So, you've written a book. Or maybe you're still staring at a blank page, wondering how to start. Either way, congratulations! Now comes the hard part: convincing other people that your story is worth their time. Enter the synopsis, the literary equivalent of a highlight reel.
Don't worry—it's not as scary as it sounds. Think of the synopsis as your book's Tinder bio: short, intriguing, and enough to make someone swipe right. Unlike Tinder, though, you can't just rely on pictures of your book's "abs" (aka a cool cover) to seal the deal. Let's break it down, step by step.
What Even Is a Synopsis?
Before we dive in, let's clarify: a synopsis isn't your back cover blurb. It's not a teaser meant to seduce readers with vague hints about "a secret that will change everything." Nope, the synopsis lays it all out—the main plot, the characters, the stakes, and even the ending.
Yes, you read that right: you're supposed to spoil your own book. If that feels wrong, just imagine you're explaining the plot to a friend who's too impatient to read it. They don't want to hear about your world-building quirks or that random side character's tragic backstory—they want the good stuff, fast.
Step 1: Boil Your Story Down
First things first, get to the heart of your book. Ask yourself these basic questions:
Who is your protagonist?What do they want?What's standing in their way?What happens if they fail?
For example, if you're writing about a dragon-slaying accountant named Doris:
Who is Doris? A burnt-out CPA with a fear of fire.What does she want? To slay the dragon that's hoarding the kingdom's retirement funds.What's in her way? Her lack of sword skills, a rival knight, and the dragon's surprisingly compelling PowerPoint on why he deserves the gold.What happens if she fails? Financial ruin for the kingdom—and Doris never gets her two-week vacation in Margaritaville.
That's the skeleton of your synopsis. Now we add some flesh.
Step 2: Open with a Bang
The first sentence of your synopsis needs to grab attention. No need to get fancy—just introduce your protagonist and their world.
Example:
Doris, a middle-aged accountant with a fear of fire, thought her biggest challenge was tax season—until the dragon moved in.
Boom. We know who Doris is, what she's about, and that dragons are involved. Intriguing, right?
Step 3: Lay Out the Stakes
Once you've introduced your main character, explain what's at stake. The key is to balance enough detail to make it compelling without bogging it down in subplots.
Bad:
Doris starts training to fight the dragon, but then her coworker betrays her, and her dog gets sick, and also there's a prophecy about a magical calculator.
Good:
To save the kingdom's finances, Doris must overcome her fear of fire, outwit a rival knight, and face the dragon—armed with nothing but her wits and a very sharp pencil.
Step 4: Spoil the Ending (Yes, Really)
Publishers and agents don't want mystery—they want to know how it all ends.
Bad:
But when Doris finally confronts the dragon, everything changes in ways no one could have predicted.
Good:
In a fiery showdown, Doris discovers the dragon's true weakness: bad accounting. With her sharp pencil (and sharper wit), she defeats the beast and ensures everyone's pensions are saved.
Step 5: Keep It Short
A synopsis should be no longer than one page (two if you're feeling rebellious). Aim for about 500-700 words. Think of it as the elevator pitch you give if the elevator's only going up three floors.
Some Bonus Tips for Synopsizing Like a Pro
Stick to the Main Plot.
Subplots are like dessert: great in the book, but too much in the synopsis and you'll give your reader a stomachache.
Write in Present Tense.
Even if your book's set in the past, your synopsis should feel immediate.
"Doris battles the dragon, not 'Doris battled the dragon.'"
Why? It just sounds cooler.
Avoid Fancy Prose.
A synopsis isn't the place to flex your poetic muscles. You're telling, not showing. If it sounds like a dramatic movie voice-over, you're doing it right.
Wrong: "The shimmering dragon, glistening like molten gold, spread its wings, heralding the doom of a thousand kingdoms."Right: "The dragon threatens to burn the kingdom to ash unless Doris stops it."A Quick Example
Here's how it all comes together:
Doris, a middle-aged accountant with a fear of fire, thought her biggest challenge was tax season—until a dragon hoarded the kingdom's gold. To save the kingdom's finances, Doris must overcome her fear, outwit a rival knight, and face the dragon armed with nothing but her wits and a sharp pencil. In the end, Doris discovers the dragon's true weakness: bad accounting. With her unique skills, she defeats the beast and ensures the kingdom's pensions are saved.
Final Thought: Make It Fun!
Writing a synopsis can feel like trying to fit a dragon into a shoebox, but remember: if you're excited about your story, that excitement will shine through. And if all else fails, bribe your beta readers to write it for you. Pizza works wonders.