The Author's Guide to Writing a Synopsis
How to Write a Plot Summary of a Novel for Submitting to Publishers
May 25, 2009
Writing a synopsis is anything but easy. With only several paragraphs allowed, every word becomes significant. For this reason, some authors spend hours agonising over every word before submitting it to a publisher.
Summarising a Story
Simply put, a synopsis is a brief account of the novel’s events. Some publishers and agents will request the synopsis before even looking at the opening three chapters of the novel, which is often the starting point of submitting a novel. Sometimes, they will request one with the opening three chapters. If the synopsis does not stand up, the editor will often not even read the three chapters but send it all back with a rejection letter. For this reason, the synopsis can be crucial for the author, for it is like a shop window for publishers to look at. If it does not entice, the novel will get no further in the submission process.
Guidelines to Writing a Plot Summary
In writing a synopsis, the following guidelines should be followed:
- At the top of the synopsis page, state that it is a “synopsis.” State the novel’s title, genre and word count. The author’s details should be given at the bottom of the page.
- Give an idea of the plot setting, the time and the place and the problem. This is known as Act 1 of the three-act structure of storytelling.
- Give a brief description of the main characters as they appear in the story.
- Begin the synopsis at the beginning of the story and tell it in the same order as the novel. The three-act structure of the plot must be reflected within the synopsis.
- Scenes that propel the plot, including climatic scenes, known as Act 2.
- No cliffhangers are allowed. The story’s ending must be revealed in order that the agent or publisher can see the author has provided a satisfactory resolution. The resolution is known as Act 3.
- Synopses are often 250 words long. If the guidelines ask for this, stick to it. If not, complete one page, at the most two.
- Use Times New Roman or Arial, unless otherwise requested. Use single line spacing and breaks between paragraphs within standard margins.
- Tell the story in the present tense and in the third person.
- When telling the story, do not include dialogue or the novel’s narrative voice. Tell the story as it is in a formal way.
A Succinct Brief of Events
The main body of the synopsis will tell the story in fast forward, but it must be a captivating read. Imagine a tired and underpaid editor reading it. This is a good exercise for the author before submitting the synopsis.
A Good Synopsis
Since every word counts, it is unwise to use two if one will do. Pontificating should be avoided. Getting straight to the point is the best approach and will give the author a professional feel when the synopsis is submitted to a publisher. This will increase the author’s chances of getting their novel read. Allowing someone else to read the synopsis could highlight problems with it. Feedback is always important for the writer and the following should be addressed.
- Does it flow?
- Is it engaging?
- Does it accurately reflect the novel?
If there are any doubts about the wording of the synopsis, it might be wise to put it away for a week or so and to read it again with a fresh viewpoint.
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