How to Write a Strong Synopsis

This week, I found myself in the unenviable position of writing a 2-page synopsis of my 82,000-word manuscript draft. Writing a synopsis is inevitable if you want to publish your work: literary prizes, agents, and editors will require one at some stage of your writing process, but they can vary in terms of length. I've seen synopses be under a page in length, but the industry standard is usually between 1 and 2 pages, single-spaced, 12 point font, with standard margins. If you are required to write a synopsis, always check the guidelines before you start writing!

Here is how I approach outlining a synopsis:

After checking the guidelines, and before doing anything else, I reverse-outline my manuscript. In as few words as possible, I pull out the main idea from each chapter—the driving thrust of my story—and ask myself: what are the stakes for my protagonist, and how are they changing? I then drop these ideas into a document. Recently, I've been enjoying Milanote which allows you to drag-and-drop color-coded sticky notes to create a customizable chapter-by-chapter outline. In addition to being the first step to writing a strong synopsis, reverse-outlining is important for clarifying what you've actually written and not what you think you've written. If you find that certain characters or plot points don't appear in your reverse-outline, it might be appropriate to combine two minor characters to become one, or delete a whole sub-plot altogether.

Now, let's use this six-step formula to write a synopsis!

1. In one line, summarize your novel. This might feel like an impossible task, but by the time you complete a full draft of your manuscript, you should have a clear sense of who your main character is (a young, adjunct instructor working in the History department of a liberal arts university in Colorado), and what they desire (academic superstardom by uncovering proof of female sailors disguised as men aboard a famous Victorian Arctic expedition). The very first thing that your reader reads will be your succinct articulation of who your main character is, the setting, and your character's single, burning desire that drives the entire novel. If you are unable to write this sentence, it might mean that your character's desire needs better development or sustainment throughout your manuscript.
   

2. Now, summarize the plot in third person, present tense. When you introduce a new character, bold their name. However, don't overwhelm your reader by including everyone's name. Refer to minor characters in relation to your main character ('teacher,' 'mentee,' or 'museum archivist') to reduce the amount of information your reader needs to process. The structure of your synopsis should loosely follow the structure of your novel, especially if your timeline is plotted against the traditional three-act structure, or the beats from Save the Cat! (one of the best tools out there, in my opinion).
   

3. In your first paragraph, describe the character's situation (overworked adjunct) and what she believes will fix her life (academic stardom which will lead to international recognition and popularity). Then, describe the inciting incident (in my novel, this comes in the form of an email which invites my character to participate in a high-profile research residency). What is standing in your character's way before she decides to say 'yes'? What finally pushes her into embarking on this journey?
   

4. In your second paragraph, describe the rising action. What are the internal and external pressures or conflicts standing in the way of your main character achieving her burning desire? Use simple, declarative statements to summarize the 'ups and downs' leading to the midpoint. The midpoint is one of the most important scenes in a story—perhaps the most important—where your character encounters a crisis that propels the rest of the book into motion. For this reason, make sure to clearly articulate the midpoint!
   

5. In your third paragraph, describe how your character attempts to resolve the crisis triggered by the midpoint and fight against the new forces (internal and external) that are standing in her way to achieve her goal. In your manuscript, your character should go through an internal realization that her mechanisms that she thought were going to 'fix her life' are wrong; she needs to change the right way. Clearly state your character's realization in your synopsis.
   

6. Your fourth and final paragraph should succinctly summarize the ending and your character's transformed state (fired from the university and no longer seeking academic stardom, but still, the co-author of a book). Include all your plot twists! A synopsis isn't flap copy; it should inform your reader about what to expect and how to categorize your book.

A sneak peek of my Milanote home page. My reverse outline notes (41 cards = 41 chapters) are behind the mint green tab!