Few things strike fear into a writer’s heart like the word 'synopsis.' After pouring your soul into a 90,000-word manuscript, reducing it to a mere 800 words can feel impossible.
Should a synopsis always be in paragraph form or is it ever appropriate to use structured bullet points to show movement through each plot point? It feels more clinical and concise to write it this way, showing how part one moves into part two for example, but my critique group expressed doubt on the format.
Hi Kim, that's a good question - it's not appropriate to use bullet points. You can do that for yourself to lay it out - or determine what you need to include in the synopsis, but the synopsis should be written in a normal narrative style.
The synopsis doesn't need to be written in a voicey style - but neither should it feel clinical and concise. You're conveying the major plot points:
Tom told Sally to meet him at the park, he had something important to tell her.
While walking to the park, Sally is kidnapped. Tom catches the last 3 digits of the plate from the park bench across the street. (then each subsequent major plot point that follows)
I get nervous when I see query instructions asking for a detailed, in-depth, synopsis. Some are very terse and demanding, using phrases like "supply the complete story arc" and "include all plot turns". I don't think so.
If we are past this unsolicited phase, then it's different. Then you're my friend, confidante, and teammate. I'll give you whatever you want, and if it's a synopsis, this advice is excellent.
Very useful thanks. I'm in the early stages of a book and this really does help galvanise an idea.
The smart way to write a book is to write the synopsis first. I'm realizing this now after five drafts.
That is one way, Scott. For those who outline, usually put in the key scenes then expound on them to write the ms.
Should a synopsis always be in paragraph form or is it ever appropriate to use structured bullet points to show movement through each plot point? It feels more clinical and concise to write it this way, showing how part one moves into part two for example, but my critique group expressed doubt on the format.
Hi Kim, that's a good question - it's not appropriate to use bullet points. You can do that for yourself to lay it out - or determine what you need to include in the synopsis, but the synopsis should be written in a normal narrative style.
The synopsis doesn't need to be written in a voicey style - but neither should it feel clinical and concise. You're conveying the major plot points:
Tom told Sally to meet him at the park, he had something important to tell her.
While walking to the park, Sally is kidnapped. Tom catches the last 3 digits of the plate from the park bench across the street. (then each subsequent major plot point that follows)
Thank you, Renee, this is great information! I feel like writing the synopsis before the query letter might be a helpful exercise.
Steph, sometimes it absolutely is.
Thank you Renee. The right information at the right time.
Thanks, Brian. This questions comes up a lot in the webinars.
Thank you! This is so helpful!
Glad this helped. Hopefully you’ll enjoy the other articles that have more tips in them.
I get nervous when I see query instructions asking for a detailed, in-depth, synopsis. Some are very terse and demanding, using phrases like "supply the complete story arc" and "include all plot turns". I don't think so.
If we are past this unsolicited phase, then it's different. Then you're my friend, confidante, and teammate. I'll give you whatever you want, and if it's a synopsis, this advice is excellent.