Synopsis Writing from Fear to Finished

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Just the word “synopsis” strikes fear into the hearts of most writers. How the heck does one capture an entire novel in a one (or at most) two-page single-spaced document? A document that must cover the major plot points and be captivating at the same time.  A document that is supposed to grab the interest of an agent or editor. I think I’m getting PTSD just writing this. However, they have gotten easier for me to write.

I’ve mentioned this before, but Barb gave me the best advice for writing a synopsis. Here it is:

  1. Pretend you are in a bar with an old friend you haven’t seen in a while.
  2. Start like this, “You wouldn’t believe what happened to my friend Sarah. Yes, she’s the one who was involved in the yard sale murder. But this time, something even more crazy happened. She… then start the story. Go as far as you can.
  3. Don’t be afraid to say, as you would in the bar, “Oh, and I forgot to tell you this part…”
  4. When it gets boring, say “That wasn’t even the craziest part. After that she…” and go as far over the top as you can. That’s the climax.
  5. Write that down.
  6. Go back, straighten it out.
  7. Go back and put her arc in, and some personal stuff.

Making the synopsis a conversation, took mine from a dry, boring page to something with voice.

Here are the beginnings for two of my synopses:

Rum and Choke: Chloe Jackson knows something is up the minute she walks into the Sea Glass Saloon and sees the expressions on Joaquin Diaz and Vivi Slidell’s faces. Their tentative expressions border on trepidation. Minutes later she knows why.

Sell Low, Sweet Harriet: When a young spouse is murdered on Fitch Air Force Base, everyone grieves. Sarah Winston feels the death deeply because she could have been that woman many years ago. When Special Agent Frank Bristow of the asks Sarah to help with the investigation, she says yes. Her instructions are to listen to conversations and report back because she can participate in base activities and move among the spouses in a way that a special agent can’t.

Author Amy M. Newman has some don’ts when writing a synopsis:

  • Do not write it in the form of a list, like an outline. …
  • Do not include a detailed breakdown of each chapter
  • Do not include every scene in your story
  • Do not include most (if any) of the subplots
  • Do not include minor characters
  • DO NOT include dialogue

And if you want more information, here are links to a couple of great articles on writing a synopsis:

https://janefriedman.com/how-to-write-a-novel-synopsishttps://www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/blog/how-to-write-a-synopsis-for-your-novel

https://janefriedman.com/how-to-write-a-novel-synopsis

Readers: Did you know authors had to do this? Have you had to do something similar? Writers: Any further advice?

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Published by Sherry Harris

Sherry Harris is the author of the Agatha Award nominated Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery series and the Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Mystery series.

25 Thoughts

  2. Terrific information, Sherry! I’m filing this away for when I get to book 3 in my series. Hope you have a terrific summer!!! Nancy Gardner

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  6. I’m always impressed by people who do book reviews and give such a good synopsis. I guess I could do that, but it sure seems like a lot of work. I admire all you authors who have to do so much more than “just” write the books.

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  7. The more I learn about the writing process, including to get it published, the more I greatly appreciate the authors of the books I do so enjoy reading. While reading it, it may seem seamless and easily flowing, but now to know the sweat and trouble in getting it to the end result sure makes me in awe of what each of them goes through – and most times with no guarantee of it being published or producing profits. My hats off and a heart full of gratitude for what you do – and do so well!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  8. Terrific advice! I’d only add that my agent and editor want to see the conclusion or solution included in the synopsis. That way they feel confident the traditional mystery they’re reading about won’t be solved by an invasion of flying dragons at the end!

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  9. I had an idea that a writer would have to do something like this but had no idea how difficult it would be. Thank you for sharing that! aprilbluetx at yahoo dot com

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  10. This is wonderful, Sherry. Thank you and thank you, Barb!

    I’ve broken Amy Newman’s last don’t: “DO NOT include dialogue.” I’ve probably broken it in every synopsis I’ve written (20+ and counting, and each book published). But that’s what rules and DO NOTs are for – breaking. Judiciously. Dialog should only be included sparingly.

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  11. I’ve never really thought about how to write one, but this all makes sense to me. I’ll admit, all I knew about the process was hearing writers complain about doing it.

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  12. Thanks, Edith and Sherry. This discussion of writing (and talking about writing) a synopsis was insightful and helpful.

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