Some writers follow these steps, and they are in this order: Pitch, Query, Outline, Synopsis, Book.

If you learn to write those things in that order, you will save yourself one hell of a headache,

Trust me when I say that following a pattern could save you time and sanity.  Especially if you are like me and love to be thorough, and can't bring yourself to officially publish until it is just right.  Or if you are easily lost.

If you find plotting difficult, that's okay and normal. It's a skill that doesn't come naturally to many, but can be hugely beneficial once learned. It takes practice and determination, and then your workflow goes so much more quickly.

Don't let shortcuts or rules take away from your creativity!  Freewrite whenever you can if you prefer that method.  Just remember that it is more messy and difficult to write.

This technique truly saves time, and it's a skill you can build and become familiar with, just like any other. 

You're crap at first, then you're less.  Then you become good, then you're an expert.

Anyway, the subject of writing a synopsis has been broken into 2 PARTS:

1st  I explain the formatting and some important things NOT to do

2nd  I cover the synopsis-writing process

The Synopsis should be very concise, telling exactly what happens in the book--the main plot.  The process of creating it is very particular, and it must be learned properly for the benefit of agents and editors.

If you have already completed your pitch, query, and outline, that means you have figured out what your book will be out of.  However, remember that you have not yet finished focusing your story.

Creating the synopsis before you write the actual book helps you to flesh out the skeleton of the book and to decide when to end it, how long each chapter will be, etc.

If you have to rewrite part of the synopsis because you thought of a better way to do the book, or it suddenly took off in another direction while you were writing it, that's much better than having to rewrite most of the book because the synopsis made you realize there were big holes in the plot and that it was incomplete in several other ways.

The skeleton of a story is the layout, which can be changed or adjusted as you write the actual story, but try to write a very clear, concise synopsis.  Even if you have to rewrite it because your brain came up with an even more awesome idea.

how to layout the synopsis?

Font & Size: The synopsis should have the same size and font as the rest of your book and your query letter.  It should be easy on the eyes, and black. A good one is Arial, 12-point font.

Point of View & Tense: Regardless of the book's POV and tense, always write the synopsis in third-person, present tense

The Heading: This should be located at the left-hand top of the page. It should be single-spaced unless it is longer than one page, in which case it is usually double-spaced.

The Body of the Synopsis: If paragraphs are indented, no spaces between paragraphs.  If they are not indented, include a space between paragraphs.

Character Names: The first time you mention each character's name, make sure you put that name entirely in CAPITAL LETTERS.  After that, you should write the names normally.  Only include the names of characters who are pertinent to the main story plot.  Do not name side characters unless they are pertinent.

Remember that your very first line must have that wow factor.  It's your pitch line!  (Aka -"the hook."). Always remember that each sentence must build upon the previous, and embellish it while progressing along the plotline. 

Length: Attempt to keep your synopsis at one page.  If you have to, make it longer, but 3 pages are most common, I believe.  To keep your synopsis at the one-page or three-page length, only write about the main plot.  If you still have room left when you are done, go ahead and begin adding in the next most important subplots. 

What not to do:  DO NOT try to be vague, or to cover anything up.  Reveal everything that you can. 

Also, do NOT get wordy. Cut every excessive word and phrase, and keep to the main points of the plot. Use your word processing program to find and search your favorite words to delete extras.

Heavier editing needs to go into the synopsis, too.  Don't just remove crutch words and phrases, or repetitions.  Your ability to use good grammar, mechanics and syntax will show in your synopsis, which lets the editors who may take on the project, know how much editing they'll be investing into your work.

Do not worry about subplots unless they strongly affect the skeleton of the story, making it bend a new way or go down some unexpected path.

So, It's okay if you're not perfect, either.  We're all learning, all trying, and all supporting each other.  Because writers and artists are some of the most awesome and open people there are...Except for rude Grammar Inspector and Know-It-Alls, that is. It's one thing to be helpful and just points out errors, another entirely is to be a jerk. If someone is being a jerk, give them a boundary, or get rid of them by blocking them.

You don't need that. You need to stay focused on being your awesome self, and there are plenty of us who will give great, constructive feedback.

✌ ♥   |  ENJOY  |  ♥ ✌