Synopsis

Writing a synopsis for a story can be a challenging task. A synopsis summarizes the story while highlighting important details in the story. Unlike a blurb, which is more like a trailer that’s designed to pique your interest, the synopsis summarizes the entire story from beginning to end.

For my novels, I’ll write several drafts of the synopsis before I get it right. I’m not only writing what the story is about, but I’m pitching the story as well. I want the story to sound fun and exciting to read. I want the synopsis to inspire the reader to pick up the book and start reading it before they’ve finished the summary.

When I read the synopsis for any book, I’m looking to see if it grabs my attention–if it sparks my curiosity. And if it does, I won’t even read the synopsis to the end because I want to find out what happens when I read the book.

A good synopsis describes the plot rather than describing individual scenes or listing all the characters involved. It highlights the story’s arcs and clearly explains the events in a clear and concise way. Even if the story isn’t for me, a good synopsis might convince me to put the book in my wish list.