Synopsis Stress
Traci Kenworth
It’s my least favorite part of querying: the dread synopsis, but I understand why they’re a necessity. It gives the agent a chance to see the broad-strokes of your novel. I start by going through my manuscript and writing a chapter-by-chapter summary. Four or five lines for each are good, I find. Once this is done, I go back and pick the best pieces of what the story is about from the first three chaps, then the next three chaps, and on. This usually narrows it down to a 3-5 page outline of the story. This is a good choice for the longer synopsis some agencies want to see. Lastly, I go back and glean the most important parts of the 3-5 pages down into a one-page synopsis. I figure this way, I’ll be set if an agent wants just the bare (but greatest plot points) of the work.
And there you have it, how I deal with the synopsis card. What are some of your tips when writing one? Do you break it down like above? Or wait to reduce it from long form to shorter form when needed?
Where Genres Collide Traci Dowe YA Author 
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