Thanks for this post, Kesia. I struggle to be succinct, so I appreciate the tips for what to leave in and what can be left out! Also, thanks to Amandine's question and your answer that subplots and secondary characters can be left out of a synopsis if they don't impact the main plot/main character directly. Also, your slots in Atlanta were sold out by the second day of it going live, LOL. My query package Echoes is still patiently waiting for you when you return from London - have a great trip!
Thanks so much for reading and for the well wishes! Look forward to getting to your query (apologies for the wait). Wow, how did I sell out so fast?! Madness.
Thank you so much for this succinct guide to writing synopses. I'm putting together a book proposal and struggling with that part. This will help me immensely!
Thank you for another helpful post. I was just working on my synopsis last night, so this is very timely.
One thing I’ve wondered: how many named characters to mention in the synopsis? In mine, my protagonist, her love interest, and another 3 characters are named because they are vital to the main plot. Does it sound like too many? Also I assume subplots aren’t mentioned in the synopsis unless they directly impact the main plot? Thanks again!
You're so welcome! Sounds like you're mentioning those characters who *need* to be mentioned for the purposes of outlining the story, which is what I would do too. I'm sure you know this but do put any names in caps the first time they are mentioned so that whoever's reading the synopsis can quickly refer back to see who they are. And I agree - subplots only necessary to mention if they impact on the main plot!
Phew, good, I was a tad worried on both counts. Yes I knew about the all caps but it’s always good to be reminded of the ‘rules’, since it’s so easy to let one slip. Enjoy London and hopefully the jet lag won’t be too bad!
This is super helpful! I find it extra tricky when writing dual timeline or dual POV synopses. Would you recommended going in order, chapter by chapter (flipping between POVS and/or timelines in the synopsis), or summarizing the plot of one POV and/or timeline, and then the other?
Thanks for this post, Kesia. I struggle to be succinct, so I appreciate the tips for what to leave in and what can be left out! Also, thanks to Amandine's question and your answer that subplots and secondary characters can be left out of a synopsis if they don't impact the main plot/main character directly. Also, your slots in Atlanta were sold out by the second day of it going live, LOL. My query package Echoes is still patiently waiting for you when you return from London - have a great trip!
Thanks so much for reading and for the well wishes! Look forward to getting to your query (apologies for the wait). Wow, how did I sell out so fast?! Madness.
Thanks, Kesia! So helpful as always. I hope you have a wonderful time back here in England. Sophie x
Thanks so much Sophie xx
Thank you so much for this succinct guide to writing synopses. I'm putting together a book proposal and struggling with that part. This will help me immensely!
Thank you for another helpful post. I was just working on my synopsis last night, so this is very timely.
One thing I’ve wondered: how many named characters to mention in the synopsis? In mine, my protagonist, her love interest, and another 3 characters are named because they are vital to the main plot. Does it sound like too many? Also I assume subplots aren’t mentioned in the synopsis unless they directly impact the main plot? Thanks again!
You're so welcome! Sounds like you're mentioning those characters who *need* to be mentioned for the purposes of outlining the story, which is what I would do too. I'm sure you know this but do put any names in caps the first time they are mentioned so that whoever's reading the synopsis can quickly refer back to see who they are. And I agree - subplots only necessary to mention if they impact on the main plot!
Phew, good, I was a tad worried on both counts. Yes I knew about the all caps but it’s always good to be reminded of the ‘rules’, since it’s so easy to let one slip. Enjoy London and hopefully the jet lag won’t be too bad!
This is super helpful! I find it extra tricky when writing dual timeline or dual POV synopses. Would you recommended going in order, chapter by chapter (flipping between POVS and/or timelines in the synopsis), or summarizing the plot of one POV and/or timeline, and then the other?