The Publishing Process Part #4

Another daunting task that authors face is writing a synopsis of their novel. A synopsis tells the story in more detail than the query letter. Some agents want this only of the query letter gets their attention, other prefer it right away, so you should have one ready before you start your search. Another issue is some want it done on one page while others allow 3-7 pages. You need both. To make thing easier for the agent, the synopsis should be double spaced. Most agencies ask for New Times Roman font at size 12.

Creating the synopsis can be difficult but not impossible. You can search on-line for samples. The best advice that I have found is to write one sentence describing each chapter in your book. This will give you a good starting point. The idea here is to tell the story so that the agent can see the development of the plot, meet the characters and see how they evolve due to the story. Do not try to hide the ending. Remember: this is not your audience. This is the agent who has to decide if your story will appeal to the audience. The query gets their attention, your synopsis is your chance to sell the whole book.

Once you have your sentencing done, you will still have to whittle it down, so look at removing smaller details and leaving the major events and plot changes. Try combining two or three sentences so you only have one that conveys the same information, but don’t create a run-on sentence. Leave out adjectives and any kind of scene description. It’s needed in the novel, but not in the synopsis.

Write it. Edit. Put it away for a week. Edit.

Repeat.