Are you a writer who struggles with condensing your intricate plot and engaging characters into a brief, compelling summary? If so, you’re not alone. Many writers find that writing a story synopsis isn’t as easy as it seems. However, with some practice and a few key points in mind, you can create a synopsis that effectively showcases the heart of your story while leaving readers wanting more.
When writing a story synopsis, it’s important to remember that you’re not giving a full, detailed summary of every plot point and character. Instead, you want to provide a brief overview that highlights the key conflicts, obstacles, and emotional journey of the main characters. The goal is to give readers a sense of the story’s central theme and the journey the characters will undertake to overcome their challenges.
One way to approach writing a story synopsis is to start with a general overview of the plot. Introduce the main character and set up the world they inhabit. For example, if you’re writing a story about a superhero named Charlie who must save his community from a zombie attack, you could start by describing Charlie’s ordinary life and the moment when the zombie invasion disrupts his peaceful seclusion.
Next, focus on the main conflicts and obstacles Charlie must face. Highlight the key turning points in the story, where Charlie’s actions and choices have a significant impact on the outcome. Show how Charlie’s love for his community and his inherent goodness drive him to take on the role of the reluctant hero, despite his initial doubts and fears.
Include a few sentences about the other important characters in the story, particularly those who play a significant role in Charlie’s journey. For example, you could mention Lilith, a mysterious and obnoxious character who becomes Charlie’s unlikely ally, or the notorious rattlesnake who constantly challenges Charlie’s courage.
Wrap up your synopsis by briefly touching on the emotional arc of the story. Mention how Charlie’s encounters with danger and loss test him and ultimately help him grow as a person. Leave the reader with a sense of the overall message or theme of your story.
Remember, writing a story synopsis is a skill that can be developed with practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. Keep honing your writing skills and revising your synopsis until it captures the essence of your story in a compelling, succinct manner. And never forget to let your unique voice and style shine through in your synopsis.
Novel Synopsis: How to Write a Synopsis for your Novel
Writing a synopsis for your novel can be a challenging task, but it is an essential part of the submission process. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, a well-written synopsis can make all the difference in getting your manuscript noticed by agents and publishers.
When crafting your novel synopsis, you’ll want to open with a brief introduction to your story’s central characters and setting. For example, in the case of “Riverwild,” a novel about a collection of mysterious characters who find themselves drawn to a secluded river, you might say something like:
“In the small town of Riverwild, a group of strangers with a love for adventure and a taste for danger have come together. Among them is Lilith, a woman with a dark past, and Willy, a man who can’t escape his emotional demons. When their paths cross on the river, they must confront their inner conflicts and overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.”
In the next few paragraphs, you’ll want to summarize the main events and conflicts that drive your story forward. This is where you can showcase your storytelling skills and demonstrate what makes your novel unique. Here’s an example:
“As Lilith and Willy navigate the treacherous waters of the Riverwild, they discover that they are not alone. A series of strange occurrences and encounters with supernatural beings profoundly affects them, leaving them questioning their own sanity. As they delve deeper into the mystery of the river, they uncover its dark secrets and the true nature of their own existence. Ultimately, they must find the courage to confront their pasts and embrace their destinies.”
Finally, in the last few sentences, you should provide a satisfying resolution to the conflicts and the overall arc of the story. This is your chance to leave the reader with a sense of closure and a desire to read more. For “Riverwild,” this could be:
“In the end, Lilith and Willy find solace and redemption in their journey down the Riverwild. They learn that love and forgiveness can conquer even the darkest of secrets, and that true strength comes from within. ‘Riverwild’ is a heartfelt exploration of the power of resilience and the importance of connection.”
Remember that a good synopsis should be concise and focused, so make sure to keep it under a thousand words. It should highlight the key points of your story while also leaving room for some surprises. Keep in mind that agents and publishers often receive hundreds of submissions, so you’ll want to make sure your synopsis stands out.
To practice your synopsis writing skills, try creating a synopsis for your favorite book or a novel you’ve never written. This will help you develop a sense of what kind of information to include and how to order it. You can also take a look at some sample synopsis examples online to get a better idea of what works and what doesn’t.
Writing a novel synopsis may seem like a daunting task, but with some practice and a little bit of guidance, you can master this important part of the submission process. Good luck and happy writing!
