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3 Tips To Writing a Great Synopsis (With Sample)

3 Tips To Writing a Great Synopsis (With Sample)

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June 20, 2018 By Karo Leave a Comment

Karanta Cikin Hausa - Read in English

First, let’s start with the question,

What is a Synopsis?

In simple words, I’d say, A synopsis is a major summary of your written work, outlining key parts that are good enough to hook the readers, judges, or publishers. You can also see Wikipedia’s definition here 

It is always advisable for your synopsis to look professional and do its job of convincing publishing agencies, or judges at a writing contest, that your manuscript is exciting and worth reading.

Do not be afraid. Writing a great synopsis will be a walkover for you by the time you finish reading this article. We would also include a link to a sample synopsis.

What Should A Synopsis Do?

1. Tell an agent or whoever the reader is, what your story is about.

2. It should outline your hook and elevator pitch

3. It should show its appeal and plot climax

4. It should have a satisfying ending.

 FORMAT FOR YOUR SYNOPSIS:

  • Length: this should be about 500 words (If you are submitting to a publisher, be sure to check their word count requirement, as it varies from publisher to publisher)
  • Language: Language should be in English, easy to understand and straight to the point. It should also be neutral.
  • Presentation: Ensure there are no gramatical errors or spelling errors. The font should be a twelve-point font in Times New Roman, normal margins, and line spacing should not be narrower than 1.5. Preferably, it should contain only one page.
  • Character names: Bolden the main character names when you first introduce them. This way, the person reading it can easily identify with them.
  • Extra points: Don’t write anything out of place. Don’t write about how the story idea came to you, or how you spent midnights writing the story, or how you want the story to be sold. Please, just focus on the storyline and how it plays out.
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HOW TO WRITE A SYNOPSIS

The first step to writing a powerful synopsis is

1. Don’t think of writing a detailed summary of your story. It may drive you crazy.

Instead of a detailed summary, simply look at the structure and build up of your story and write it down. Below is what a structure entails.
  • Status of the characters
  • Incident
  • Development of the incident
  • Crisis from the incident
  • Resolution of the incident

Of course, it is important to remove too many details or spoilers, but do not hide the plot twist. Too many details include character development, scene description, and development, plot development, etc.

2. Give basic character background

In as much as you’re not giving so much detail about your characters, you need to give the basic detail about them and what drives them to certain incidents.

PS: Ensure that your character background appeals to the reader’s emotions.

A SAMPLE SYNOPSIS

I’m ending this article by providing a well-written sample synopsis for you. You can read it by clicking here.

 

I hope this article was useful to you. If you have more questions, please feel free to drop them in the comment section, and I’ll respond.

Cheers!

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Filed Under: Writers' Corner

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About Karo

Karo Oforofuo is an experienced ghostwriter, social media strategist, an author of several fiction books, owner/blogger at pelleura.top where she entertains readers with mouth-watering stories, real-life experiences, relationships and business articles.

She also specializes in helping authors, who want to start and grow their reader base through consulting sessions. Check out her novel “Strange Man at Iri” on Pelleura

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