The Short & Sweet of Writing a Synopsis
So, you’ve finished your novel and it’s time to write the synopsis.
Don’t freak out...here are some tips to help you wrangle this big task into one that is manageable.
STEP ONE Keep in mind that the purpose of your synopsis is to evaluate what happens in the three acts of your novel. Focus on the essential parts of your story’s plot. It’s ok to reveal everything that happens and also the ending, but be brief. Spoilers are ok here!
STEP TWO: The Three C’s.... Concise, Compelling, and Complete! (FYI- Your synopsis must have a beginning, middle, and end.)
STEP THREE: Keep it short and sweet... either 2-pages double-spaced, or one-page single-spaced. Just don’t make it 5 or 6 pages!
STEP FOUR: Style and voice are important, but it’s ok to be a little dry with your writing here. The most important thing is to use clean, lean language. Ask your editor to proofread & review it.
STEP FIVE: Don’t put the cart before the horse, as they say. Be sure to finish your manuscript before even attempting to write the synopsis.
