![]() Since then, the two of them have sought out and collected many more pins, each one linked to a shared memory. The very next day, Marty was devastated to learn that his dad has terminal cancer. “Four months ago, Marty’s dad gave him a special gift for his 11th birthday: a jean jacket, along with a few badges and pins depicting special events the two of them have shared. Here’s my example (first paragraph only, for brevity’s sake): ( How to Write a Synopsis When You Have Lots of Characters in Your Story) Your goal is to keep your readers on the edge of their seats, not scratching their heads in puzzlement. Remember, overly detailed synopses only lead to questions. Look for spots in which to add voice and flavor, giving the reader a feel for your narrative style within the book. In this form, you’re still aiming to capture the heart of your story, not its every nuance. Limit yourself to naming just two or three characters. This stage is where you touch on secondary characters Stay succinct-one page is not long. (Note: Synopses are typically single-spaced.) The expansion continues, this time from a paragraph to a page. You will use it in crafting your query letter, describing your book to others, and, once the book is sold, as information for marketing and publicity events (possibly even as the copy on your back cover). This single-paragraph blurb might be your most valuable tool of all. Having heard of a magical train that gathers up the precious lost things of children, Marty goes searching for it-in hopes of finding not only the lost jacket, but a way to save his father as well.” Details on conflict, difficulty, or challenge.Ĭonsider this example: “ The Train of Lost Things tells the story of 11-year-old Marty, who loses a jean jacket given to him by his terminally ill father.Think about incorporating some (not necessarily all) of the below: You’re still focused on thinking brief, but now providing a wider view of the characters, conflict, and story itself. Now, take your single sentence and round it out to a full-paragraph, slightly expanded summary. A Synopsis: The Difference and Definitions (and 'What is a Good Synopsis Length?')) Step 2: The One-Paragraph Pitch From here on out it will be your best buddy, your answer to the first question everyone asks when they hear you’re writing a book, and a foundation to build upon. How do they compare? Which do you prefer? Can you combine the best elements of each into a single, jaw-dropping one-sentence synopsis? Now, take a look at your two separate pitches. The primary hindrance keeping them from satisfying that want or need.Ready to get a bit more technical? Combine the following elements into a new, single sentence: Practicing the pitch aloud can help you hone it based on others’ reactions-revealing what elements draw the most interest, what feels comfortable, what you most like the sound of. ![]() Keep working on it and refining it over time. Your answer should provide the bedrock for this one-sentence summary.ĭon’t worry if what you come up with doesn’t feel exactly right at first. Imagine a friend asking what your book is about. At this length, you have no choice but to keep it ultra-brief-who, what, why. Begin by seeing if off the top of your head you can refine your novel into a single compelling sentence.
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