A synopsis is a concise summary of your manuscript, acting as a crucial selling point for your work. Editors and publishers often rely on it to quickly assess a manuscript’s potential before committing to a full read. A well-crafted synopsis can significantly increase your chances of getting published.
To write an effective synopsis, follow these steps:
1. **Formatting:** Begin by clearly stating the title of your work and your name, followed by the centered word “SYNOPSIS”. For example:
TURTLES
By Jason Brown
SYNOPSIS
2. **Brevity and Precision:** Be concise, focusing on the core narrative and avoiding unnecessary details. Highlight the main plot points, key characters, and the overall theme of your book.
3. **Hook the Reader:** Start strong. Instead of a generic introduction, try something like: “The proposed book, aimed at pet lovers and pet owners, explores…”
Clearly define your target audience and the book’s primary focus to immediately grab the publisher’s attention.
4. **Justify the Need:** Explain why your book is relevant and what unique value it offers to the market. Convince the publisher that there’s a demand for your work.
5. **Outline the Structure:** Briefly describe the book’s layout, mentioning the number of chapters and their respective topics. For instance: “The book contains 10 chapters on various breeds, with an introductory chapter covering…”
6. **Marketing Your Idea:** Remember, your synopsis is a marketing tool. Present your book as a compelling and commercially viable product. Include details that showcase its originality and potential appeal.
7. **Conciseness is Key:** Aim for a synopsis that is no more than one A4 page or around 1000 words. Shorter synopses are often preferred as they demonstrate your ability to distill your story to its essence.
8. **Contact Information:** Always include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the end of the synopsis.
9. **For Novels:** Focus on the core plot, discarding unnecessary details. Highlight the story’s main conflict, key characters, and the resolution. The publisher needs to understand the fundamental narrative and its ending.
10. **Patience is Paramount:** Be prepared for a waiting period before receiving a response. Avoid contacting the publisher prematurely. However, if you haven’t heard back within the specified timeframe, a polite follow-up email is acceptable. For example:
Dear Mr. Brown,
I am writing to inquire about the status of my novel, (Title), which I submitted on (Date).
I would appreciate an update at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Mary Smith
By following these guidelines, you can craft a compelling synopsis that effectively represents your work and significantly increases your chances of publication. Good luck!