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How to Write a Synopsis of Your Book for Publishers

(Originally published November 21, 2022)


Hey, storyteller!


If you're planning to submit your book to traditional publishers—in other words, companies that will pay you for the right to print and distribute your book—then you'll probably be required to provide a synopsis of your book.


But what if you're just starting to work on your book? Well, keep reading anyway, because learning how to write a synopsis can help you throughout the writing process.


So, what is a synopsis?


In this week's writer coaching session, we'll discuss that in detail, as well as why, when, and how to write a synopsis.


You will discover:

  • what a synopsis is and when and why to write one
  • what a synopsis should contain
  • how to format a synopsis to avoid instant rejection
  • an outline that will help you structure and write your book's synopsis


I Have a Gift for You!

First, I have a gift for you, just for visiting my blog, my free workshop, 6 Essential Elements of a Powerful Story.


Before you send your stunning synopsis to publishers, you need a powerful story for it to represent. This 25-minute video workshop walks you through how to ramp up your characters, plot, conflict, setting, and theme, plus how to write all this in a way that makes readers feel like they're living the adventure with your characters.


And be sure to read to the end of today’s post, so you won't miss this week's Power-Up, a super practical action step you can use right now in the story you're working on.

What Is a Synopsis?

A synopsis is different from the description you'll find on the back of a book or the teaser in a query letter. While a book description is a short sales tool that gives readers a teaser about your book and makes them want to purchase it, a synopsis goes into much more detail.


For more on the type of book description you'll find on the back of the book or in a query letter, check out this post.


A synopsis will give an agent or a publishing company's acquisitions editor a deeper glimpse into your story. This is your opportunity to give more details, such as the major characters, the story world, the entire plot (including the ending), and your story's message or theme.

Why and When to Write a Synopsis

Besides the fact that most agents or acquisitions editors will require a synopsis at some point during the book proposal process, a synopsis can help writers develop and understand their own stories. Even authors who choose independent publishing can find this tool useful.


This was the case for me when I was submitting my novel Keeper of Shadows to traditional publishers. Though I eventually decided to self-publish instead, I learned a great deal about the process and found that writing the synopsis helped me to dissect my story in ways I never would have thought about if I hadn't done so.


Even if you're just starting to work on your book, but traditional publishing is a path you intend to seek, it's a good idea to learn what goes into a synopsis.


Many writers find it easier to write the synopsis before they write the book. They use it to brainstorm and help them develop the plot that will stem from their story idea. Some say the synopsis helps them to stay on track during the writing process and avoid taking their story in unintended directions.


If you do choose to write a synopsis before you write the book, once you've finished the story you may need to tweak the synopsis to match the existing plot. As many writers will tell you, no matter how much you plot, your book tends to change on you, at least somewhat, during the writing process.


Besides sending your synopsis to agents or acquisitions editors for publishing companies, you can also use it when you want to enter a writing contest. Most contests actually require a synopsis, because the judges typically won't read the entire novel.

What Should a Synopsis Contain?

So, what should a synopsis contain?

A synopsis reveals the entire narrative arc of your story. It shows what happens and who changes, from beginning to end.


The goal of the synopsis is to grab the attention of the agent, editor, or contest judge and provide an entertaining summary of the book. It should include the following:

  • the main characters and the emotions they experience. (This would include your protagonist, antagonist, and any other major character, but I would stick to only naming the most essential ones—maybe three to four.)
  • the story's main conflict
  • the climax
  • the resolution

Your synopsis should be written in the same tone as your book. For example, if you're writing a comedy, add humor to your synopsis.


A good synopsis doesn't just explain what you're offering to the agent or editor, but it draws that person in with the story's flavor and atmosphere.

How to Write a Synopsis

There is no one right way to write a synopsis, because every contest judge, agent, or acquisitions editor has their own specific set of requirements or guidelines and things they're looking for. Some may require a one-page synopsis, while others want two or even five pages.

However, the publishing industry has developed a few standard practices.

  • Write your synopsis in active voice. (For more on the difference between writing in active versus passive voice, check out this post.)
  • Also write your synopsis in third person and present tense. This refers to the point of view you're using. (For more on point of view, check out this post.)
  • Your synopsis should include concise, clear language.
  • And to format it:
  • use Times New Roman 12 pt. font
  • single line spacing
  • indentation your paragraphs and
  • use one inch margins on all sides

Avoid the following mistakes when writing your synopsis:

  • mentioning too many characters by name. Include only the protagonist—or protagonists, if you have more than one—and the antagonist. Others may be mentioned, but I don't suggest naming them. Just use their role in the story. For example, if this character is a sidekick or the protagonist’s instructor, you would refer to that character's role, not his/her name.
  • including too many details about the plot. Stick to the major events and the big twists.
  • using too much descriptive detail or explanation.
  • offering opinions or sales speak. For instance, writing something like, "In a thrilling turn of events…"
  • leaving out your story’s ending

Synopsis Outline

I've created the following outline to help you get started in writing your synopsis. Just keep in mind, it's only a suggested framework.

In the first paragraph or couple of paragraphs:

  • start with the inciting incident. (If you're not sure what that is or would like more information on how to write one, check out this post on the seven most vital story beats.)
  • identify your protagonist
  • reveal the story's setting

In the middle paragraphs of your synopsis, include the following:

  • major complications and plot twists
  • turning points, especially the main turning point of the story
  • resolutions to conflicts that lead to the climax
  • your protagonist's All-Is-Lost or "We're Doomed" moment and any epiphany that follows it

The post on story beats that I mentioned above will give you more details on turning points and the All-Is-Lost moment, as well as the inciting incident and a few of the other elements I will be mentioning shortly.


In the last paragraph or couple of paragraphs of your synopsis:

  • include the climax (Be sure to reveal the points of highest tension and events that determine whether or not the protagonist will achieve the story goal.)
  • show how all major conflicts are resolved, or any plot points that are left hanging if you're writing a series
  • reveal what your protagonist has learned, how he or she has changed, or how he or she has inspired change in others

This Week's Power-Up

Use the outline above and fill in details from your story for each of the sections. Then, use the framework you've created to flesh out your synopsis in complete sentences and paragraphs, adding transitions where needed to make it flow. As you're writing, keep the tone of your story in mind, so you can use it in the synopsis as well.


Before you can submit your sensational synopsis to a literary agent or the acquisitions editor at a publishing company, you'll most likely need to first send that person a query letter. This can be true even if you are pitching to an agent or editor at a writer's conference.Often, these industry professionals will take a look at your synopsis during your pitch, but they may instead prefer what is called a one sheet, which is basically just a graphically designed query letter. When you do send whatever material this person might request, you will need to send a query letter with it.


Not sure what a query letter is or how to write one? Check out this post.

And let's power up your storytelling!

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