Key points
- Keep it brief: A story synopsis is a summary of your novel or collection of writing, so it should be relatively short. Aim for around 300-500 words.
- Include the main plot points: Make sure to highlight the key events and conflicts in your story. This will give readers an idea of the overall narrative and how the protagonist overcomes challenges.
- Focus on emotional nature: Show the emotional journey of your characters and how they grow or change throughout the story. This will make the synopsis more compelling and give readers an insight into the underlying themes.
- Introduce the main characters: In the synopsis, briefly describe the main characters and their motivations. This will help readers understand the relationships and dynamics within the story.
- Don’t give away the ending: While you want to provide enough information about the story, don’t reveal the full resolution or ending. The synopsis should leave readers curious and wanting to read more.
- Show, don’t tell: Instead of simply stating what happens, try to show the conflicts and events through action and dialogue. This will make the synopsis more engaging and allow readers to visualize the story.
- Keep it focused: Stick to the main plot and avoid including too many subplots or unnecessary details. Focus on the most important aspects of your story to keep the synopsis concise and engaging.
- Include a sample of your writing skills: Use your synopsis as an opportunity to showcase your writing style and voice. Make sure the language is clear, engaging, and demonstrates the tone of your story.
- Follow a logical order: Present the events of your story in a clear and logical sequence. This will make it easier for readers to follow along and understand the overall plot.
- Don’t be afraid to be creative: While a synopsis should be informative, it doesn’t have to be boring. Feel free to inject some creativity and showcase your unique storytelling abilities.
- Use words wisely: Choose your words carefully to make the synopsis concise and impactful. Avoid using excessive adjectives or unnecessary details that don’t contribute to the overall story.
- Submit a polished version: Before submitting your synopsis to agents or publishers, make sure to thoroughly edit and proofread it. A well-written and error-free synopsis will leave a positive impression.
In summary, when writing a story synopsis, focus on the key points of your novel, include the main plot events and conflicts, showcase the emotional nature of the story, introduce the main characters, avoid revealing the ending, and make sure to show your writing skills. Keep it concise, focused, and creative to engage readers and leave them wanting more.
A synopsis will differ for the type of work you’re submitting
When it comes to writing a story synopsis, it’s important to remember that the approach may vary depending on the type of work you’re submitting. Whether it’s a novel, short story, or a screenplay, each type of work has its own characteristics and expectations. Let’s take a closer look at some examples and see how the synopsis might differ for each:
Novel
For a novel, the synopsis should give a general overview of the plot, including the major conflicts and the emotional journey that the main character(s) go through. It should also highlight the main points of the story, such as the setting and any notable obstacles the characters face. For example:
Charlie, a notorious riverwild guide with exceptional skills, is forced to take on one last job. When a mysterious heir hires him for a dangerous expedition, Charlie finds himself in the middle of a treacherous river filled with obnoxious obstacles. Along the way, he must confront not only the physical challenges but also his own inner demons. Will Charlie overcome his past and find love on this perilous journey?
Short Story
A short story synopsis should be concise and to the point. It should focus on the main plot and conflicts, without delving too much into minor details. Here’s an example:
In a small community overrun by zombies, a group of survivors must band together to fight for their lives. As they navigate through a world filled with danger and despair, they discover the importance of hope and the strength that comes from unity.
Screenplay
When it comes to a screenplay, the synopsis should provide a clear view of the story as it unfolds on the screen. It should highlight key scenes and pivotal moments that drive the plot forward. Here’s an example:
John, a mild-mannered office worker, discovers that he has superhuman abilities after a near-fatal attack from a rattlesnake. As he struggles to come to terms with his newfound powers, John must decide whether to embrace his role as a reluctant superhero or continue living a quiet and ordinary life.
Remember, these are just a few examples, and every story is unique. The key is to capture the essence of your work and showcase its strengths in a succinct and engaging manner. Goodness knows, writing a synopsis is never an easy task, but with these tips and examples, you’re on the right track!
Here’s a sample of a synopsis
Writing a novel synopsis can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. However, with a little practice and some guidance, you’ll find that it’s not as difficult as it may seem. Here’s a sample synopsis that shows how to write a brief summary of a book:
Charlie Willy is a notorious superhero with a mysterious nature. In this collection of stories, we open with “The Rattlesnake Attack,” where Charlie finds himself in seclusion, trying to keep down the conflicts that come with his superpowers. However, when the obnoxious Lilith Love, a fellow superhero, comes knocking on his door asking for help, he reluctantly agrees. Together, they must work through their differences and find a way to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.
