Welcome to the second blog in my Path to Publication series. Today we’re discussing one of the most despised and dreaded part of writing: the synopsis.
For many writers, the synopsis is the most hated part of writing a novel. Writing a synopsis isn’t particularly creative. It doesn’t tease like the blurb on the back of a book and it lacks the pithy brevity of a logline.
Instead, it’s the no man’s land of story submission; easy to write down what it should be, but difficult to actually get right.
So let’s take a look at this dreaded document and see if we can find a way to make it easier or, at very least, more enjoyable…
What is a synopsis and do I really need one?
A synopsis is a summary of your novel, which introduces the reader to your main characters and the main plot points from start to finish, including all twists, spoilers and the ending.
It’s usually written to accompany a novel extract — when submitting your story to a competition, an agent (for representation) or an editor (for feedback) — so that the reader knows what happens in the story after your extract ends. So while the content of the synopsis is absolutely important, the real purpose of a synopsis is to give the reader confidence that you can write a complete, coherent story.
As well as knowing what a synopsis is, it’s important to know what it isn’t:
A synopsis is not a sales document. If you’re holding back key details because it makes the story sound more intriguing, stop. Agents, editors and publishers expect to see the twists, turns and spoilers, so show your working unless you want them to question whether you know what you’re doing.
A synopsis doesn’t showcase your ability to write beautifully. A synopsis will lack the description, immersion and exposition of your novel. It will lack a lot (but not all) emotion too. A synopsis reads as very ‘dry’ and might even make your novel sound boring, but that’s okay. Don’t be disheartened if/when this happens.
A synopsis is, sadly, not optional. It’s true, your synopsis might not be read if an agent or competition reader loves your extract. But if they’re not 100% sold, a good synopsis can seal the deal. Also, if a synopsis is required as part of a sub, send one. Don’t risk being discounted on a technicality.
So, there you go.
How to begin writing a synopsis
Most writers dread starting a synopsis. The key is to keep your eyes on the prize: a good synopsis will help your chances of being published.
There are several ways to make a start:
Chapter summaries — chapter summaries are, in my experience, the best way to draft a synopsis. Largely, this is because I’m a plotter, so have this information before I have a completed draft. If you’re a pantser, make chapter notes while you’re reading your first draft after writing.
From memory — this sounds terrifying but it’s actually very effective. No-one knows your book as well as you, so only you know you ‘must include’ versus what is a ‘nice to have’. When written, if you want to add or remove things, do so.
Prompts — there are many questionnaires and templates online (one example here) that can be used to direct you through a synopsis. To be honest, I don’t find these helpful, but if you’re struggling with what detail to include, give it a try.
My approach: I create a rough synopsis while plotting, but I don’t revise it until I have at least two full drafts. After that, I’ll refine the synopsis whenever anything notable changes in the plot. When I’m almost ready to send the book out, I edit the synopsis for readability and flow, and to make sure every word earns its place on the page.
How to format a synopsis
While exact requirements for a synopsis will vary depending on who you are submitting to, there are certain formatting requirements common to all synopses. Synopses are typically:
1 to 2 pages (approx. 250 to 500 words) in length — I’ve seen one novel competition ask for a 1500 word synopsis!
written in third person, present tense
written in the same order as things happen in the novel, even for novels with multiple timelines
formatted like your manuscript: 12pt Times New Roman with standard margins, but it’s fine to use 1.5 rather than double spacing
What to include in a synopsis
There’s a lot of guidance online as to what to include in your synopsis, but this can be narrowed down to ten key things:
Main character(s): introduced as Name (age) or NAME (age) on the first occurrence, plus a short description of who they are, i.e. job, location, main traits.
Example, main character:: ANNA (26) starts a new project management job in Cardiff, having left her abusive husband and marriage behind.
Secondary characters: no more than 4 or 5, otherwise it gets confusing. Include their status (i.e. ally or enemy) and relationship to main character.
Example: ELLIE (26), a geography teacher, visits her best friend Anna, who she has known since the first day of university.
Setting: be clear as to where, and when, your story is set but don’t dwell on it. A first line of “Cardiff Bay, April 1972:” is simple but effective.
Opening Image: the normal life and world (status quo) of your main character before the inciting incident. Include some emotions here: what the main character wants, or needs, and why they can’t have that… yet.
Inciting Incident: the event that causes internal conflict and a big decision point. Include emotions here too: there will be high stakes, compromise and the main character’s (possibly difficult) choice to move forwards.
Key plot points: all significant events that happen thereafter, as per your chapter summaries. Keep detail to a minimum, but include all twists and spoilers.
Subplots: Include only those subplots that are so entwined with the main plot that you struggle to write the synopsis without them.
Midpoint: the point of conflict — often a false victory or false defeat — that raises the stakes and sets the main character off with renewed vigour or urgency.
Crisis Point: the point where it looks like the main character has already lost, or is destined to lose, their fight. This event triggers the showdown and resolution of the narrative.
Final Image: the new life and world of the main character now that the story has concluded, showing a transformation in the character(s).
As with any list, there is always an exception. Prologues.
Depending on the type of prologue you have, it may not be necessary to include it, especially if you’re short on words. My rule of thumb is:
If there are important events in your prologue that are not duplicated elsewhere in your book, include your prologue in your synopsis.
But only as one or two lines. You have limited space, so every word has to count.
Top Tips for writing a synopsis
Now that you know what a synopsis is, why you need one, how to format one and what to include, here are my top five tips for getting your synopsis right:
Give yourself plenty of time. Don’t expect to write a fantastic synopsis on the first attempt. Assume you’ll need to change it as you write your novel, and edit it several times before submission.
Tell, don’t show. A synopsis is not the place for descriptive prose or exposition. You can include some character backstory and some emotive language, but keep it short and sweet.
Try writing synopses of different lengths, from 1-page (250 words) to 3-4 pages (750 - 1000 words). You’ll find some easier than others, depending on whether you usually over- or under-write, but you’ll learn something from each.
Get feedback on your synopsis from trusted readers, just as you would for your novel. Ask them to focus on clarity, brevity and flow, highlighting any major plot points they think you’ve missed out, or minor details you can remove.
Check the submission requirements and adhere to them. Don’t disqualify yourself on a technicality by sending a 3-page synopsis to an agent/comp that only wants one side of A4. Yes, some will be that strict.
And if you’re still struggling with knowing what to include in your synopsis and what to leave out, try one of these exercises:
Exercise 1: Record yourself talking to a friend about your book, or pretend you’re being interviewed post-publication. Verbal storytelling is a different skill to writing, but we can use it to our advantage. Make a transcript of what you say and use this as the basis for your synopsis.
Exercise 2: Write a summary of your favourite book from memory, then read it again and note what actually happens. Compare the two versions, then use this as a template for your own story. This works with TV series or films too!
Hopefully that’s given you a few pointers on how to write a synopsis, and what pitfalls you should avoid. You still might not enjoy the process, so arm yourself with a hot drink and your favourite snack and it’ll be a little more palatable!
Coming next on October 1st:
Quarter 3 Review - checking in with my goals and aspirations for 2024...