When writers are asked to pen a synopsis of their novel, their immediate reaction is to crumple into a heap on the floor and start wailing.

‘Not a synopsis! No please, not that! Anything but that!’

Why is there such a strong protest to a task that surely is much simpler than writing a novel?

The answer from the exhausted writer who has just typed ‘The End’ is simple.

‘How can I possibly sum up my 50,000 word novel into 500 words, or less?’

But is it really that difficult? And what are some of the blocks to getting that synopsis down?

Um….exactly what is a synopsis?

This is the sticking point. Many writers aren’t really sure what a synopsis is, and what it isn’t.

Here’s a handy tip. A synopsis is not a blurb.

A blurb is the enticing paragraph or two on the back of a book that makes you want to buy it. It throws out hooks and keeps you guessing. It never tells you what happens in the end. If it did, you wouldn’t buy it!

A synopsis does tell you how the book ends.

Remember, a synopsis is for the editor’s eye, not the reader’s, so you’re not giving away your story to prospective buyers.

Okay, so what’s in a Synopsis?

The point of a synopsis is to show the editor assessing your manuscript

• that you can write;
• the tone of the story;
• that you have a strong plot; and
• that your ending is satisfying.

Let’s look at these points in more detail.

Showing the editor that you can write

The beauty of the synopsis is that it demonstrates your talent as a writer. You’ve summed up your often lengthy story in just a few paragraphs. It forces you to write tightly, to use strong verbs and active sentences.

Showing the tone of the story

Reading the synopsis is like reading your book. It’s written in the same tone. So if you’ve written a humorous story, write the synopsis in the same vein. It gives the editor a feel for your work.

And if it’s a story for younger readers, don’t use long sentences or language that is outside this age group. Remember, this is a sample of the writing in your book.

Showing the editor you have a strong plot

A plot consists of the obstacles a main character has to overcome to reach his/her goal. In books for younger readers, you’d have only one plot. In books for older readers, you could have a sub-plot.

What you need to include in your synopsis is the obstacles your main character is tackkling, how the stakes keep geting raised – which might affect your main character’s goals – and what the final biggest challenge is for your hero or heroin. By doing this, you’ve demonstrated that your story is page-turning.

Showing the editor that your ending is satisfying

Don’t you hate it when you get to the end of a gripping book and it just fizzles out, or the conclusion is based on coincidence?

Unlike a blurb, the synopsis must tell the editor how your story ends. No-one wants a weak ending!

The Guts of a Synopsis is…

How does a synopsis look? Let’s sum it up in a few points:

• start by introducing your main character – who is she/he, what is the point of conflict, why is it important, what does she/he want to do about it, and how? (This would be your first paragraph.)
• your plot – who or what gets in her/his way and how does this affect goals and actions? (This is the bulk of your synopsis.)
• what is the final challenge? and
• the ending – what does your main character do and how is the situation resolved?

One More Thing

Write your synopsis in the present tense. It’s much more effective. The reader is standing alongside your hero or heroin as the plot unfolds.

And The Best Bit

Okay, confession time, so I groaned when I had to write a synopsis of my young adult novel. But boy am I glad I’ve done it!

By summarising my approximately 50,000 word novel, (I haven’t finished it yet), I’ve given myself a quick check summary of the plot that I can refer to whenever I want.

It also helped me to firm up my plot, which was really exciting. Of course, I’d done a working synopsis when I started writing, but a proper synopsis – one that will hopefully catch an editor’s eye – forces you to really polish up your story structure and ideas.

So don’t shy away from the task of getting your synopsis down. See it as a writing exercise with many benefits.