(How it can feel trying to cram your masterpiece into 2 pages or less.)
In preparation for my attendance of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference 2017, I have been polishing my book synopsis for my WWM manuscript. In order to create the best possible synopsis I have read many, many articles and it occurred to me this information might be helpful to others as well. So this week I am sharing with you 5 of the most helpful articles I found on writing the perfect book synopsis along with some of my favorites bits of advice from each:
Back to Basics: Writing a Novel Synopsis by Jane Friedman
“A good rule of thumb for determining what stays and what goes: If the ending wouldn’t make sense without the character or plot point being mentioned, then it belongs in the synopsis. If the character or plot point comes up repeatedly throughout the story, and increases the tension or complication each time, then it definitely belongs.”
Your Guide To An Effective Novel Synopsis by
“There are no hard and fast rules about the synopsis. In fact, there’s conflicting advice about the typical length of a synopsis. Most editors and agents agree, though: The shorter, the better.”
6 Steps for Writing a Book Synopsis by Marissa Meyer
“The first paragraph of the synopsis should give the same basic information you convey through the book’s first chapter: where and when does this story take place, who is the protagonist, and what problem are they facing right off the bat?”
How to Write a Synopsis of Your Novel by Glen C. Strathy
“The biggest mistake most people make when they try to write a synopsis for the first time is to create a bare bones plot summary … It is the emotional twists and turns that make a novel or a hockey game appealing.”
Novel Synopsis: How to Write a Synopsis for your Novel by Graeme Shimmin
“Another trick is to get a friend and sit down with a voice recorder. Then tell them the plot of your novel. Listen to the questions they ask. Transcribe the conversation and pick out the best bits. You might find that your story flows more naturally in a conversation.”
