Synopsis is a detailed summary of a written work that describes the contents from beginning to end. Unlike a regular summary which only gives an overview of a story, a synopsis includes all the details of the plot, including the ending. Usually a synopsis is submitted to an agent or publisher after you have completed a novel, screenplay, or other piece of considerable length. A good synopsis displays the main conflict and its resolution as well as describes the emotional development of the main character. You need to edit the synopsis carefully because usually the synopsis is also part of the manuscript proposal.
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Part 1 of 3: Outline the Synopsis
Step 1. Start creating a synopsis once your work is complete
Generally agents and publishers are only interested in finished manuscripts. Writing a synopsis after the script is complete will help you identify the main characters, plot, and conflicts.
- Established authors who have published books are usually allowed to submit incomplete manuscript proposals. However, this is unfortunately not the case for new writers.
- To write a synopsis, you must know how the story ends. In the synopsis there must be a completion of the story.
Step 2. Make a list of the main characters
This list of characters includes protagonists, love interests, villains, or supporting characters. Only the most important characters you need to mention in the synopsis. Take 1 or 2 minutes to write down your main characters.
Step 3. Review the main plot points of the story
The synopsis contains the narrative arc of the story. This arc usually does not include a subplot, unless its presence is considered essential to the conclusion of the main arc. Try to outline the main conflicts, actions taken, and the conclusion of the story.
- When writing a novel or memoir, you may need to write a one-sentence conclusion to each chapter. For example, you might write, "Rory is looking for her dad and meets an old friend."
- If you are writing a play or screenplay, list the scenes in each act. You might write, "Rory enters the barn and is greeted."
- If you're offering a collection of short stories or poems, introduce the major theme of each work. For example, you might write, "This collection explores childhood memories, childhood, and innocence."
Step 4. Recognize the uniqueness of your story
Publishers and agencies read hundreds of synopsis every week. To make your work stand out, highlight the uniqueness of the story. Use this perspective to create a different and interesting synopsis.
- Does your story have an interesting point of view? If so, you should mention it. You might say, "This story centers on the fate of the last dwarf in an underground kingdom."
- Does your story have a unique twist? You can touch on this twist of the plot while still leaving a bit of mystery behind. For example, “Jean Paul immediately realized that the killer could be close to him.”
- Will your story be liked by a certain niche market? Maybe you need to indicate who will be interested in this story. For example, “This memoir explores what it means to be a member of a lost generation.”
Step 5. Look at the ideal length of the synopsis
Each publisher and agent has different requirements for the length of the synopsis. Before writing a synopsis, first look for this information in several publishers, production houses, or agencies. Usually the information is on their official website.
- A novel synopsis is usually between 2 and 12 pages long.
- The length of the script synopsis is usually one page. Most are no more than 400 words.
Part 2 of 3: Designing the Synopsis
Step 1. Write in third person
Even if you are writing a memoir or book in the first person, always write a synopsis from the third person point of view, using “he/she” and “they” as pronouns. Throughout the synopsis, mention the names of the main characters several times.
Most film production houses and book publishers may ask you to capitalize your character's name. For example, you might need to write “BAJURI” instead of “Bajuri”
Step 2. Introduce your main character and the conflict he faced at the beginning
The first paragraph should be used to introduce all the main characters while providing a general summary of the entire plot. The first paragraph should be able to grab the reader's attention without being too specific.
- For example, you might start your paragraph by saying, "When the plane she was traveling in crashed in a remote area of the Amazon rainforest, Laura realized that in order to survive, she must first overcome the demons that entrenched her."
- When introducing other characters, you must show how they relate to the main character. For example, you might write, "Laura is approached by the only survivor of the incident, a mysterious archaeologist named Terry."
Step 3. Summarize the main events of the plot
Include all the obstacles the character faces and explain how they overcome them. Avoid discussing subplots and background events unless you think it's important to help the reader understand the main plot.
For example, you might write, "After defeating the river monster, James continues his journey to find magic crystals. When he arrives at a cave, he finds that the mouth of the cave is closed. In order to get help, James is willing to give his sword to the goblins."
Step 4. End the synopsis by mentioning the completion of the book
The reader should really know how the plot is completed. In this section, it is not appropriate if you add new information about the content of the manuscript. Avoid writing a synopsis without conveying the ending. The publisher or agent needs to know your ending.
You could write, "Jun finds out that Ginny has stolen the gem. The film ends with the police arresting Ginny."
Step 5. Write down only important information
A good synopsis incorporates what the characters do, feel, deal with, without having to reveal every plot detail. As much as possible, ignore the companion characters first, and simply write down the important events in the novel.
- Do not include dialogue in the synopsis. Better, summarize the words of the characters.
- For minor characters, state the role, not the name. Instead of saying, "Lewis, a saxophonist that Joe met one night," it's better "Joe met a saxophonist.
Step 6. Show character development and emotions
When developing the plot, you must explain what your characters learn and feel throughout the novel. Dig into the mental and emotional state of the protagonist in each new plot twist or event.
For example, “He was led by his new invention. Cecilia rushed to get in touch with Horatio, and was immediately shocked to realize that the man was dead.”
Step 7. Avoid praising your own writing
Even if you want to create an interesting synopsis, avoid commenting on the quality of your own work. You better let the story plot show the class.
- Don't use phrases like "in a tearful scene" or "in a memorable flashback". Immediately describe the events in the scene.
- Don't assume the reader can immediately feel what the character is experiencing. For example, don't write, "Readers will be amazed when they find out what Lord Melvin has in mind with Lady Betty." Instead, write, "As Lady Betty passed the castle, she slowly realized what Lord Melvin meant."
Part 3 of 3: Editing the Synopsis
Step 1. Compose your synopsis in the format the publisher has specified
Each publisher or agency has a synopsis format guide. However, you are usually asked to use double spaces when writing. For the font, use a size of 12 pt as in Times New Roman.
- If you don't find any guides, write the name and title of the work at the top of each page.
- Always use a margin of 1 inch (or 2.54 cm) for the manuscript you are submitting.
Step 2. Review your synopsis
Everything you hand over to the publisher or agent has to be really good. Read your work carefully and remove typos, spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or missing words. Also edit your synopsis to be concise and concise. Remove unnecessary clichéd words, phrases, or sentences.
- Read the entire synopsis aloud for any errors.
- There's nothing wrong with using the services of an editor to check your synopsis.
Step 3. Have someone read your synopsis
Call a friend or professional editor and have them read the synopsis. They will provide suggestions and input on what needs to be changed in the synopsis before you send it to an agent or publisher.
Step 4. Create a special synopsis for each publisher or agency
Do not send the same synopsis to all publishers. It's better to first check the manuscript submission guidelines to each agent or publisher and adjust your synopsis accordingly.
- For example, a publisher may require a one-page synopsis. If so, focus only on the main conflict. Alternatively, other publishers may require a four-page synopsis. Well, here you can write a more detailed synopsis.
- If your synopsis isn't written the way the publisher intended, they probably won't read it.
Step 5. Submit your synopsis with cover letter and sample
Usually, a synopsis becomes part of a proposal that may require a cover letter and a sample work. Every publisher and agent has a manuscript submission guide. So, read the manuscript submission rules carefully.
- The cover letter should contain a brief summary of the work, a short paragraph explaining who you are, and the reasons why the agent should accept your work.
- For samples, you can include 1 or 2 chapters, 1 or 2 action scenarios, or one of your short stories. Usually, what is often shown is the first scene or chapter.
