We're excited to announce that Cornerstones Literary Consultancy have agreed to hold an online masterclass in the art of writing the perfect novel synopsis and opening 5 pages.

We've created a new group specially for this - http://www.writewords.org.uk/groups/151.asp

So sign up to the group and post your sample by 28 January 9am.

On 29 January, Helen Corner, director, and Kathryn Robinson, managing editor of Cornerstones, will select and critique 3 synopses/first 5 pages. As literary talent scouts, they know what works- and what doesn't, so don't miss this fantastic opportunity! Helen asks for the synopsis to be single-spaced, present tense, referencing the genre and word length. Any genre, including children's fiction.

They will be reading work on Thursday 28, and posting their responses on Friday 29th January.

Sounds fun, David.

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I'll post a link in the S&O Group.

What a fantastic idea. Well done for organising this.

Colin M

Great idea - thanks!

What a fantastic coup! Although I don't write novels I would still like to voice my appreciation of this new departure for WW! Thanks, David!

Great idea!

Sheila

Excellent idea. I have signed up.

Best

Prosp

Just to add, Helen Corner says aim for one page for the synopsis, but def no more than 2.

Sorry if this is a very silly question, but how many words go on one single-spaced page?

Sheila

Great idea - I'm off to sign up...Forbes

Sheila, I always think of it being 300 words approx, but I may be wrong?

I think you're thinking double spaced, Anna. I checked it out with a wodge of text and it was around 600 words, single spaced, to a page.

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Although, when you're leaving room for the title and paragraph breaks, etc, then it's probably safer to think of 500 words per page, and 1000 max.

Wow! It would mean leaving a lot out to get it down to 300.

Sheila

Ah! The Black Art of Precis. As practised by the Flash Fraternity

Best

Prosp

Now I'm confused. The synopsis is to be single spaced, so it's roughly 500-600 words, is that right?

But are the first five pages double or single? Do they want 1 500 words or 3 000? Sorry to be such a numpty but I'm getting the CWA sub ready and don't know whether to post it in its entirety or cut it by 50% for this.