The next story, “The Heir of the Zombie King,” takes us to a zombie-infested world where Charlie and Lilith must battle hordes of the undead in order to save the remaining survivors. With the help of their trusty sidekick, Lilith’s pet zombie, they embark on a thrilling journey that tests their skills and their bond as a team.
The last story in the collection, “The Mysterious Manuscript,” is about a mysterious manuscript that finds its way into Charlie’s possession. As he delves into its pages, he discovers a hidden plot that could change the world as they know it. With time running out, Charlie, Lilith, and their group of misfit characters must decipher the clues and save the day.
This synopsis is a brief overview of the main points of the book. It provides a general idea of the plot and the key conflicts that the characters face. While it does not include all the details or the full list of characters, it gives the reader a taste of what to expect from the novel.
When writing a synopsis, it’s important to keep it concise and focused. Use words that will grab the reader’s attention and accurately reflect the nature of your work. Remember to follow the true essence of your story and highlight the unique aspects that make it stand out.
If you’re submitting your manuscript to agents or publishers, a well-written synopsis is crucial. It is often the first thing they read and can make or break your chances of getting published. So take your time to craft a strong synopsis that will leave a lasting impression.
Writing a synopsis may not be every writer’s favorite task, but with practice and attention to detail, you can find the right balance between giving away enough to make the reader care and keeping enough hidden to create a sense of mystery and intrigue. So don’t be discouraged, and keep honing your synopsis-writing skills!
In conclusion, when writing a story synopsis, remember to be brief, include the key conflicts, and capture the essence of your work. By following these tips and looking at examples like the one given here, you’ll be on your way to creating a successful synopsis that will entice readers and leave them wanting more.
What a Plot Synopsis Isn’t
A plot synopsis is a brief summary of the main events and key elements of a story. It serves as a concise overview for readers or potential publishers to quickly understand the essence of a novel, short story, or screenplay. However, there are certain things a plot synopsis is not, and it’s important to understand these differences when writing one.
Firstly, a plot synopsis is not a sample chapter or an excerpt from the actual manuscript. It should not include detailed descriptions, dialogue, or specific scenes. Instead, it should focus on the overall flow and structure of the story.
A plot synopsis is also not a list of characters. While it’s important to mention the main characters in the story, the plot synopsis should not go into great detail about their individual traits, backgrounds, or relationships. Instead, it should highlight the nature of their conflicts and obstacles.
A plot synopsis does not show the writer’s skills in writing well-developed characters or crafting emotional moments. It is a more general, high-level summary that highlights the key points of the story and its major plot points. It does not provide the full richness and depth of the actual work.
In addition, a plot synopsis is not the place to open with clever or catchy lines, like calling your novel “the literary equivalent of a chocolate-covered rattlesnake.” While it’s important to grab the reader’s attention, a plot synopsis should not rely on gimmicks or flashy language. It should be clear, concise, and straightforward.
A plot synopsis is also not a collection of ideas or a brainstorming session. It should have a clear plot with a beginning, middle, and end. It should follow a particular story structure and take the reader on a journey. It’s not enough to say “This is a story about love and the obstacles that two people face.” Instead, the plot synopsis should give a sense of what those obstacles are and how they affect the characters.
Lastly, a plot synopsis is not the same as a “how to” guide. It does not provide step-by-step instructions on how to write a novel or a story. Instead, it focuses on the key points of the plot and the main conflicts and resolutions.
To summarize:
- A plot synopsis is a brief summary of the main events and key elements of a story.
- A plot synopsis is not a sample chapter or an excerpt from the manuscript.
- A plot synopsis is not a list of characters.
- A plot synopsis does not show the writer’s skills in writing well-developed characters or crafting emotional moments.
- A plot synopsis is not the place for flashy language or gimmicks.
- A plot synopsis is not a collection of ideas or a brainstorming session.
- A plot synopsis is not a “how to” guide for writing a novel or story.
So, when crafting a plot synopsis, remember to focus on the key points of your story and the main conflicts and resolutions. Be clear, concise, and straightforward in your writing. Good luck!
