How to Write a Good Synopsis

One of the most overlooked, yet most important, aspects of novel writing is the synopsis. Publishers are constantly frustrated when they lose a good story because a poorly written synopsis misrepresented the novel. Another frustration is when a book goes through a whole list of situations that happen in the book, but the synopsis fails to talk about the character's journey, the story's emotional impact, or the story premise.

Focus On The Story - Not What Happens In The Story

One of the hardest things for new writers to separate is the events that happen in the story, and what the story is about. A synopsis should not outline everything that happens in the story. Instead, it should focus on the most important aspects of the novel as defined by the genre.'

For example, one of the biggest problems in the average romance synopsis is the fact that the writers completely forget to include the romance. The publisher knows where the characters work, how they meet, the conflicts, the problems, and maybe a brief outline of the climax. However, the writer completely forgets to talk about the level of sexual tension, whether the story is about relationships and commitment, or freedom and discovery.'

This publisher is left with a list of situations that can easily be used in a suspense novel, or a thriller, without ever explaining what makes this book a romance.

Subgenre

Most genres today have multi-sub genres, or themes. A romance novel can have different levels of sexual tension. They can focus on the sexual adventure, building a real relationship, or the character healing' and becoming a better person.

A mystery novel may focus on the characters and tell a social story based on several people, like something Agatha Christy would write. Or, it could focus 100% on the facts, like a Sherlock Holmes story.

A suspense novel can be an emotional roller coaster ride, or the author can play mind-games with the story's reader. The story can touch on primal fears, disturbing the reader, or it can be a safe' and exhilarating ride.

Not all publishers handle all sub genres. Some romance publishers do not want relationship or human growth stories. Publishers like Phaze or Ellor's Cave focuses on the sexual journey. However, Wild Rose Press, focuses more on the character's journey. A synopsis should outline these aspects for the publisher. Do not leave the publisher to guess - they are not psychic.

Can You Write?

This may sound foolish, but many publishers use the synopsis to just a writer's skill. Publishers do not always look for what is there - but what isn't there. A synopsis that forgets the black moment leaves a publisher wondering if the story has' a black moment. Also, a synopsis with grammar or typing mistakes leave a publisher seriously questioning how much time and money this book will cost to edit and proofread.

Remember that publishers are interested in making money. It is more cost effective to accept a book written by a good writer who takes the time to proofread their work, and can finish the final manuscript in 30 hours, than it is to force an editor to teach grammar, style, and voice to a new writer, and then still require a proofreader's service.

Novel Structure?

One major concern should be the novel structure. A brief outline should be included in the synopsis. The synopsis should also be written to explain whether the plot is character driven or situation driven.

Missing the climax, black moment, or not explaining the resolutions will leave the publisher wondering if the novel has faulty or missing novel structure elements.

Plots

There are only two things the synopsis should focus on: the main plot, the main character's emotional journey. It takes several tries before a writer can successfully remove all references to unnecessary secondary characters, sub plots, and elements that do not lead to the story's resolution.

The author may have a few amazing sub plots that play a major part in the story's emotional impact, but they must resist the temptation to put them in the synopsis. It will only muddy the water and confuse the publisher.

These elements are the foundation of a good synopsis. Remember that the synopsis has one purpose - to sell a novel. Do not try to be a diva and believe that you can change the rules and still impress the publisher.

The best time to start writing a synopsis is when the novel is still in first draft. The synopsis will help the writer focus on the important aspects of the novel, and it will give the writer a photograph' of their novel. It also gives them ample time to rewrite and rewrite the synopsis, a dozen times, until it is perfect.