In a Nutshell: Crafting an Effective and Compelling Synopsis

For every writer, the daunting task of condensing an entire novel into a concise and compelling synopsis can feel like an uphill battle, especially when so many submission guidelines request a one page synopsis. ONE PAGE! That’s roughly 600 words max to play with. Writing a synopsis is a skill in itself and they do have a rather strange, almost clinical and detached style. You can’t be at all ‘salesy’, so no elevator pitches or tag-lines, no information about the author, e.g., ‘from the mind of so and so’. Just the bald facts, judiciously chosen (because you will not be able to cover every twist and turn in a mere 600 words).

A well-crafted synopsis is something that is worth mastering. I actually enjoy writing them now. I’ve also read lots of compelling ones (from rather mediocre books) that made them sound like the best book ever written. A true skill! This tells me that there is a story worth telling, but something has gone wrong in the execution of it.

Below, I've compiled a list of essential dos and don'ts that will guide you in writing an effective synopsis.

Dos:

1. Capture the Essence of the Story: A synopsis should provide a clear and concise overview of your novel's central plot, main characters, and major conflicts. Focus on the core themes, emotional arcs, and key turning points that drive the narrative forward. Highlight the unique aspects of your story that make it stand out from the crowd.

2. Maintain a Logical Flow: Organize your synopsis in a coherent manner, presenting the events in the order they occur in the novel. Begin with a strong hook that immediately grabs the reader's attention and sets the tone for the story. Then, proceed to summarize the major plot points, paying attention to the cause-and-effect relationships that drive the story's progression.

3. Keep it Concise: A synopsis is not the place for lengthy exposition or subplots. Aim for a synopsis length of 500 to 700 words, focusing on the main storyline and the most critical elements. Be economical with your language, cutting out unnecessary details or secondary characters that do not significantly impact the central narrative.

4. Showcase Character Development: While you may not have the space to delve into every character's backstory, focus on highlighting the main character's journey, growth, and motivations. Show how they evolve throughout the story and overcome challenges. Including a few well-chosen details about supporting characters can also help add depth to your synopsis.

5. Put Character Names in Bold: The first time you mention a character in the synopsis, highlight their name in bold (though not subsequent times). The same goes for important place names or anything else significant to the plot, e.g., if they use a magic weapon that has a special name.

6. Synopses should be written in third-person, present tense.

Don'ts:

1. Avoid Cliffhangers: A synopsis should provide a resolution or sense of closure. While it's essential to leave some room for intrigue, avoid ending your synopsis with unresolved plot threads or unanswered questions. Agents and publishers want to see that your story has a satisfying resolution.

2. Don't Overshare or Spoil: While it's important to include major plot points, be cautious about revealing every twist and turn in your story. Maintain a delicate balance between providing enough information to generate interest and leaving room for readers to experience the surprises and revelations of your novel firsthand.

3. Steer Clear of Excessive Detail: Resist the temptation to delve into minute details or subplots that don't significantly impact the central storyline. Focus on the core narrative and the major plot points that drive the story forward. Keep the spotlight on the main conflict and its resolution.

4. Avoid Editorializing or Personal Opinions: A synopsis is a factual summary of your story, not a platform for personal commentary. Stick to objective descriptions and avoid inserting your own subjective opinions about the quality or significance of your work.

Conclusion:

Crafting a compelling synopsis requires a delicate balance of brevity, clarity, and intrigue. By following these dos and don'ts, you can create a synopsis that showcases the essence of your story, entices literary agents and publishers, and piques the curiosity of potential readers. Remember, a well-written synopsis is a powerful tool that can open doors to exciting opportunities, so invest time and effort into perfecting this weird and wonderful part of the publishing process!