THE FIRST, OR LAST THING THE PUBLISHER READS

The Synopsis

Category: Strategy

Rowan Wilcher | Friday, 4 October 2019

After months of toil, your manuscript is finally complete—just as a well-deserved summer holiday beckons. For you, it is the perfect moment to step away from your brainchild, yet there is a catch. With your bags already packed, you find yourself tentatively facing a final task: writing the synopsis. First things first?

Such a scenario is far from uncommon, but contrary to popular blogging advice, many seasoned authors actually draft their synopsis before the manuscript is even finished. This is not because 'synopsis-stalled writer' insurance is hard to come by, but primarily because at this stage, an author is not yet too entangled in the intricacies of their own narrative. Why this detachment is vital for a successful synopsis, we shall explore further on.

The function of the synopsis

In both fiction and non-fiction, the synopsis serves the same purpose. Whilst it literally translates to 'summary', in practice, it encompasses far more. It functions as a kind of (literary) business plan, designed to persuade a publisher to invest in your work. Though it may sound straightforward, fewer than one per cent of all submissions are ever published. Unlike a commercial bank, a publisher weighs artistic merit alongside financial viability in their decision-making. This makes the synopsis a vital strategic component of any book project. Indeed, without a well-crafted synopsis, a publisher is unlikely even to glance at the manuscript—a daunting prospect, to be sure. Fortunately, there are several guidelines to assist you in writing a compelling synopsis.

The synopsis is preceded by a covering letter that complements both the summary and the manuscript itself. In this letter, you briefly introduce the work and define its genre and target audience. Typically, these three documents are submitted upon the completion of your writing project. While many authors follow this route, there are instances where deviating is advisable—for example, when extensive (and costly) research is required. It is often unwise to undertake such a risk without prior certainty regarding publication and a potential advance. In these circumstances, it is preferable to draft a book proposal first, in which you present a compelling case for your concept. Fortunately, such a proposal shares many commonalities with a standard synopsis.

What to include in your synopsis

Several key elements are essential for a persuasive synopsis. You will find these outlined below, though the list is not exhaustive. Be creative—perhaps include a particularly striking passage from your manuscript—but do keep the recommended page length in mind.

A writer must be a jack of all trades

As you can see, crafting a synopsis demands a blend of analytical, creative, and commercial writing skills. Striking the right balance is crucial. Given the document's limited scope, it is vital to maintain sufficient distance from your own narrative. This becomes increasingly difficult as you become immersed in the finer details. For that reason, it is often more practical to draft the synopsis before commencing the manuscript, rather than upon its completion. Should the storyline evolve during the writing process, you can simply apply the finishing touches later. After all, adding detail is far easier than cutting it back, is it not? If you are an aspiring author, you may wish to revisit the principles for writing your 'final' book, as discussed at the beginning of this volume.

Furthermore, writing a synopsis is an exercise in the art of seduction—not unlike a peacock fanning its iridescent plumage to enchant a peahen. Identify the unique strengths of your book and deploy them like those 'peacock eyes' in the battle for the publisher’s attention.

If you are considering writing a book in another language, click here.