This section is based on my book, “Silent Danger: A Training Novel” that was released by WCC Press earlier this month.

Susie and the My Book Therapy team do an amazing job of explaining craft and the synopsis, so if you’ve ever read their lessons and you think you don’t need this, keep reading.  What I’m trying to show here is how a synopsis is about more than summarizing your story. It also gets you in the marketing mindset and helps you start to think of unique angles you can take………….

Excerpted for “Silent Danger” Published by Writing Career Coach Press. Permission for one-time use granted.

Synopsis:

In a synopsis you have typically between 1-3 pages to do a bunch of things. You have to:

• Set up the scene

• Introduce the characters

• Tell the main plot points.

• Show the resolution

That can be a daunting task. Thankfully, editors know that and they don’t expect the summary to be as exciting as the manuscript itself, but you still need to show you have engaging craft.

Keeping in mind you only have about 300 words to describe a 60,000 word manuscript, look for ways you’d write a synopsis to better articulate the story and to also get the editors attention. To practice, try doing it on a book you read recently. Follow these exercises.

Exercises:

You need to introduce the main characters right at the start. Keeping in mind the character arc, how can you best describe the way the characters start in this book?

What are the key plot points during the course of the story? What is the primary plot? How do all of these things play out in the character arc?

Are there any specific requirements for the publishing house? How can you show that your book meets those requirements?

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If you have any questions on the book list or you would like to suggest some great books to read, contact use through our website at WritingCareerCoach.com.

— Tiffany Colter, Writing