Synopsis Writing

[pprmint777]

Anyone have a good resource that tells how to write a synopsis? The folks I want to submit my novel to have only three criteria: third person, present tense, three pages. But just how do I do this?????

[michaelsnyder]

Hopefully someone can chime in with a more specific example than mine, but here are my thoughts...

Go to your nearest bookstore (or online?) and find the book on writing proposals/synopses with the most recent publication date. From what I've seen, all these guides have pretty much the same information. But if you get one published recently, there may be some tidbit in there about current trends or things that used to be standard that are now looked at as tired and obsolete.

I haven't read this one yet, but I've heard some good things about it. Maybe someone else can offer more credible info on it???

http://www.amazon.com/Book-Proposals-That-Sell-SECRETS/dp/1932124640/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207573713&sr=8-1

Mike

[Tamera]

This site has some great information and links on how to write a synopisis and a query letter. It also has samples to look at. Hope it helps.

http://www.charlottedillon.com/synopsis.html

[paulchernoch]

Some advice I have come across. The synopsis must (through narrative, not in bullet lists) do this:

1) Identify the main characters by name, but not the secondary ones. (Too many names is confusing. Identify secondary characters by role or relationship: the family lawyer, the aunt, the hero's mother, the banker, the mayor.)
2) State the goals of each MC.
3) Describe in broad terms the outer and inner journeys of the MCs.
4) Convey some of your personal style.
5) Establish the setting and time period.
6) Delineate the story arc - inciting incident, major crises, climax, resolution.
7) Give a few plot twists - and definitely DO GIVE AWAY THE ENDING!
8) Identify some of the key themes addressed.
9) Show how the MCs have changed, and achieved their goals (or been frustrated)

- Paul

[pprmint777]

Thanks to everyone for their ideas on synopsis writing. I've got my fingers crossed that I can do it!