My synopsis was torn to pieces at the Winchester Writer's Festival.
The brief was two pages, I wrote three, and then cut out a third. It was confusing, the plot jumped around and had gaps, there were too many sub plots, the agent was left with too many questions.
Some agents ask for one page, others allow three, some ask for 250 -500 words.
But they are guidelines and two agents on the weekend said if you need a little more that's ok, but not much. Scott said, 'Do not go over 500 words - ever.'
Clear as mud? yep.
Read their synopsis guidelines carefully.
How the hell can you reduce your story to 500 words?
Scott Pack gave us some ideas -
Summarise your story into 10 bullet points and take the main character(s) through each point.
Summarise your story in one sentence. (I wish) - increase to 50 words, 100 words etc. Maximum 500.
A synopsis is a simple summary of the story. Ok- sounds easy? You are kidding, I am going round in circles here.
If your synopsis is confusing there is a problem with your plot. - Yep, that became apparent over the weekend. It seems my plot is too complicated. In fact, do I know my plot?
The synopsis should contain spoilers, it is not the cover blurb with a hook - do not leave the agent wondering what something is. Oops.
Concentrate on the central plot, you can leave out sub plots- ah, my problem. This simplifies things. many blogs and books I have read say do not leave anything out of your synopsis - but you should.
Unemotional - most agents read the sample pages you have sent before the synopsis. The sample pages show your writing voice, style, and pace. The synopsis show the agent how the story progresses.
I think I understand how to write mine now.
I am glad the agents were honest, they have saved me many future rejections.
Good luck to you all.
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