (usually the first two) as a basis for initial assessment. You may re-write your synopsis when you’ve finished the book, but preparing it before you write the book will be very useful as a touchstone to keep you on track.
Writing a Synopsis (Fiction)
Writers sometimes think, quite wrongly, that a synopsis is merely a story outline, or worse still, that it is synonymous with the promotional ‘blurb’ that is intended for book covers and review letters. It is neither.
A synopsis is a complete narrative summary of your book, condensed usually into one or two pages (and no more than four at the most). It should be written in the present tense and must be typed (preferably double-spaced) on A4 paper.
Its purpose is to “sell” your story to the Commissioning Editor. To do this it must tell the whole story, simply and clearly, in very plain English with no embellishments (ie it doesn’t contain description, a lot of adjectives, promotional phrases, or questions to the reader). It must tell the whole story, beginning, middle and conclusion. You may, if you wish (and should if needed for clarity) append a separate character sketch of your key characters (a paragraph for each).
Your synopsis must show that you have a properly developed plot, fully developed and interesting characters, and that you can maintain the reader’s interest after the opening chapters.
your synopsis should:
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explain the background |
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describe the setting (place and time)
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outline the plot |
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introduce the main characters |
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give the theme or genre of your book (eg “forgiveness” or, a murder mystery) |
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say what the main areas of conflict between the characters are |
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briefly describe what your characters are like |
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mention any major scenes or crises |
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include any major subplots |
most important:
Say how your story ends – never leave an editor hanging.
Your synopsis should be accompanied by TWO sample chapters of the completed manuscript. These should be the first two chapters in the first instance. They must convey to the editor:
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the mood of your book (is it bleak, jolly, emotional etc) |
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the style of writing
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any special qualities in your writing (eg lyricism, humour) |
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that the plot is sufficiently developed for the length of the book |
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that the plot progresses well |
It is worth spending some serious time working on your submission material. Sadly, in more instances than not, it is all the publisher will ever see. We hope that your material will make someone want to publish your work. If not, it should encourage an editor to want to help you develop this particular work, or to ask you to try again with a better idea.
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