Tips on Writing Synopsis

[Threddy]

Hi, Has anyone got any tips for writing a synopsis for books?
Just wondering as I am submitting a novel to Chicken House publishers(after being persuaded by friends).
Ed - Threddy

[Teresa Edgerton]

I actually wrote up something about that not very long ago (it's message #5):

http://www.sffchronicles.co.uk/forum...blication.html

[Threddy]

Thanks, that was pretty helpful.
I'll see how it goes then.

[Threddy]

Hi, just wondered how long a synopsis should be, roughly?

[Teresa Edgerton]

Usually 1-3 pages, but each agent or editor will have his or her own preference as to length, and you need to find out what that is and make sure that you give each of them what he or she wants.

With that in mind, when working on your synopsis it's a good idea to write one at each length, so that you'll be prepared (as well as because it's good practice).

[power to the J]

Yeah do a bunch of drafts. That's my advice. The more you do it, the better it'l be, IMO.

[Threddy]

Ok, Thanks a lot, I'll try writing some stuff down today then.
Ed - Threddy

[lin robinson]

My practice, if you are talking about physical pages, if one page.

I HATE synopses. And movie loglines are worse. I am trying to lead a quiet revolt towards using web pages instead. One line in a email, you click, and pow...as much as you need to know at a glance.