How To Write A Synopsis

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I received this question recently and thought we all could use a refresher!

You have undoubtedly covered this topic previously, but could you write a few salient points about preparing a synopsis to give to an agent? Should it be one-page, or can it be more? Should it contain spoilers? I would appreciate a refresher on this.

Photo by ron dyar on Unsplash

First of all, there isn’t much I despise more than writing a synopsis and I am sure I am not alone. Unfortunately, they’re a necessary evil just like query letters. Comfort yourself by knowing that both documents really do get utilized. They are the first very important steps on the staircase to getting your manuscript into the hands of readers. And, often, agents will use your copy for the letter they eventually use to pitch to editors. Editors will use that document to pitch the book to their team and hopefully get them all on board to add your book to their schedule. And on and on. So if you can’t appreciate these documents for what they are, appreciate them for what they will become. Sometimes you might even see your own words on the jacket copy of your finished book!

But…how do you write one?

There are so many different rules and guidelines. As long as your synopsis is easy to read and not excessively long, you should be fine. I personally like to see them in Times New Roman size 12, single spaced, no more than two pages long. One page is ideal. Settle on a format that works for you - again, nothing excessively long - and own it. Which is all you can do with every part of the submission process, adjusting accordingly depending on what you hear.

What should your synopsis include? You can think of it like expanded jacket copy, including almost every major plot point from A to Z. And yes, it needs to include spoilers. It is an overview of the main plot, the characters and their struggles, and any major themes. Basically, the synopsis tells anyone that doesn’t have time to read the entire book exactly what they’re in for while also being concise, easy to follow, and engaging. It is to ensure everyone that your novel has a clear beginning and end and that it doesn’t fall apart at any point and gives them a chance to make sure they can get on board with the direction of the story, before they start reading the manuscript.

You can start by thinking about what readers need to know about your book. How would you pitch it in an elevator? And then expand on that keeping in mind the guidelines you’ve settled on. If you need help, I offer query and synopsis critiques as part of my editorial services. And if you’re a subscriber of this newsletter, you can reach out with your smaller questions at any time or leave them in the comments of this post.

Confession: when I worked in-house, I never cared about synopses. I can read fast - and I’d rather just read the entire book. If it did go off the rails, which is one of the biggest things agents and other editors are looking for, I knew as long as the writer had talent we could fix any problems. I’m an editor that LOVES helping writers fix problems. But most agents and editors don’t have a lot of time these days and reading a synopsis helps them avoid taking on a manuscript that would be a big time suck.

Any questions? Please feel free to leave them in the comments!

Until next time,