Initially I wasnt sure where this message should be posted but I opted for here as I beleive it to be a technical issue.

When writing a synopsis for a submission I was wondering about the following:

1. How long is too long. (I understand that the prefered Maximum is one page but does that mean write one page or does that mean write one paragraph?

2. What should be included? Is the goal of the synopsis merely to act as a teaser or should you tell the reader exactly where the story ends?

I figure that in many ways the synopsis is your maker/breaker so I figure I need to get this right before I go any further. Any response appreciated

Courtney,

I'm afraid there's no simple answer to this one. I've spoken to a lot of editors and agents about synopses, and they tend to want different things. The best approach is to find out first - check their handbook/internet entries, or simply phone and ask.

In general, there are two types of synopses that get asked for. Some people like a one-page, double-spaced job. Obviously, this will be a very brief overview of your book, and is really you saying, "This book is about ... ". Others like a 4-6 page synopsis that gives a scene-by-scene breakdown of the story.

I usually do both kinds and adapt them to whatever the editor/agent wants specifically. In both cases, you obviously want to make the book sound exciting but you shouldn't do this by adding material that isn't actually in the book; highlighting elements of the story that aren't highlighted in the book; or leaving the synopsis on a cliff-hanger, i.e. not saying how the book actually ends. I've heard one agent say she actually likes a cliff-hanger, but the vast majority want to know how you tie up the story. This isn't just so they know what happens, it's to see if you have the skill and thought to end the story effectively. However, there's nothing wrong with saying that you are open to editorial ideas, e.g. the book could be ended like this or like that, etc - but it's probably best to say this in the covering letter, not in the actual synopsis.

To recap: the one page synopsis gives the broad scope of the story and what it's about; the 4-6 page version gives the storyline without emphasising one scene over another (although you should of course try to make it all sound interesting). And always write in the present tense.

Finally, I'm not so sure your synopsis is the maker/breaker. Most editors will go on your actual writing, i.e. you need to make the first paragraph of your story absolutely riveting, and the first page, and the first chapter.


Terry

This is great advice thanks alot. They have asked for a one page synopsis, I am torn between a cliff hanger ending and spilling the beans but I think that as I am still an unknown entity then maybe I need to let them know that I can wrap it up.

Its really hard trying to squeeze everything into just a page, especially when its double spaced. I wrote the same line about twenty ways last night trying to stop it spilling over to a second page.

Cheers,

Courtney

Courtney,

I think you’ll find that most agents/editors will be happy to accept 1.5 spacing. And check your font. Some take up more space on the page than others. I always use verdana 10 point. It’s a very clear font and easy to read at this size.

And I would definitely avoid a cliff-hanger, if I were you.

Good luck.

Dee


<Added>

or you could try tweaking your margins VERY slightly... it can make a big difference sometimes.

I used to try to edit my synopsises down to a single page. With my last pitch I found that I just couldn't do it, it was selling the story short. Even if I had single sentenced bullet points covering only the essential plot changes, I still ended up going into a third page.

If you need more than one page, then use as many as it takes. The important thing about a synopsis is to avoid waffle. Tell the story by the facts alone: bang, bang bang. Have lots of space, use double spaced lines just like your script. The agent is only really going to look at the synopsis if they like the first page or two of your actual script. If they are that interested then they may well keep reading through three or four pages - just so long as it isn't a story in it's own right.

Pitch the story in your letter. Be brief!
Grab the attention of the reader with your opening page of script. If you can do it with your first sentence, even better.
Explain the mechanics and solution in the synopsis. Treat this as a technical report. Be a robot.

Colin M

Dee, you're very sneaky... good practical advice, thanks!

Colin, the agent has specifically requested no more than one page for the synopsis. I think this is because I am an unknown and one of a dozen submissions they will receive in the same day so they only want a bite. Its a bit like taking my wife to dinner: She wont order a pudding but she'll take a bite of mine... if she likes it then she'll eat the whole thing and forget about the calories

Courtney,

Divorce your wife and marry the agent!

Len

Have you never seen Anthony Goths photo?!??!? Hey, I may want to get published but there are limits!! Anyway, If I divorce the wife I lose the inspiration - then whats the point of having an agent??