Synopsis

Ha! I bet you thought I was going to complain about writing a synopsis, didn’t you? Well, you’re wrong because I don’t have time to write anything, let alone a synopsis. I am BURIED in boxes! That’s right, the husband arrived with the moving van.

However, I am going to talk about synopsis writing anyway. I think if you took a poll, asking writers what the hardest thing they have to write is, most would probably say the synopsis (and if they don’t say that, they’re lying). One of the first things I asked my pal, the talented writer, Eileen Cook, after being offered representation by my fabulous agent, Kathleen Anderson, was, “Do I still have to write synopses and hooks?” Her answer was sometimes. Kathy’s answer was, “Give me a summary, not a synopsis.” Hmmm…that made me feel lots better. NOT! Anyway, I did it and she didn’t send it back saying, “Are you kidding me?” so I guess that qualifies me to teach someone else how to write one, right? Hehe.

My critique partner (and wonderful artist), Wanda Collins Johnson is working on a synopsis for an agent request right now (Yay, Wanda!). Last night I read draft one. Then I was really tough on her. I told her what it was missing and how she had to really let it shine, but not how to fix it. Why not? Because I have no idea. I was just winging it. Actually, I did give her some tips, which sounded good to me, and either she’s a quick study or I’m a marvelous teacher (or maybe she got online and got some real help!). Either way, she did a great second draft and I’m confident the next one will really show how she can sparkle when it comes to language.

Here are a few tips I gave her. If you have any to add, we’d all love to have them! Especially me since I’ve decided to steal any ideas of yours and combine them with mine and write an article about it.

1. Take your time. I can guarantee from personal experience (and those posts on Kristen’s blog, Miss Snark, and every other agent’s site), you have time. The partial does not have to go out TOMORROW or they’ll change their mind. If it takes you a week, it takes you a week.

2. That said, stop querying until you’ve already written a stunning synopsis.

3. Your synopsis needs to be a sample of your fabulous writing. Show that you can write, not just throw down a list of plot points (way easier said than done).

4. Hmmm…maybe if I really am going to write an article I better stop here or they’ll say, “Why buy the cow when we can get it for free on her website?”

What do you know about writing synopses?