Wednesday, March 2, 2011

The Editor said

Synopsis writing: I can hear you all going urgh!!! Me too as I'm not particularly fond of them.
The editor said on the phone that she couldn't follow my synopsis, that she couldn't make either head nor tail of it. (Slinking in floor boards here) lol She also said she doesn't usually read synopsis and something made her read mine. When she finished reading it, she thought, 'I'm not going to like this.'

This is a very important lesson for me isn't it? Very Important! If an editor reads a badly written synopsis she won't bother reading the manuscript. I was so lucky this editor persevered. I think this novel being so full of twists and subplots, I couldn't get my head around it properly. lol... I usually write okay synopsis'.

SO... I need to learn to write a synopsis properly for this manuscript, one they call a winning synopsis. I've been doing so much research on the net, and picking a few writer friends brain, and here's what I have come up with:

Use strong adjectives and verbs. Write in the present tense. Make every word count.

Start With A Hook. The hook should be a few sentences, or a paragraph similar to the blurb on the back of a book.

Introduce the Characters. Introduce the main characters in your book. This is where you mention their motivation, conflict and goals.

Body of Your Synopsis. This is where the high points of your story are explained in chronological order. the paragraphs have to be tight, and I'm not to give every detail. The main events of the story are explained. The action, the reaction and the decision.

Crisis and Resolution.  Use about three or four paragraphs. It has to be simple, but show the main characters reactions. The synopsis must include resolution of the story. Let the editor/agent know the outcome of everything in the story.

Well I'm halfway there. And let's hope it's a little better than my last. lol...
I'll be lost in writing land and submitting land for a time.
Have a great week, and thank you to those who call by.
Suzanne :)

14 comments:

Sally Clements said...

Hi Suzanne! I think synopses are the bane of every writers life! I was asked to write a 'how to' for new Irish site, www.writing.ie on them, so here's my advice in a nutshell...
http://writing.ie/writers-toolbox/how-to/how-to-write-a-synopsis.html

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Thank you Sally. I'll check it out. :)

Kaye Manro said...

Yes, agreed. Synopses are hard. I understand how you feel. But you know it sounds like you are getting it going now.

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Hi Kaye,
Let's hope so. Actually I finished today. So onwards and upwards. Now back to my other wip. Thank you for stopping by. :)

Tarnya said...

Hi Suzanne,
I've been away, and I've quickly glanced at your previous posts. Wow girl, you're almost there. Keep it up. I know it will happen to you. You not only work so hard you deserve it, after all,HITO is terrific and I want to read more from you.

Best,
Tarnya x.

Caryn Caldwell said...

Oh, ugh! I'm not at all a fan of synopses, so I really feel for you here. The story needs thousands and thousands of words, otherwise it wouldn't be a book, right? And it's so hard when you know your own story so well, because you want to put in all those pretty little details - or, at least, I do when I'm writing a synopsis. Good luck!

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Hi Tarnya,

Thanks for you comments. :) I am too hoping like most writers. Let's hope the future does wonder for me. lol...

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Hi Caryn,
With the help of a critique partner we slashed and slashed. It's now sitting comfortably at a little over two pages. I am so happy. It makes sense now. Phew. :)

Shelley Munro said...

I hate writing a synopsis too.
Here's a great link that I find helpful. Do check out the other synopsis links on her site too because they're good.

http://www.kathycarmichael.com/articles-and-seminars/articles-and-workshops/romance-synopsis/short-romance-synopsis-workshop/synopsis-hand-outs/

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Hi Shelley,
Thanks for that link... I'll check it out. I can now say the synopsis is now a goer. lol.... with this novel, there are so many plots and turns and I was trying to squeeze everthing in. lol.. Now it's down to two pages. Yah! :)

Tami Winbush said...

Guess who's going to be buzzing you when I need some help with a synopsis. :)

Huggles,

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

lol Tami, :) I will help if I can. :)
Thanks for stopping by.

Tana said...

Great breakdown of what's needed. I wish there was no such thing as a synopsis but alas there is! This is a great guide. Thank you!

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Hi Tana,
Thanks for stopping by. I also wish there was no such thing as a synopsis. The trouble I had with this particular one is that there was so many twists, subplots etc. that I tried to put all of them in, which didn't work. It's finalised with the major plot points. But really I think all the plot points are major. lol. :)