TwitterLit Advice: Writing a Synopsis
If you’re a writer, #TwitterLit is the place to be! You can connect with authors, readers, agents, editors, and publishers, get all kinds of writing, editing, and querying advice, participate in Twitter pitch parties, win books, critiques, and mentorships, and so much more.
If you’re not on Twitter already, we recommend you start now. If you can’t for whatever reason, we’ll do our best to keep you in the TwitterLit loop with this TwitterLit Advice series.
In each issue, we’ll focus on a specific aspect of writing and tell you what TwitterLit people are saying on the topic. We’ll share the best advice we can find from agents, editors, publishers, and published authors on Twitter. We’ll also occasionally share advice from readers and unpublished authors when really relevant or profound.
TwitterLit Advice: Prologues
You don’t have to look far on Twitter to find writers struggling to write a synopsis:
Writes an entire book. Struggles with a 500 word synopsis 🤦🏽♀️😩#amquerying #writingcommunity #authorconfession #writersproblems — Aneesa Marufu (@AneesaMarufu) January 19, 2019
It’s time for tears. No, seriously, it is. My agent is ready to read my new manuscript & she’s also asked for… 💀A SYNOPSIS💀 And if anyone suggests I’m being dramatic about this I will write you into my WIP & have all the demons suck out your soul. #amwriting #sendhelp — Kate Foster writes obscure fiction (@winellroad) November 29, 2018
The hardest part of a 109k word count novel ….. writing a bloody 100 word synopsis!#WritingCommunity #writerslife #writerscommunity #amwriting #amwritingfantasy #amquerying — Adam Niclasen (@AdamNiclasen) January 16, 2019
So here are some tips to help you write an amazing synopsis that gets an agent or publisher’s attention.
Know the difference between a pitch and a synopsis
A synopsis is not like the blurb you put on the back of the book (like your query pitch).
Ok, I cannot say this enough #writers: Your query is NOT your synopsis. These are two completely different documents and you need to understand how to write both. #amagenting #amquerying #querytip pic.twitter.com/tBja0CuaXW — Kaitlyn Johnson (@kaitylynne13) September 7, 2018
The query and the synopsis have very different forms and functions:
A query should make an agent say: OMG I HAVE TO READ THIS! A synopsis should make an agent say: This writer understands story structure. 14/ — Delilah S. Dawson (@DelilahSDawson) August 10, 2018
@rceres A synopsis is a technical tool, an A-Z of the story, a blurb is a selling tool. #AskAgent — Julia Churchill (@JuliaChurchill) June 21, 2015
Agents and editors need a synopsis to do their job. It’s a tool they use throughout the publishing process:
Yes, this! Don’t go crazy over the synopsis. It’s just a tool so we can make sure the story makes sense and has a strong and logical progression. It doesn’t need to be beautiful or thrilling, just clear. #RevPit https://t.co/6KQYfLyDeF — Ellen Brock (@EllenMBrock) April 20, 2018
Oftentimes agents only read the synopsis if the story is lagging and they want to make sure it’s going to pick up soon. We also occasionally share it with our colleagues if we want a second opinion — Lauren Spieller (@laurenspieller) October 7, 2018
And never include a synopsis in place of a query:
Q8: Unrequested synopsis and no query letter. Pass. #10queries — Stacey Graham 📚 (@staceyigraham) February 21, 2016
Q9 – MG. No query at all, only a synopsis pasted to body of email. Erm, wut? Passing on this one. #10queries — E Latimer (@ELatimerWrites) April 5, 2016
You’re not doing yrself any favors by sub’ing a mss/synopsis w/no query letter. Good query can entice editor to read past bad 1st pg #pubtip — Angela James (@angelajames) January 31, 2012
Nail down the format and content
A synopsis lays out the main plot points of your entire book, including how it ends:
A synopsis for an editor or agent is all about spoiling the book. Tell us everything. Ending on a cliffhanger will frustrate us. #pubtip — Emily Rodmell (@EmilyRodmell) March 4, 2014
When including a synopsis, don’t end it on a cliffhanger, a will they/won’t they question, etc. Editors and agents are looking for a straightforward summary of the book, including the ending. #pubtip — Mackenzie Walton (@mackenziewalton) May 29, 2018
Note to writers: NEVER end a synopsis with “I could tell you, but I hope you’ll want to figure out for yourself”. Literally want to throw my computer. #amagenting #querytip pic.twitter.com/zDcvaByYCN — Kaitlyn Johnson (@kaitylynne13) April 20, 2018
Your synopsis should be thorough, but focused:
#pubtip Keep your synopsis simple. Focus only on the main storyline and don’t obsess on the subplots unless TRULY necessary! — greyhausagency (@greyhausagency) February 5, 2019
Becareful of overwhelming your synopsis with subplots. Focus on the main plot that demonstrates the change and growth of your main character. Too many plots will cause an agent to lose their grasp on your story.#writetip #pubtip #WritingCommunity #ontheporch #amquerying — Megan Manzano (@Megan_Manzano) January 5, 2019
In any pitch, query or synopsis, the most important things to include =plot, conflict & hooks. Authors focus too much on back story #pubtip — Emily Rodmell (@EmilyRodmell) October 5, 2012
Be concise, but be specific:
Please be specific in a synopsis. Avoid generic phrasing such as “secrets that tear them apart.” Instead, reveal what the secret is. #pubtip — Deborah Nemeth (@DebNemeth) October 19, 2016
A vague synopsis is the worst kind. Specifics are your friend. #pubtip — Emily Rodmell (@EmilyRodmell) July 12, 2016
The trick to writing a great synopsis is balancing summary w/ specificity. I need to *see* the characters grow, the events unfold. #pubtip — Lauren Spieller (@laurenspieller) January 10, 2015
Research and follow submission instructions
Some agents will want you to send a synopsis even if they haven’t specifically asked for it, while others say only send it if they have.
#pubtip: ALWAYS include a synopsis. — Shana Asaro (@shana_asaro) January 10, 2018
Whether or not the agent asks, please always send a synopsis with your requested material. #pubtip — Jessica Faust (@BookEndsJessica) January 15, 2016
@KatherineFleet totally unimportant. I would rather stab my eyes out with a spork than read your synopsis. #askagent — jennifer “cute snake emoji” laughran (@literaticat) August 23, 2014
Yes, sometimes #TwitterLit gives conflicting advice. What isn’t unclear: you should write a synopsis before you start querying, and you should always follow submission guidelines:
Write your synopsis before you submit. In fact, write two: a long one and a short one. #pubtip — Evan Gregory (@EvanJGregory) December 6, 2011
@KatherineFleet Obviously it is a matter of personal preference. You should write one, as some people want them. #askagent — jennifer “cute snake emoji” laughran (@literaticat) August 23, 2014
And maybe follow these miscellaneous tips:
#querytip Dialogue has no place in a synopsis. It should only be the progression of your plot–no dialogue needed! — Cortney Radocaj (@CortneyRadocaj) October 6, 2017
There is no need to put “spoiler alert” before the synopsis of your novel in your query. #pubtip — Kate McKean (@kate_mckean) October 1, 2013
It’s best not to label your files simply “manuscript” and “synopsis” as they will get lost on my Kindle. Save w/ title & last name. #pubtip — Peter Senftleben (@gr8thepeter) June 11, 2013
If your query or synopsis specifies “beautiful” before your female characters’ job titles, I’m probably not interested. #querytip — Caitlin McDonald (@literallycait) April 12, 2016
