my synopsis handout from today
WRITE THAT SYNOPSIS
Check your target agent/publisher’s site and follow their
directions. They’re looking for reasons to reject you. Do they prefer a
mini-outline or a quick summary (e.g. back-cover copy with spoilers)?
EVERY SYNOPSIS SHOULD CONTAIN:
-
information about the plot, the core conflict and the characters’ GMC. (see
other sheet for definition)
- word count and genre (usually in first
sentence)
- The title, your name, and contact info on
every page.
COMMON ERRORS
- Too much emphasis on first 3 chapters. (An
editor says, “I can tell when it’s based on a partial. That’s fine for authors
I know and trust, but not for new authors.)
- Hit main points and avoid unnecessary detail. Ask yourself is this fact or scene necessary
to understand the characters or plot of my book?
BEFORE YOU SEND, SHOW
IT TO SOMEONE WHO HASN’T READ YOUR BOOK:
Ask your victim beta-reader:
- 25 words or so, what is this
story about?
- Can you describe the
characters’ GMC?
- Can you tell me about the core conflict?
Their answers will help you write cover copy and the tag-line
QUOTES FROM
EDITORS:
(Samhain, Harlequin, Harper-Collins,
Simon and Schuster, Kensington—and an agent)
Agent: Hates questions posed in synopses. State the facts
simply and straightforward. Save the “will he overcome his hatred of vampires?”
for the back cover copy.
Editor: If you ask questions, just be sure to answer them.
It’s not my favorite format but I’ll tolerate it.
Editor: In romance, the emphasis should be on the romance. I
want to see how the hero and heroine grow and change because of love and how
the external and internal conflicts are resolved.
Editor: Don't hide the ending or
leave me hanging--I don't want to be surprised… Don’t worry about your style,
just tell story. I don’t read them for style, just to find out if there’s
enough tension for an entire book.
Editor: I don’t like excerpts in
synopses instead of telling plot details. Seems like author can't be bothered. I also hate synopses that
switch from past to present tense.
Editor: get rid of subplots and
secondary characters’ names.
Editor: If you’re writing a romance, don’t forget the
development of the romance. It’s the core of the book. If you’re writing an
erotic novel, don’t forget to include what sort of sex they have and when.
Sometimes I see synopses of erotic novels and no sex is even mentioned, just
plot points—when the sex is supposed to be integral to the plot.
Remember the synopsis is your friend! You can nail plot
holes and weak conflict by crafting one. If you’re having too much trouble with
a synopsis, maybe there are deeper troubles with the book. Let your synopsis help
you become a better plotter.
For more help, check out:
Bob Mayer (go watch him here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmF3Zr3L2tI
)
Kate, I liked your synopsis handout. You included pretty much some advice for every writer. I have never considered the author reviewing her synopsis can lead to finding weak points in the plot and fixing them.
ReplyDeleteBetsy Borchardt
Kate, thanks for sharing. You make it sound so easy.
ReplyDeleteGail C.