From Start to Finish: Condense Your Novel into a Synopsis

A synopsis for submission to a literary agent is typically a double-spaced document providing a detailed and engaging summary of your book. Most authors would agree that writing a novel is easier than condensing it into a synopsis, which can be soul-sucking experience (but it doesn’t have to be). I’ve struggled to summarize my own 90,000-word thrillers down to one or two pages. My secret was being patient with both myself and the process, practice, revision, and a good deal of trust in my ability as a writer (silence those gremlins!)

It’s important to note that there are two, distinct types of synopses: a synopsis for agents, which is a detailed, 1-2 page document spotlighting the writing, plot, and characters. Then there’s your back-of-the-book synopsis, which is only 1-2 paragraphs to entice readers to buy your book. The main difference is in their purpose: a synopsis for agents is used to sell the book to publishing professionals; the back-of-the-book synopsis is used to sell the book to readers. In this blog I’ll be focusing on preparing your synopsis for agent submission - from start to finish, how to condense your novel into a synopsis that’ll snag the attention of agents.

Your synopsis isn’t merely a summary; it’s a powerful sales pitch. It’s your opportunity to showcase your writing style, convey your unique voice, and highlight the strengths of your work. With the amount of competition in the publishing industry, your synopsis needs to stand out from the rest.

It’s essential to have an in-depth understanding of your manuscript. This might sound odd- you’ve spent months, maybe years writing it! Still, be sure to revisit and refresh your memory on every key plot point and character development.

An agent wants a concise, compelling, and well-structured document that exhibits your story, and its potential. This must include all main plot points, character arcs, and key conflicts.

Always include your manuscript’s title, your name, the genre, and the word count. Next, add your logline—a one-sentence summary that captures the essence of your story by identifying the protagonist, their goal, and the main conflict. For example, the log-line from Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card might read: “A brilliant but troubled boy is recruited to an elite military academy, where he must hone his strategic skills to combat a hostile alien race threatening to destroy humanity.” Your logline should hook the agent’s interest immediately.

Crafting a comprehensive outline is the primary tool authors use to organize their thoughts and ensure their story has a clear structure and logical flow before writing the synopsis. This outline is a tool, not to be added to your synopsis submission (unless otherwise noted in submission guidelines).

Outline your book’s main plot points, then introduce the key characters with their motivations and roles in the story. Briefly describe the main settings and how they impact the narrative. Divide your story into three acts: beginning, middle, and end. Use bullet points to highlight key events and conflicts within each act. Finally, identify the central themes that run through your story. This organized approach will help make writing your synopsis much easier.

Now, dive into your first draft knowing revisions are part of the process. Start by grounding the reader in the setting and introducing your protagonist entangled in the main conflict. Chronologically summarize the key events of your plot, focusing on major turning points and their impact on the protagonist’s journey. It’s generally recommended to include spoilers about your story’s plot and ending. Clearly state the resolution of your story, including the ending; a synopsis without the story’s resolution is incomplete. The purpose of your synopsis is to provide a comprehensive overview of your entire narrative arc.

Your synopsis should reflect the tone and style of your book, whether it is serious, humorous, or otherwise. Every sentence should provide essential plot information and raise the stakes for your characters. Keep your synopsis concise and focused on your core narrative.

Once you write the first draft of your synopsis, let it sit for a few days or weeks. Return to it with fresh eyes before penning your next draft (there will be several). When you’re ready to edit, trim any unnecessary content. This includes any minor details, non-essential subplots, unnecessary jargon, and excessive descriptions of characters, settings, or world-building. Simplify any complex or technical information to prevent reader confusion.

Ensure the narrative flows smoothly and logically. Pay special attention to your opening and closing lines, making them as compelling as possible. Throughout your editing process, confirm that your character’s emotional journey is clear and well-developed. Your synopsis should provide a concise yet complete overview of your story’s key plot points and character arcs.

Seeking feedback is a critical step in refining your synopsis. Have someone who’s familiar with your genre read through your document and provide their input. Leveraging their perspective will help you enhance the clarity and overall engagement of your synopsis. Use their feedback to further refine and polish.

A final polish is essential to ensure your synopsis shines. Proofread carefully for any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. You might even get it professionally edited. A final polish is necessary to ensure your synopsis is of professional quality and ready to impress potential agents.

Before submitting your synopsis to perspective agents, take a moment to check their website for specific submission guidelines. Agents often have unique preferences for formatting, length, and content. Following their instructions demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail – a crucial step in avoiding the dreaded slush pile.

Final checklist before submitting your synopsis to an agent:

·       You’ve crafted a concise and compelling logline.

·       Written an engaging and well-structured synopsis.

·       Document is in Times New Roman 12pt, double-spaced unless otherwise specified.

·       Edited and revised your synopsis multiple times.

·       Had it proofread by others in your genre.

·       Ensured your synopsis is error-free and polished.

·       Reviewed agent submission guidelines.

Agents are busy professionals juggling multiple clients and projects. It’s very common for an author to wait several weeks, or even months, for a response. And remember that no response isn’t an automatic rejection; sometimes they simply haven’t had time to review your submission yet. A good rule of thumb is to wait 8-12 weeks before following up. Some agents have specific instructions on their websites about follow-up etiquette. Always follow their lead and never be pushy.

Your synopsis is a crucial tool to showcase your story to perspective agents. By following these guidelines, you can create a clear, concise, and compelling synopsis that highlights the strengths of your manuscript. Don’t let fear or apprehension become obstacles; view synopsis writing as an opportunity to distill the essence of your book and captivate those who can help you reach publication. Good luck with those submissions!

~Dani