Writing a synopsis really is nothing to worry about. It’s five million times easierthan writing the book you have just written! Here are my tips.

Note:

• When I say “agent”, I mean “agent or publisher.” I use “he” or “she” randomly.

The theory

• “Synopsis” means different things in different contexts. I am talkingabout the one an agent usually wants as part of a submission.

• If the individual agent’s submission guidelines offer specific instructions, follow them. In every other circumstance, follow my guidelines.

• A good synopsis supports your book, showing the agent that the structure is firm, the storyline compelling and the resolution satisfying.

• The best synopses are not necessarily chronological outlines of the plot (unless that’s what the agent asks for or what feels right for yourbook).

• A synopsis should also convey the tone of the book. Thus, if the bookis whimsical and amusing, the synopsis will mirror this.

• There is no one ideal synopsis: there is just the best one for your book.

• Don’t worry if you feel your synopsis is duller than your book; if yourbook were duller than the synopsis, that would be the time to worry!

• Some agents read the synopsis before your sample chapters; some don’t. It doesn’t make any difference – don’t think about it.

• It is highly unlikely for your book to be rejected or accepted on the basis of your synopsis. The premise and the writing are what count.

• However, a synopsis that contains ugly sentence structure or grammatical weaknesses raises a red flag for the agent, because a goodwriter writes well in any context.

Write A Great Synopsis – Tips From Nicola Morgan

The practice

• My strong suggestion is to write a single-sentence pitch first; then expand to a paragraph that encapsulates the book in a compelling way;then flesh this out to the desired length (see below). This is much easier than starting with an outline of the whole book and cutting it down.

• My other suggestion is, if possible, to leave a few weeks between finishing the book and writing the synopsis. That way, you will only remember the important parts, and that is all you need. (I call this my“Crappy Memory Tool”.)

• Omit as many details as you can. I am constantly amazed when writers use the synopsis to tell us what day of the week something happened on.

• Give a strong sense of the main character (MC) and his motivation/ problem.

• If your MC faces a series of obstacles, you don’t need to mention eachone. For example, you could say: “This is the first of four setbacks which test Janice’s resolve but it is only when Carla plays a cruel trickon Janice’s son that Janice finds the fighting spirit she needs and turnsthe tables on Carla in a dramatic and near-fatal scene involving a sword.”

• Writers worry about a synopsis for a non-linear book. There is no single rule for this, but if you start with the central premise and build it up, you will find that your synopsis falls into place for a non-linearbook just as well as a linear one. You can describe the structure if you wish – anything to make the form clear to the agent.

• You do not need to give the detail of the ending but you certainly should show what is resolved and in what kind of way.

• Avoid unanswered questions such as, “Will Edgar save the day?” “CanStella find a way to overcome her father’s cruelty?”

• Cut, cut, cut, cut. I bet I could cut some more. I love cutting.

• Get someone else to read it. Often, a writer doesn’t realise what gapsthere are or what aspects are too detailed, because the writer knows the story too well. Giving it to someone who has not read the story isoften eye-opening.

The details

• Write the synopsis in the present tense (except for parts which haveto be in the past because they happened before the action described. Eg: “Remembering how he had been treated as a child, James is determined to be strong.”)• You may use single line-spacing. (The actual MS must be double line-spaced.)

• In the absence of other instructions in the agent’s submission guidelines, aim for your synopsis to be no longer than two sides of A4.(And don’t squash the margins!)

• For a picture book or other short children’s book, a synopsis will be much shorter. A picture book synopsis is unlikely to need more than afew lines.

Finally...

• Remember: the point of the synopsis is to clarify and provide structure; the point of the covering letter and the actual writing is to sell the book and make it sparkle.

• Don’t panic! A synopsis is absolutely nothing to worry about. I promise.

Good luck in your quest for publication. The effort is worth it!

Many more details about the simple art of writing a great synopsis, with lotsof examples and answers to all the questions writers ask, are in Nicola’sebook, Write a Great Synopsis – An Expert Guide. No more synopsis stress!(You do not need an e-reader – ebooks can be read on laptops etc.) Nicola’sadvice for writers is also available in the acclaimed Write to be Published andDear Agent – Write the Letter That Sells Your Book.

Copyright © Nicola Morgan 2012