Hi all. I'm about to send my work to agent numero uno in an attempt to be represented in the harsh world of being a novelist.

Without copmlicating the matter, I need free and simple(!) instructions on how to construct a synopsis from scratch. An idiot's guide, if you will.

I've read that a synopsis should be around 10 double spaced sides. The story I'm hoping to send in is 113,000 words and features around 11 characters. I'm a little concerned that it will be difficult to truly represent the story and that...well...it'll be shite. I'm happy with the manuscript, not so happy I can summerise the whole thing in a couple of pages.

Please help!

(I've seen a fella on here with information on this subject but have managed to lose him again. Answer, Answer...where for art thou, Answer...)

Hi bigAL

I don't really know any generic rules for writing a synopsis. Someone else will chip in for sure. But one synopsis I wrote (for a book that's being published by a mainstream publisher some time next year - yes, the contract is signed, I aint hallucinatin' had everyone in confusion. Mainly because I included a lot of BACKSTORY/CONTEXT, stuff that was 'between the lines' or 'subtext' if you like. One piece of the book that went on for 40 pages, I summarised in 3 lines. My agent and the publisher the agent pitched to, both had problems working out what the **** certain nuances of the plot were. But my synopsis came in at 1401 words, 7 pages. Too long, I'd say. Keep it short, almost like a 'pitch'. This syn was on a book of 70,000 words. Good luck.

Joe

<Added>

how the **** did that emoticon get in my post? Oh God, should have kept off the 'shrooms!

Joe

I'd keep a synopsis down to two sides, double-spaced. Give the basics of the plot, but make it readable--so no "and then he said, and then she said". Put in a brief introductory paragraph about the book; and at the end, a nice little conclusion para, too. Don't put in anywhere that your book is a potential best-seller, or that it will knock Dan Brown off the top of the lists, or anything like that. Even if your book or writing style is genuinely similar to another published title, don't point that out. Let the agent suggest it to you first.

I would also send in a one-page CV, along with your submission letter.

I found Carol Blake's "From Pitch to Publication" an excellent book: she gives quite different advice to mine, but it's a fascinating read, just the same.

Hi,

There is a synopsis writers group and there has been previous threads talking about it. I'd suggest you look at the forums in the synopsis group and also do a site search under 'synopsis'.

Cath

Hi to all. Thank you very much, I'm now that little bit wiser (always a good thing) and have headed on over to the synopsis group with an idea of what i should aim for.

It's so easy - especially with such a solo approach to writing - to believe one is alone. Thanks for making me feel that little more supported.

And I would've posted earlier but this second is the first my internet connection has allowed. To think they called it progress... (lol)


*Finishes semi-Oscar speach, most topical at the moment, wiping eyes with silk tissue...*

bigAl,

Dee has recently posted the synopsis for her latest novel. It would be well worth having a look.

Harry

Hi bigAL,
Why not join the synopsis & outline group and post your synop in there? Also, have a trail through the forums because it's a subject that has been discussed before.

Good luck
Elspeth

this is a really good resource for synopsis writing, it's mainly for romance writers but it has loads of tips that apply to everything.

http://www.geocities.com/charlottedillon2000/synopsis.html