Synopses are an important part of the traditional publishing process, as many agents and publishers will ask to see one before they decide whether they want to represent or buy the book. But many authors are confused about how to structure a synopsis. But, fear not; writing a synopsis is actually relatively easy.
What Is a Synopsis?
A synopsis is a piece of copy that you send to agents and publishers that outlines your novel’s plot. Agents and publishers use synopses to determine whether they feel your novel fits with their catalogue and whether they will be able to sell it. Your synopsis should give a brief (1–2 pages) summary of the main plot points and the climax. See below for the best way to structure it.
How To Structure a Synopsis
Step 1: Start with your novel’s title
Put your title at the top of the page in the centre. If you have not decided on your title yet, you can put your working title at the top. It is usually best to say it is a working title.
Step 2: Write your name and genre
Underneath your title, write your name and genre. If your novel doesn’t fit neatly into one, you should put the best fit.
Step 3: Introduce your main character
Introduce your main character, their goal, the reason for that goal, the consequence of failure and the deadline to achieve this goal. You should describe your character using their name, a noun describing their status and an adjective describing their personality.
Step 4: Action and Obstacles
Write a paragraph about an action that the character takes to achieve the goal, an obstacle that gets in the way, and how they overcome this. You should introduce another important character here.
Step 5: Another Obstacle
Add another obstacle, and explain how the main character overthrows it. You can introduce another character here if needed.
Step 6: The Black Moment
Now comes your character’s black moment, where everything thing turns against the main character. You should show how different factors combine to overwhelm the main character and how despondent they feel. Then state what reviews their ambition.
Step 7: The Climax
This paragraph should describe the climax. You need to show how your character rallies and either defeats the antagonist or is defeated by the antagonist. Agents and publishers want and need to know this.
Step 8: The Resolution
You should show how your novel ends. Tell the agent or publisher how the main conflicts are resolved.
Step 9: Final Paragraph
Your final paragraph should state whether your novel is a standalone or part of a series. If you’re novel is part of a series, it might be worth writing a rough synopsis for each of the books in case the agent/publisher wants to see it.
Conclusion
Congratulations on writing the first draft of your synopsis. Now, you need to edit and revise until you are happy with it.
If you still need help with structuring your synopsis, I have a handy pdf that you can download and fill in. I also offer feedback on your synopsis if you’d like a second set of eyes.
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