Caleb S.
Caleb S.

GeneralLearn How to Write a Synopsis Like a Pro

6 min read

Published on: Sep 6, 2020

Last updated on: Dec 29, 2022

How to Write a Synopsis

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A synopsis is a general overview of the literary work to the reader. It helps the reader to comprehend the work and compels them to read more.

Writing a good synopsis is important to cover the main conflict and resolution of the story. Its main purpose is to entice the reader and indicate the central concept of the story.

It is a common academic assignment for middle and high school students. However, writing a perfect synopsis requires proper planning and preparation.

Therefore, in this blog, you will get to know how to write a synopsis like professionals, including Jane Friedman. Continue reading this blog and learn about the perfect synopsis.

What is Synopsis?

A synopsis is the summary of the written work that describes the content of that work from beginning to end. It provides an overview of the defining factors such as genre, characters, setting, plot details, style, etc. Therefore, the synopsis is written for all kinds of things, which may include:

  • Newspapers
  • Academic papers
  • Journals
  • Films
  • TV Shows
  • Articles
  • Video Games
  • Fiction or nonfiction book

The synopsis’s main purpose is to inform the literary agent or publisher about the type of the book concisely and compellingly.

Moreover, the synopsis would be similar to the book jacket that tells the reader about the characters and what happened. The synopsis is an abstract of the original work, so the writer should include the important details to help the reader understand its work.

Synopses are normally submitted to publishers or agents. The literary agents and editors will use the synopsis to figure out the scalability of your book.

Writing a good synopsis requires strong critical thinking skills because you analyze the original material and decide what important information is.

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Parts of a Synopsis

The synopsis consists of three main parts:

  1. Characters: The characters such as the protagonist and antagonist build the foundation of the story. Make sure that you use strong and memorable characters from the outset.
  2. Conflict: The conflict is the main part that the readers read. It includes a short description in your synopsis.
  3. Narrative Arc: It is the main framework of the plot from start to end. It gives potential agents a good and reliable preview of their writing skills. Also, the main plot should be multilayered for your synopsis.


Formatting a Synopsis

A well-written synopsis is incomplete without proper formatting. Also, it looks professional, so you should follow a proper synopsis format. The synopsis format is not complex or difficult for the writers.

For your help, here is a format that every writer should follow.

AttributeDetail
Word CountWrite 500-800 words, and it should be 2-3 pages long.
Font Type and SizeTimes New Roman and 12pt
Line SpacingUse single space or 1.5 for one-page synopsis and double-spaced for a long synopsis.
Character NamesWrite all the characters in bold and capital form
LanguageUse clear language
IndentationAll paragraphs must be intended
Cover PageNo need to add a cover page to your synopsis
MarginsOne-inch margins

Therefore, follow this format and create a great synopsis. However, every agent or publisher wants a slightly different format, so make sure that you check the submission guidelines.


How to Write a Good Synopsis?

Writing a good synopsis is necessary to convince the agent or publisher that your story is interesting and engaging. However, it’s not hard to achieve if you follow the proper guidelines.

Here are some steps that you should follow and create a well-written synopsis.

Let’s explore these points in detail.

1. Understand the Requirements

You must understand the requirements of an agent or publisher for a good synopsis. Every agent or publisher has a different set of requirements for synopsis. Therefore, check it first and then start writing it.

2. Make a List of Main Characters

First, you have to make a list of the important characters that you add to your synopsis. Make sure that each character is dynamic and impacts the story in a significant way.

3. Outline the Major Plot Points

In this step, you have to create a list of the major plot points but don’t include the subplots. Also, the agent or publisher wants to be aware of the story’s main plot points.

Below-mentioned some plot points that you should include in your synopsis.

  • Inciting Incident: Show the central conflict of the story.
  • Rising Action: It will explain what happens before the interval and the climax.
  • Climax: It is an important and exciting part of the synopsis.
  • Resolution: The resolution or ending should reveal that the story is ending here. Also, it brings the plot twists and narrative arc together.

Therefore, list these points and help the reader to understand your synopsis from beginning to end easily.

4. Highlight What’s Unique

Now, you have to highlight the elements that make your synopsis unique. The agents or publishers need to know something special about your book.

Here are some questions that you keep in mind and make your synopsis interesting.

  • Does your story have a unique twist?
  • Is the story having an interesting turning point of view?
  • Does the story fulfill the market needs?

Therefore, these elements not only make your synopsis interesting, but you can easily grab the reader’s attention.

5. Write the Synopsis Outline

An outline is a necessary step for creating the perfect synopsis. It helps you throughout the writing process. The synopsis outline consists of three main parts:

  • Introduction

    An introductory paragraph introduces all the main characters of the book. It should be attention-grabbing and keep the reader engaged from start to end. Also, don’t write too much detail about subplots and minor actions in this section.

  • Body Paragraphs

    The synopsis body paragraph is the main section, in which you include only necessary information. Also, don’t include dialogues in the synopsis; summarize what the characters said.

    Moreover, in the synopsis body, you should describe what the characters learn, feel, and behave. Explore the mental and emotional state of the leading characters with a new plot twist.

  • Conclusion

    The conclusion is the story’s climax, and the publisher or agent wants to know how it ends. However, this section does not introduce any new information about the book.

6. Proofread the Synopsis

Proofreading is an essential step of a successful synopsis. Therefore, don’t forget to proofread it before submitting it. Make sure that your synopsis is free from all errors and you follow the proper format.

7. Send Synopsis with a Query Letter

A synopsis includes a query letter and a sample of your written work. When you send the synopsis to the agent or publisher, read their guidelines carefully.

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Synopsis Examples

The below-given examples give you an idea of the perfect synopsis.

Tips for Writing Synopsis

We gathered some expert tips that you should follow and write a great synopsis.

  • A synopsis should include the character’s feelings and emotions.
  • Write in an active voice and use first-person pronoun language.
  • Present a unique or fresh idea in your synopsis.
  • Provide a narrative arc.
  • Don’t include every subplot.
  • Avoid splitting the synopsis into sections.
  • Get an idea from a short synopsis.

Therefore, follow these tips and write a book synopsis without any mistakes. However, if you need professional writer’s help, consult FreeEssayWriter.net.

Our essay writer will help you in writing the synopsis without any difficulty. They are always ready to assist you with all types of academic assignments.

So, place your order now and leave all your writing work on our experienced writers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between abstract and synopsis?

An abstract is a short summary of a larger document. An overview is a brief summary of what someone has said. A synopsis is an abridged or condensed version of something longer.

How long should a synopsis be?

A synopsis is a story in 300-500 words. Sometimes it is one sentence, and other times, three paragraphs. The first paragraph usually tells the setup for the story.

Then, there is what happened to get the story started and how it ends with your major character's goal and conflict.

Caleb S.

WRITTEN BY

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

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