writing a synapsis - Writers Forum

CaptainFreedom · 12-30-2006, 09:09 PM

Hi everybody,

I've finished writing my first novel, but I'm having trouble getting the whole outline of the plot crammed into a synapsis for querying an agent. I managed to fit it on two single-spaced pages, but after looking at it a couple of weeks later, I think it stinks.

Do all synapsises read like they're rushed and bordering on incoherent? Mine reads like prose that a crazy person would write, but all of the information is there in an organized format.

If somebody could post one of their old ones from something that's been published already, that would be helpful.

Thanks in advance.

CF

M. L. Doyle · 12-31-2006, 08:18 AM

Think of your synopsis like a book jacket only one that gives away the ending. What you're trying to demonstrate is that your story has a beginning, middle and end, that your characters grow or change from their experience and that your ending makes sense. Try not to get bogged down in each of your plot twists. In a two to three page synopsis, you should concentrate on the major plot points, your major characters and how it all comes together in the end.

Looking at someone elses synopsis probably won't help you much, and since a synopsis basicaly reveals someones entire novel, its a lot to ask for them to share it here.

CaptainFreedom · 12-31-2006, 11:42 AM

Yea, I know it's alot to ask for. That's why I was asking for something that's already been published. That way the person who posts it won't have to worry about somebody stealing the idea.

My problem is that the ending doesn't make sense unless the details are in the synapsis, but in order to keep it under two pages there's not very much room for the tone or style of the book to come through. The synapsis reads nothing like the book.

CF

mammamaia · 12-31-2006, 01:11 PM

first of all, you need to get the spelling right, if you want agents/editors to take you seriously... it's 'synopsis' for the singular and 'synopses' for the plural... 'synapse' is a neurological term...

Quote:

Do all synapsises read like they're rushed and bordering on incoherent?

they certainly shouldn't!...

Quote:

Mine reads like prose that a crazy person would write, but all of the information is there in an organized format.

then, it's not going to impress agents or editors... you must demonstrate that you can write well and compellingly, if you want them to be interested enough to request the ms...

i can send you a synopsis for a screenplay, which is basically no different from that for a novel... email me and i'll forward it...

hugs, maia
maia3maia@hotmail.com

M. L. Doyle · 12-31-2006, 01:14 PM

I don't have a publisher but I have an agent now who is trying to sell the book. I sent her a three page synopsis, query letter and first five pages of the novel, per her submission guidelines on her website. She then asked for more pages, then the entire manuscript before agreeing to represent me.

Remember your synopsis isn't the only thing selling your work. You query letter and hopefully a few pages of the book will help you do that.

My synopsis doesn't match the tone or mood of my book either. I tried to add some suspense, show some of my characters pluck, and paint some of the tension between characters..but it is tough to do all of that in a couple of pages, AND tell the major plot points.

I wouldn't worry too much about setting a mood or painting your characters. Your actual pages will do that. Just let them know you have a great ending to match your great beginning and interesting stuff in between.