Panelists: Sylvia Kelso, Kelly McCullough, Caroline Stevermer
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The gist of the synopsis panel was to help writers learn about the varying kinds of synopses that a publisher might ask for.
Many writers are often confused by the variety of terms a publisher might use. What’s the difference between an outline and a synopsis? What about a hook? What about a pitch?
Once you’ve sold your first book, books are often sold on pitches and synopses, so this is an important skill to develop.
Kelly McCullough tends to be a very organized writer. He usually produces a variety of synopses for agents in advance of sending around his work. For each book, he has a short synopsis, a 3-5 page synopsis, and a full 7-8 page synopsis.
Caroline Stevermer, on the other hand, is a more organically organized writer. She writes her synopses after her book is done, so in general they are fairly accurate.
Sylvia Kelso read several examples of synopses.
Here are some kinds of synopses you might be asked for, and some tips about writing them.
Time Line Synopsis: The temporal outline of your book.
Scene by Scene Synopsis: Your scenes, summarized in order.
Three Chapters and a Prospectus: Often used to try to cinch a book deal.
Working Synopsis: Often for the author to keep track of their work.
Pitch (AKA One-Minute Elevator Speech) That one sentence that encapsulates or previews your book, making your potential agent or publisher want more!
Single Sheet/ Tear Sheet Synopsis: Often destined for cover copy, or the cover artist, the essence of your book in one page.
Tips for Writing the Synopsis:
1. Keep it in the present tense
2. Detail the set up, setting, and the climax
3. Middles can be glossed over
Remember, your synopsis really needs to convey what you love about the book. You need to sound excited when you send it. Excitement is infectious.
Would you like to share yohttps://cathschaffstump.com/wp-admin/post-new.phpur synopsis, pitch, and query experiences? Feel free. Kelly suggested that you could get some tips over at Wyrdsmiths, so I’ve linked to him here, here, and here, all entries in his Synopses Suck series.
Happy summarizing!
Catherine
