by Beth K. Vogt, @bethvogt
Last month – and where did September go, might I ask? – I introduced the topic of writing a synopsis. I’m continuing the discussion this month, but with a slight detour.
Let me explain.
My previous blog post, How To Write a Synopsis Part 1: The Overview Paragraph, was prompted by the realization that some (too many?) writers don’t understand the value of utilizing an overview paragraph when writing a synopsis.
As I discussed last month’s blog post with some writing friends, one of them said, “Of course, you told them there can be a one-page synopsis, a three-page synopsis, or even longer ones, right?”
Nope. Didn’t do that.
But I’m doing it today. And the overview paragraph plays a part in this post too.
Our love for writing a synopsis (insert sarcasm here) is compounded by the reality we must learn to write several versions of a synopsis. As mentioned earlier in this blog post, expect to produce:
- A one-paragraph synopsis
- A one-page synopsis
- A long synopsis – think three-to five pages or longer
How Do We Use Each Synopsis?
A one-paragraph synopsis is a good chance to take advantage of the overview paragraph you worked on that includes an opening sentence that grabs someone’s attention and two or three sentences that summarizes your novel. A one-paragraph synopsis can be used several different ways:
- On your one sheet
- In the opening of your book proposal
- In media resources such as press releases and interviews (both online or verbal) or guest blog posts
A one-page synopsis is usually required when you’re submitting your novel for a contest. You’re also required to submit a certain number of pages or chapters of your novel, or sometimes an entire manuscript.
A long synopsis (three to five pages or more) is required when submitting to an agent or editor. This is also part of the full book proposal that you submit, which includes your marketing ideas, book comparisons, and possible endorsers. Always remember to consult an agency’s or publisher’s website for their submission guidelines.
Next month: Writing A Synopsis Part 3: What Do You Include?
The award-winning Thatcher Sister Series by Beth K. Vogt, published by Tyndale House, is described as a “Little Women gone wrong” collection of novels highlighting complicated sister relationships in the style of This is Us. NYT bestselling author Lisa Wingate said, “With tenderness and skill, Beth Vogt examines the price of secrets, the weight of tragic loss, and the soul-deep poison of things left unsaid.” The series includes Things I Never Told You, Moments We Forget, and The Best We’ve Been. Unpacking Christmas: A Thatchers Sisters Novella, was released in November 2022 by Never Door Press.
Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She started out in fiction writing award-winning contemporary romances, including Somebody Like You, which was selected as one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2014. Beth transitioned to women’s fiction with her Thatcher Sister Series, which she calls “a Little Women gone wrong” collection of books highlighting complicated sister relationships. Published by Tyndale House, the series includes Things I Never Told You, which won the 2019 AWSA Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year, Moments We Forget, and The Best We’ve Been. Beth is also a Christy Award winner, an ACFW Carol Award winner, and a RITA® finalist. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation, and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to living with imaginary characters and is also one of Beth’s most trusted brainstormers for her novels. Visit Beth at bethvogt.com.