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How to Write a Synopsis for Fiction
A synopsis should be a matter-of-fact, straight forward and succinct description of the story, no more than two pages, preferably one page. It should trace the arc of the story, as if on a graph, its peaks and its valleys, each peak bigger than the last generally, leading to a crescendo, a zenith. The synopsis should be written omnisciently, above the story, not part of it. Forget the flowery prose and fancy narrative writing. That is for the manuscript.
The purpose of the synopsis is to tell the publisher, editor or agent exactly what the book is about. How it progresses from Chapter I to the final chapter, an illustration of the arc of the story.
Never ask questions leaving a publisher, an editor or an agent guessing. Such questions luring people into the story is the business end which public relations people of a publisher use to list and advertise a book. Specify clearly the plot, sub-plots, themes and sub-themes, conflicts between characters and inner conflict. Point counter point.
Character Development
Specify who is the protagonist and who is the antagonist.
- Avoid multiple points of view, except in special books that require it. A solitary POV is best, usually the protagonist or a strong secondary character.
- Weave the characters into the story without being disruptive. The story and the characters should blend.
- Use back story and/or flashback, if necessary, to extend character development, to make the arc of the story cohesive.
- From these characters, themes and sub-themes are revealed, conflicts and tension bubble and boil.
The Critical Point in the Story
Every good fiction book has a critical point or passage that personifies the story, the defining moment of the book. These points and passages are generally nested in calm narratives or quiet dialogue.
For example, the main character in "Cold Mountain" relaxing from field work witnesses a crow in flight above her, the imagery which embodies the changes in her life brought about by war and suffering, transformational from a time of dainty privilege to a time that revolved around the seasons and the weather, when to turn the earth, when to shovel manure into it, when to seed, when to harvest.
In "No Country for Old Men," the sheriff visits his uncle crippled years ago by a criminal. The sheriff hopes to gain solace or comfort, but instead his uncle makes him realize in a quiet conversation that the brutality and hopelessness of the current day was no different than a hundred years ago, that the land on which they were born "was hard on people" back then as it is now.
Be sure to place the critical point carefully into the arc of the story. As a defining moment, it will highlight your book.
