June Theme: Synopses
Synopsis Tips: Part 2
DISCLAIMER: I may be using synopsis to mean summary though they’re not quite the same. If I am, someone please correct me.
Again, I’m terrible at writing synopses. I’m getting my info from: http://www.writing-world.com/publish/synopsis.shtml . Go there for more.
Okay, now probably the most difficult part of writing a summary or synopsis is writing it so that people want to read it. When somebody reads your summary, it’s supposed to make them want to read the book.
This is not something I am good at, so go directly to the source for more. (Link’s above and below)
Now, according to http://www.writing-world.com/publish/synopsis.shtml (which is where I’m getting my information from) there are some things you should do:
1. Do keep your summaries short. A rule of thumb is one page of synopsis for 25 pages of story. However, it’s probably better to keep it two or ten pages long—shorter is probably better.
2. Do revise your summaries! Spend time on your summary. Just like in novel writing, remove adjective and adverbs.
3. Do tell the whole story. If you are sending it to a publisher, they are not there to steal your story. You need to tell them the entire story if you want them to buy.
4. Do write summaries in the present tense. Always.
5. When in doubt: double-space. It’s easier to read.
6. Do refer to your characters the same way. If you mention a character as Alice, don’t call her Mrs. Baker later. Also, the first time you mention a character’s name, CAPITALIZE it.
Like I said, this is something I have to practice as well. Perhaps when I sit down and write one, I’ll put it up here for critique.
Later.