Devon

Does anyone out there have a synopsis formula that has worked for them? In other words: Have you been able to write a clear and concise one to two page synopsis, regardless of whether you've sent it to someone or not?

I've been researching how to write a synopsis, but I've only come away with conflicting ideas and the notion that a synopsis is a necessary evil for a writer looking to be published. I don't mind having to write one, it's just driving me mad that I can't seem to find anything that works.

Condense, condense, condense. A synopsis has to be the most difficult thing for a new writer to attempt. Any help making it less painful would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Devon

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torn

Make sure your synopsis has all the feeling of your premise in it. Therefore if your story is about a cop who has to do something illegal to save somebodies life, you premise might be doing this right thing isnt always rewarded, you would try and make sure you synopsis still had the feelings attached to that premise in it.

When i plan my stories they usually start out like a synopsis, with the premise, themes and suspence ideas written down, giving even a couple of pages character development, but not yet fleshed out with details, locations, etc.

As far as writing a synopsis to impress id suggest looking through amazon at titles that are similar to yours and reading what theyhad in their synopsis.

rboy27

Generally, I stick to a formula like this:

Introduce main character -> Describe basic conflict (be vauge) -> Describe a major theme

For example:
John Stowers is a small town man with simple dreams as manager of a local convenience store. When his family life is torn apart by a criminal circle, John takes things into his own hands and sets out to avenge thier lost lives in this touching drama of love and redemption.

Yeah, I know, a pretty lame story idea, but it's just an example. Of course, you don't have to follow this method exactly, that would be really boring actually.

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CroZ

I think they have a decent synopsis example at the Bloomsbury site.

or you could try -
1 paragragh teaser
1 paragraph introduce character/s
1 paragraph intro/ what gets the story rolling
2/3 (whatever's needed) for the body
1 paragraph for events leading to ending
1 paragraph to wrap up

huxley

does any one have links to a site where there's many examples of synopsis.