How To Write A Novel Synopsis
What is a synopsis and why is it important?
A synopsis is an integral component of a query letter or submission pack that writers send out to publishers or agents. The aim of a synopsis is to provide a summary of the story covering the beginning, middle and end. An effective synopsis should include:
An overview of the central plot
Key subplots
Character descriptions
A summary of the main themes
It is important to note that despite the synopsis playing a crucial role in creating the right impression of your novel, it shouldn’t be salesy or overly promotional in its style.
Your synopsis is essential because it provides agents and publishers with insight into how your novel unfolds. Remember that acquiring agent representation, or persuading a publisher to publish your book, is a process. And the synopsis is a key part of this process. When an agent or publisher’s interest is piqued by a taste of your writing style, the synopsis enables them to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your plot in a matter of minutes.
Given that most agents and publishers are inundated with manuscript submissions, affording them such speedy and efficient insight into your novel plays a fundamental part in persuading them to represent you or publish your book. The synopsis is your opportunity to communicate the power of your novel’s narrative arc in just a few hundred words. How well you achieve this is instrumental.
A simple step-by-step guide to writing a novel synopsis
To write a compelling, comprehensive novel synopsis, follow three basic steps: write a simple overview, create an outline, then flesh out the details.
1. Your overview
Your overview should cover the main points of the story, including:
The setting or environment
How the main characters come to the fore
How you use mystery, intrigue, suspense or conflict to develop the story
The most interesting and unique thing about your novel
2. Your outline
Your outline should briefly outline the beginning, middle, and end of your manuscript.
The Beginning. Introduce the protagonist, the world they inhabit and the conflict that underpins the story.
The Middle. Summarise the main plot and the most important subplots, providing information about other important characters. For example, the villain of the piece or the main character’s love interest.
The End. Provide a description of how the main conflicts are settled and how the novel ends.
3. Flesh out the details
Finally, weave in additional information to provide depth to your synopsis. Doing so should establish a framework or skeleton, which describes what happens in detail and provides answers to important questions. Layering in the details of your plot should not only serve an informative purpose, but also an emotional one. This is your opportunity to inject emotion and trigger a reaction in the agent or publisher that drives a desire for more.
Best Practice Guidelines
What agents and publishers ask for or expect from a submission will vary, but it is beneficial to consider good practice guidelines when writing a synopsis.
Check the word count. In most cases, the expected word count is around 500 words.
Present your synopsis professionally. Be sure to triple-check grammar and spelling before submission.
Introduce your characters. Use capital letters or bold the names of important characters the first time you mention them, and provide a brief description of them.
Make the USP/elevator sales pitch clear. Consider this your one-line pitch, that cuts to the core of your novel. An example of an elevator pitch for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, might be: “A meek Hobbit and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the One Ring and the Dark Lord Sauron.”
Convey your voice. Your synopsis is an extension of your writing style, so ensure that it is aligned with your unique voice.
Reveal all. A synopsis, unlike the blurb written on the back of a book, shouldn’t hold back on important details. While blurbs should hold back certain plot points, to maintain a sense of mystery and compel intrigue, a synopsis should reveal all.
Write in the third person.
Write in the present tense.
Write succinctly.
Writing a Great Synopsis is an Art Form
For many novel-writers, writing in short-form can feel unnatural. After spending months or even years writing your book, condensing it into a single page can feel daunting. Don’t worry if it doesn’t come easily to you. Take your time, run it by friends and family, and continue iterating until you feel its as strong as it can be.
If you’re looking for support writing your novel, check out our editorial services. Our writing mentorship programmes provide ongoing, expert advice from your first draft to your last.