Book Article (Craft)
Life’s a B*tch, Then You Have to Write A Synopsis: The 3 Most Important Things To Know About Writing A Synopsis
This is probably the gazillionth article you’ve read on how to write a synopsis and you’re still scratching your head muttering, “I don’t get it.” Well, Mr. or Ms. Writer, two things: One, you’re not alone. Two, I can help. The first thing to know about a synopsis is that it is your sales presentation to the agent or editor. It’s just that simple. You give the editor or agent enough information to make them say yes to your book. Keep it simple, keep them reading to the end, and make them reach for the phone with your name on their lips and your story in their mind, knowing they won’t rest until they’ve secured you as their author!
Surely, you say, it can’t be that simple. Well, yes and no. It is that simple, but you must know the second most important thing is what and how much of your story to tell in order to create a killer synopsis. Obviously, there are several key points to include:
The Hook. Write an opening paragraph that can also be used as a blurb for your book. Get the 5 W’s in it—who, what, when, where and why—while creating just the right tone and mood for the reader. They will drool for more.
The Characters. Let the reader meet your characters through their goals, motivations and conflicts rather than their hair color, distinguishing marks and body type. Show the reader who your characters are and they’ll fill in the rest to their satisfaction. Give them just enough to want more.
The Body. The body of the synopsis is actually the high points of your plot. Be sure to include the story problem, the obstacles/conflict, the darkest moment and the resolution of the story problem—in chronological order. This is not the time to skip happily around in your story. Just give the reader the truth and nothing but, in the order in which it happened. They will love you for it!
The Satisfying Ending. This is where you tie up the loose ends. All problems have been resolved, so we want to see how the story ends. Realize that “satisfying ending” doesn’t mean “happy ever after ending,” it means the right ending for your story. If your story is a romance, then a “happily ever after” ending is a must. Not so for a horror story, or a science fiction drama, or even a commercial fiction novel. This is not the time to go for shock value—this is the time to serve the dessert course of your literary feast. Imagine having a fantabulous meal with the most perfect wine, only to discover dessert was peanut butter on crackers. Now don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with PB on crackers, but it can’t replace a decadent chocolate cheese cake with caramel sauce. Just sayin’…
We’re almost done, we’ve reached the final most important thing to know about writing a synopsis—edit. I know you didn’t think you were going to get through a writing project without the dreaded “E” word appearing! Polish your synopsis until it’s so vibrant, clear and strong that every editor and agent will want to use it as the “right way” example in their synopsis workshops!
So, Mr. or Ms. Writer, that’s my take on synopses. Now it’s time for you to do your job and create a synopsis that will make your boss look good—after all, your future boss could be the next editor that reads your new, scintillating synopsis!