Soob
Mockingbird
Registered: 11-2011
Posts: 439
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Tips for writing a synopsis
These are the guidelines for the 500 word synopsis required for the Scottish Writers Award I mentioned in my previous post. Thought I would share them here in case anyone else dropping in finds them useful.
Taken from:Tips for writing a synopsis
Remember that a synopsis is just as valuable a sample of your writing as a novel extract. Make sure it is well written and tightly crafted. Check it over for spelling and grammar mistakes before sending it off.
The following general guidelines are meant to help you to write your synopsis but don’t forget to check the websites of individual agencies and publishers for more specific instructions.
The synopsis should be written in the present tense and in the same style as the novel e.g. humorous, suspense filled. Please bear in mind though that the tone should remain professional and not come across as gimmicky.
The opening paragraph should hook the reader and subsequent paragraphs should flow in a logical order. Feel free to include dialogue or quotes from the novel to give a sense of tone or emotion.
Include the following information:
The title of the book, even if it is a working title.
Where and when the novel is set and what themes are explored.
Who the main characters are, what their goals are and what stands in their way. The first time a character appears in the synopsis, their name should be written in capitals.
What major events and conflicts occur in the novel and how these are resolved.
How the novel ends. This is particularly important because agents and publishers want to see that you know how to conclude your novel. Even if there is a twist ending to your novel, you should still mention it in the synopsis. Don’t worry about spoiling the surprise.
Distilling the contents of your novel into a short summary is likely to be hard work but it is a very useful exercise. Writing a synopsis of your novel will enable you to identify strengths and weaknesses in your plot and characterisation and will help you to stay focused if you have to do any rewriting or redrafting.
--- Sue
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An apple a day will keep anyone away if thrown hard enough.
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6/24/2013, 4:57 pm
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KittyF
Heron
Registered: 12-2011
Posts: 1261
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Re: Tips for writing a synopsis
Now, if I were a novel writer....
How're you doing with yours, Sue? You're writing one, right?
*_*
--- Anyone who likes cats can't be all bad.
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6/25/2013, 6:28 pm
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Soob
Mockingbird
Registered: 11-2011
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Re: Tips for writing a synopsis
Yes, but very slowly. Work, studying, children and lack if writing discipline always seem to get in the way. I don't know how Jena does it!
--- Sue
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An apple a day will keep anyone away if thrown hard enough.
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6/26/2013, 3:08 am
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Jena Grace
Den Mother
Registered: 08-2006
Posts: 505
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Re: Tips for writing a synopsis
Jena's not doing it so hot lately lol.
I decided to try to sell a novel on a proposal. My synopsis sucked so bad my agent and I went back and forth with it literally for MONTHS. Now that she's pleased with it (yay!) it bears little resemblance to the sample chapters I had ready.
Once again, I'm rewriting....... But it's keeping me out of trouble.
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6/28/2013, 11:24 am
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ChunkyC
Heron
Registered: 11-2011
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Re: Tips for writing a synopsis
I've managed to complete a few as-yet un(and probably never-to-be)published novels, which is truly hard work, yet I find synopsis writing even more difficult. Those tips are great, thanks for posting, Soob.
--- "The first five days after the weekend are the toughest." - A. Nonny Mousse
http://floodsweattears.blogspot.ca/
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6/29/2013, 11:19 am
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