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A synopsis is a one to three page summary of your story. You
should show excitement in writing it so it will draw the interest from an
agent or a publisher. Once you do, they will want to read your manuscript.
Don't leave out the ending of your story
hoping to tease the agent or editor. They want to know what the book is
about at this stage.
A synopsis
covers the major points of a subject matter. In many cases it refers to the plot
of a book. Synopses are usually more in-depth than a mere
"summary", and aim to give a fair idea of the topic.
As you finish
reading each chapter, write down a one- or two-paragraph summary of what
happened where, and to which character, in that chapter.
What you are
doing is cutting down the story into smaller portions. This may help you
take notice to the most important plot to your story. You then put them
into your synopsis.
You want to add
only the points of interest that give your story action and emotion. Bring
out the characters that add to the plot of events. You want them to stand
out. Don’t write about the slow pace sections of the book.
You want your
synopsis to sound exciting. Bring the crisis into the beginning. Make the
publisher want to read more.
Remember to
edit all your work going to the publisher. They don’t want to see sloppy
work. The first impression is important. This is going to be the time to
sell your work as an author.
Make sure your
work is on good paper, double spaced and 12 pt fonts. Read the requirements
from each publisher. They will all vary. There is no standard rule. Before
sending it, read it over and over for corrections and wording. Make sure
that a SASE goes out with it.
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