How to Write a Manuscript Synopsis
Many writers dread writing a synopsis for their novel. It’s not an easy task, but I’ve broken it down into five steps to help you stay organized and focused on the right information.
What is a synopsis anyway?
A synopsis is a complete summary of your novel. The synopsis includes important information about your main character(s) and all main plot points…including how story ends! The full manuscript synopsis is not a document meant to entice readers. Its function is practical and it should give away the ending.
How do you format a synopsis?
There’s no official desired length for a novel synopsis. Agents and editors will prefer synopses of varying lengths, so it’s always best to have a few ready. I recommend aiming for a three-page synopsis (this guide will help you with that) and then cutting even more out for a two-page version…and then making more cuts until you have a very short synopsis that only fills one page. Agents requesting a one-page synopsis will understand the limitations set by the length, so don’t be afraid of making cuts from major plot points as you edit.
Use a reasonable font size (12 is standard for manuscripts; you can get away with 11 for a synopsis) and a default font style (Times New Roman is always safe). Use normal page margins and try your best to put some sort of spacing between lines (if double spacing makes your synopsis six pages long, then adjust the settings accordingly). And remember to include your name and the title of the manuscript at the top of the document, especially if you’re submitting your synopsis as a separate document.
You want to write your synopsis in third person POV using the active voice (regardless of which point of view you’ve used for your manuscript).
Step 1: Get into the right mindset.
When you take the time to think about it, writing a synopsis is really just succinct storytelling. You’ve already done the hard work of writing a full-length novel! Now your synopsis is going to tell the exact same story, but in a “let’s sit around the campfire and tell ghost stories” kind of way. A synopsis does not need to be boring. Think of it as a highlight reel (kind of like your nemesis’ instagram grid). Your synopsis won’t be as full of description and compelling prose as your manuscript, but sharing the core events of your novel should still be exciting.
Step 2: Gather the most important plot points in your novel.
This task requires a complete read-through of your manuscript (and while you’re at it, you might as well do another edit—it never hurts). As you read through the manuscript, pause after each chapter and write down two or three sentences to summarize what happens in each chapter. That’s it. You’re not allowed to write more than three sentences. Focus on the main events, not character development or subplots that don’t have to do with what’s at stake for your protagonist. We’re trying to get to the heart of the story.
Step 3: String those plot points into a cohesive narrative.
This is where you get to show off your writing skills. You now have all the main plot points written down, so you can put your manuscript away and just focus on the story highlights.
The first paragraph of your synopsis should explain all the things that the first chapter of your book introduces to readers: where and when the story takes place, who the protagonist is, and what the initial problem is for this character. After the first paragraph, start stringing the events together chapter by chapter. Start by merging Chapter 1 events with Chapter 2 events, then merge Chapter 3 events in, and so on. It should be clear to the reader how one event leads to the next.
Once you’ve made your way through all your main plot points, you should have a much smaller narrative that tells the same story as your full-length novel.
Step 4: Remember that your characters have feelings.
Focusing on the action in your plot is great (and should be the main focus of your synopsis) but you also want to introduce the main character(s) and their development throughout the story. Read through your synopsis narrative and highlight each event that has a strong impact on your protagonist. This is where you’ll want to include a line or two to explain the protagonist’s emotions. Let the reader know how the character changes throughout the manuscript based on the events occurring around them. Remember: you don’t want to do this for every plot point (you don’t have the space in a synopsis), so only choose the most important ones for your character’s growth.
Your synopsis only needs to include the character development of your protagonist. You should introduce other main characters by name in the synopsis, but any minor characters should be mentioned by title to keep things simple (for example, refer to a minor character as a “barista” rather than using the character’s name). You don’t want to clutter the synopsis.
Step 5: Don’t stop revising.
Now that you’ve weaved the plot points into a short narrative and you’ve considered your protagonist’s emotional journey, it’s time to revise your synopsis to perfection. I recommend re-reading and adjusting your synopsis at least four times.
1st read: Delete any unnecessary details you come across. Remember that a literary agent or editor will read the entire manuscript if they’re interested in the story. Your synopsis cannot explain everything, it simply needs to tell the main story.
2nd read: Read your synopsis out loud (either to yourself or to someone else). The pacing in your synopsis should be super quick. Since you’re focusing on just the most important parts of the story, the synopsis should hold your attention until the very end. Reading out loud will help you spot any sentences that make you stumble.
3rd read: This time, focus on the synopsis sentence by sentence. Make sure each sentence makes sense to someone who hasn’t read the entire book, is as concise as possible, and doesn’t linger on unnecessary details or description.
4th read: Do a thorough copy edit of the synopsis by reading it very, very slowly. Check for typos and grammatical errors.
Congratulations, you now have a complete manuscript synopsis!
More synopsis tips:
Ignore most, if not all, subplots. You have to make cuts. Always focus on the main story arc and maybe add in one or two subplots if you have the room (you probably won’t, and that’s ok).
Avoid adding description. Don’t overanalyze what’s going on in the story. Simply state the action as it happens. It’s tempting, but leave the descriptive passages in the manuscript. Your synopsis is not the place to explain the themes found in your novel.
Don’t ask questions. Your synopsis is not meant to hook the reader or involve the reader in the story. Stick to simply telling the story.
