If you're among the majority of writers who loathe writing their manuscript synopsis, I hope I can impart some encouragement and motivation with today's post. It's true that the condensed writing required for a synopsis uses very different skills than writing longform. But, I promise that you have what it takes. In fact, YOU are the BEST person to write your synopsis because you have the fullest vision of your work's purpose. Before I get into my advice for making peace with the synopsis process, let's go over why a synopsis is so important:
But what is an author to do when they feel that their copywriting chops are just not up to the task of paring their 200 page manuscript down into a back cover blurb, query letter, or even one page synopsis? Here are some tips:
Don't forget that a true synopsis reveals the ending. Obviously a shortened version, like a back cover blurb, will be vague, but just like your story, your synopsis needs a strong finish. You might, like some authors I know and admire, even decide to begin with the synopsis when your next manuscript inspiration hits. A synopsis can be used in lieu of an outline if you are more of a "pantser" and don't mind modifying it as you go along. When you embrace the synopsis as a healthy part of the creative process, I hope you'll find that the outcome is so rewarding that you dread it less the next time you have to do it, and that you'll come to see the synopsis as more friend than foe. by Anjanette Barr Comments are closed.
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