by Melissa Corliss DeLorenzo
Photo by Gözde Otman
This week, faced with the daunting task of writing a novel synopsis for a writing contest, I consulted that authoritative resource: the Internet. Turns out, on this one, not so reliable. Certainly not straightforward. And not at all particularly clear. Who knew, but there doesn’t appear to be a consensus on the elements of and rules about a novel synopsis. Single-spaced, double-spaced, one page or eight, full plot, character names in all CAPS… what?
The most useful information I found came from Nathan Bransford. According to Nathan, there are two crucial elements to a synopsis: it should cover the major plot points and characters, and it should make the story come alive. A synopsis is not a bare bones plot summary—the goal is to capture the emotions that drive the novel as you go through the sequence of events. It should be inspiring and enthusiastic—tap into the passion you have for your work and express the spirit of the novel. The plot is important, but what you need to capture is that which makes the book interesting, exciting and different.
How to achieve this? I read through a lot of material, distinguished the commonalities and gleaned the best advice. Here’s the process I used to write mine:
To start, read through your novel and jot down some notes.
What are the main themes of the novel?
What is the main conflict of your primary character(s)?
Who is your main character(s) before the conflict? And after?
What is the resolution?
From these notes, write an outline of the novel.
Start at the beginning and write a summary of plot and character arcs, plot point after plot point. Be sure to note recurring themes.
Using your outline as a guide, write a fluid narrative.
Describe the story, the main characters, the setting and the themes, the climax and the resolution. Three mistakes to avoid: Don’t make a laundry list of plot points. Don’t withhold crucial information. Don’t include confusing details—explain simply what everything means.
Finally, polish it up.
Make sure the writing is tight and crisp and whittled-down to the essence of your characters, plot and themes. And make sure it’s compelling. If someone read this synopsis, they would have to read your book—that’s the tone you are seeking.
One detail I did note repeatedly was to write the synopsis in present tense, whether or not the novel is written in the same tense. This makes sense as it creates a greater urgency and helps push the story forward.
An important point: while there appears to be no one absolute way to write a synopsis, it is crucial to follow the submission guidelines of any given contest or agent. Often, their requirements are clearly stated, so be sure to follow them to the letter. Single-spaced or double, the requested number of pages, where they want or do not want your name to appear. If no guidelines are provided, I think the best practice is to be clear, concise and error-free. Make sure your name and contact information and the title of your novel are clearly at the top and go from there, again, being sure that the synopsis is error-free.
An interesting and useful side effect of this exercise: I better understand my novel now. I am beginning to feel its substance, its core, its bones. This is a novel-in-progress, so it’s not yet completed. Although difficult, this process has provided me with a clearer vision of where it needs to go to see it through to its end.
Do you have any synopsis writing advice to share?
About Melissa Corliss Delorenzo
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I’m glad this was of help. It is – at least as far as I am concerned – much more difficult to write a synopsis than the writing of the novel in the first place! My hope: as with all things, it will prove easier with practice.
This is a good article. I am writing a book on Slavery in Africa. I thought a synopsis was a summary of the novel but this article has educated me. Now I am looking for how I can market my Novel on twitter.
Thank you.
Thanks for excellent, concise, spot-on advice about writing a synopsis of your novel–a difficult, sometimes painful, but always valuable (in fact, usually invaluable) process. As you point out, it’s not just for marketing and contest entries. Writing a synopsis teaches the writer what her book is about.