THE DREADED SYNOPSIS

Did you ever listen to someone relaying an account of a situation they experienced, or re-living a childhood memory? Going into detail isn't always available, so quite often you might hear them say, "Long story made short...." as they begin to tell their tale.

That is exactly what a synopsis is....a long story made short. And quite frankly it can be a writer's worst enemy. After having eight books published, the synopsis is still frightening to me. How on earth do you get a 300 page novel explained in only a few paragraphs or pages? And so....thus this virtual book report becomes the dreaded synopsis.

Yet it is done all the time, and essential if a writer wants to become a published author. The synopsis is a selling tool that helps an editor or literary agent decide if you've written a book they can market. So, make sure your story fits the genre they publish.

Each editor/literary agent has their own guidelines as to how they want a synopsis written. If this information is posted on their site, follow the rules to the letter. Some might want a two page outline, and others a twenty page format. If there is no specific length mentioned, keep your synopsis around ten to twelve pages long, and double-spaced. Always remember to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE).

Some key questions to ask yourself before beginning a synopsis is:

First, always write a synopsis in the present tense. Explain in percise, correctly-spelled and grammatically correct words what the story is about, where and when it takes place?

You must entice the editor, so set the tone and pace when explaining a scene. Keep your sentences short and to the point.

Next, focus on the characters. Who are the main players in the story (hero, heroine, villian)? What is their motivation? Why do they want what they're after, how will they achieve it, and what are they going to do after they get it?

Is the conflict you've built between characters strong enough to hold a readers attention to the end of the story? Have you built this conflict well throughout the story, been consistent and clear? Remember to include your hook.

Lastly, don't leave an editor/literary agent hanging. They want to see if you've written a compelling story, so include the conclusion.

HAPPY WRITING! :-)

Roberta C.M. DeCaprio
www.robertadecaprio.com