I'm in the process of writing a synopsis for my next middle grade novel. For someone who, according to my husband, is "a bit wordy," that is not an easy task! For many writers, this is a dreaded task. Me included.
So, to make sure I include, or exclude, what an agent expects and wants to read in a synopsis, I searched the web for some much-needed synopsis-writing advice. Fortunately, I landed on Chuck Sambuchino's Guide to Literary Agents at writersdigest.com. He offered five simple synopsis-writing tips to make the task easier. So, I wanted to share his expert advice with you, in case you haven't already read it.
This article is a quick, easy read, so take a look. http://writerunboxed.com/2012/02/27/untitled-2-27/.
But for now, I'll paraphrase Sambuchino's tips:
1. Don't surprise your agent. Reveal the ending.
Hmmm. . . I thought that was odd the first time I heard this. But now I realize an agent should be in the loop. They are in the need-to-know business. Otherwise, how can they sell your story? They want and need to know this story doesn't just have another hum-drum, run-of-the-mill ending. Like readers, they want something new. Something with a twist.
I'll take mine with a twist of a lime, thank you.
2. Keep it short.
For me, this is an "Oh, boy" moment. Fortunately, rewriting is what I like best. That initial blank page and getting-it-all-down part of the story is tough.
However, after I throw everything up on the page, I've got lots of cleaning up to do. Maybe it's my OCD tendencies, but I'll obsess over a single verb or phrase for the good part of an hour. Or more. But that's the thing, if I (we) don't take the time and expend the energy to write the best I (we) can, there are those who will. The competition is stiff. Make every word count.
3. Genre Fiction: Every story has a beginning, middle, and end. But does your story Twist & Shout?
It stands to reason that every story must have a beginning, middle, and end. And each should be a part of your synopsis. But does your story have that TWIST, the one that makes your agent want to SHOUT it from the rooftop--or her desktop?!
Agents--and your readers--don't want the same-old, same-old--which reminds me of a Beatles song, "Twist and Shout."
Bear with me here, and please forgive the corny twist on the lyrics. But an agent might want, to the tune of this famous Beatles song, sing the following to an author who has submitted a synopsis.
Shake your, shake your, shake your story now.
Shake your story.
Twist it on out.
Twist it on out.
Make me dance on top of my desk.
Top of my desk
Make me shout it all out.
Shout it all out.
This book's the one I've been lookin' for,
Lookin' for.
For way too long.
Way too long.
Wooooo!
So, shake your, shake your, shake your story now.
Shake your story.
Work it on out.
Work it on out.
Really get me going now.
Going now.
Just like I hoped you would.
Hoped you would.
Woooo!
Okay, in all seriousness, as writers we've got to give that extra umph, that TWIST and turn to our story which makes an agent want to kick off her heels, jump on top of her desk, break open a bottle of champagne and SHOUT--"Finally! A best seller!" (Your bestseller!)
(Not to burst your bubble here, but your story in its entirety will need to follow through with all that umph. But you already knew that.)
4. Synopsis Language
Sambuchino says, "Lean, clean language is great." Stay in your story when writing your synopsis. Avoid author intrusion.
5. CAPITALIZE Major Characters' names.
Another suggestion: The first time you mention a major character in your synopsis, CAPITALIZE their name. That's a new one on me, but great advice. Like he says, capitalizing a character's name says to the agent, "I'M IMPORTANT! SO, STAND UP AND TAKE NOTICE." This is definitely something all writers want their readers to do.
So, I'm on to writing my synopsis, in all its wordiness. Then I'll do the dance and break it down. "Lean [and] clean." I'll make every word count, check my spelling, and send no more than the recommended two page synopsis, double-spaced.
One more suggestion, one I'm sure you've heard time and again: Always, always visit the agent's website and read their writer's submission guidelines, as well as the genres they accept. Then follow them to the letter.
Okay, I'm off.
Cheers!
