The Dreaded Synopsis

If you plan on submitting your work to an agent or publisher, you’ll need to have this written. Even though some agents don’t require this upfront, they may request it along the way. So don’t go thinking you can get away with not writing it! Sorry, the synopsis is pretty much mandatory.

Well, now that you’ve officially accepted the fact, maybe it’s high time we move onto the how instead of the why. Writing a synopsis doesn’t have to be that horrible. First, let’s start with some sure-fire tips. Then, we will go step by step till you’ve got that nasty synopsis written and over with it. You’ve got this!

Requirements for the Standard Synopsis:

**There is another synopsis referred to as the long synopsis. We’re only addressing the short, standard synopsis here.

1. 500 to 1000 words, usually 2 pages, single-spaced maximum
2. 3 characters – protagonist, antagonist, and love interest or sidekick
3. Must be written in 3rd person
4. Requires a resolution. This isn’t a hook. It’s literally a condensed version of your story.
5. Keep it professional, including grammatical precision
6. Think of a synopsis like a cake. That’s right, people, a cake! We need to build it layer by layer till it tastes so sweet.

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Cake Layer 1 of the Synopsis

First, let’s take your premise statement. I talk about writing a pitch for Twitter pitch contests here if you need extra insight. Also, feel free to grab one of my guided novel worksheets (see link below) to really help you get your premise/pitch perfect. Once you’ve got that premise statement, you want to place it in front of you to use this as a guide. We’re going to take this BIG idea and break it down slowly. Consider this as the foundation.

Cake Layer 2 of the Synopsis

(For those who’ve already written their novel)

If you’ve already written your novel, I recently heard a fascinating suggestion to guide your plot, and I feel it’s applicable to guiding your synopsis as well. If you can, print your manuscript (WOW, that’s a ton of paper) but if you can’t, no worries. Regardless, grab a highlighter (either physical or on your computer) and highlight one sentence per chapter that encompasses the plot for that section. I understand this is not easy. But I really believe it is necessary.

The beauty of this little trick is it really helps breakdown the plot structure for your story. If you can’t find a sentence in a chapter or notice the rest of the chapter doesn’t line up with that specific plot beat then perhaps you’ve got some deleting or revising to do. Everything should be centered around these plot beats. (Of course, we all have side plots but in general, everything reverts back to the major plot.) Regardless, this is a neat trick and can really help when writing your synopsis.

Those highlighted sentences create the plot layer of your synopsis. You may need to pick and choose the best ones or the most vital if your synopsis gets too long.

Cake Layer 2 of the Synopsis

(If you’re pre-writing your synopsis)

Remember, those handy dandy plot points I discuss in video #3 of my special Youtube E-course series? (No, be sure to get access by signing up here) In a brief overview, I talk about setup, inciting incident, 1st plot point, midpoint, 3rd plot point, climax, and resolution. Go through these 7 points, writing a sentence or two for each. This will really simplify the synopsis writing process and give your story a true and proper arc.

Those sentences creates the plot layer of your synopsis.

Cake Layer 3 of the Synopsis

So, regardless of which step you used, you’re now ready for one of the more important ones. You’ve got the plot pretty laid out but what about your characters? Those guys and girls are pretty important to your story and should be added accordingly. Agents want to know the plot beats, sure. But most importantly, they need to feel the story, and what better way to feel it than by layering those characters into your story. We need to CARE about them. Show their desires, their hearts, their needs, their problems. Layer it in thick. If need be, check out this post about character development.

But don’t overdo it. Remember, that synopsis only requires three characters: the protagonist, the antagonist, and the love interest or sidekick. For the main character it’s vital you show their character arc alongside the plot arc. If character arc is missing in your story, it’s yet another sign of revision work needed.

Anyone else noticing how writing a synopsis reveals revision work in a not-so-fun way. (*pouty lips as I revise, then happy face when I see my revisions are fire)

Cake Layer 4 of the Synopsis

Lastly, layer a bit of thematic work in there. As a warning, don’t talk about your story. Instead, figure out your theme, which the majority of books have, and be sure you mention it within the confines of your story. For example, don’t come @ the agents like “my theme is blah blah blah” because that’s unnatural and can be very jarring. Your synopsis should be a lyrical condensed telling of your story, not a thesis paper.

The FROSTING for the Synopsis

So, by now you’ve created this wonderful synopsis as good as any cake out there. Molten Lava? Heath bar? Rum? Strawberry? (Too many yummy cakes to choose from.) Still, you’re not quite done. Before you submit that bad boy to curious agents, be sure to EDIT. EDIT. EDIT. Then edit some more. Think of the editing process like frosting a cake. You wouldn’t bring a cake to a party without it. Don’t submit any of your work, synopsis included, without editing. Go through the list below at least twice to ensure maximum frosting coverage.

• Check grammar
• Look at sentence continuity and flow
• Revise plot and character arcs as necessary
• Be sure it’s in 3rd person, present tense
• Have your betas and/or critique partners read it, especially if they’re familiar with your actual novel.
• Check grammar again. I can’t tell you how much people miss in a first pass.

In the End

So you’ve done it. You’ve layered in all the important elements. And you’ve added the frosting. Yes, I know it’s not the easiest or the most fun element of writing. But it is important nonetheless. If you have any questions, please ask in the comments and I’ll do my best to get back to you. When you’ve finished and your synopsis is ready to go, post below with a “MY SYNOPSIS IS CAKE!” comment so we can celebrate with you.

HAPPY WRITING!

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