How to Write a Longer Synopsis

When querying agents or working with an editor, oftentimes the general preference is to send a single-page synopsis. But sometimes a longer synopsis is preferred. These instructions are a great guideline for when you write your synopsis, but make sure you default to any specific instructions given by the agent or editor you are sending the synopsis to.

When working with any of the editors or analysts on our team, we request a longer synopsis (between 3-10 pages). So whether you’re writing a three-page synopsis or something even longer, we’ve put together this helpful tutorial, complete with examples.

What is a synopsis? A synopsis is a clear summary of the plot. Think of it like a synopsis you would find on IMDb.

Formatting Instructions

  • Have 1-inch margins, and use Times New Roman, 12-point font.
  • Centered at the top of the page, put the TITLE OF THE BOOK in bold and in ALL CAPS. Below that, put your author name (not in bold or all caps).
  • The body of the synopsis should be single-spaced, with 6-point spacing after each paragraph (Instructions: in Word, go to the “Layout” tab and in the spacing section, select “after” and change to 6 pt.)

Details

  • Write the synopsis in 3rd person, present tense regardless of the person or tense the book is written in.
  • The first time a character is introduced, put their name in ALL CAPS or bold. Do not do this for locations or other details. Also include the character’s age in parenthesis for your protagonist, your antagonist, and any other characters where age is important. If a character’s age is already mentioned in the synopsis, then you don’t need to add the parenthesis.
  • Use parentheses for any clarification of worldbuilding details or other necessary information.
  • Try to limit the characters to only those essential to moving the plot forward rather than listing your full cast of characters. This usually includes your main character, the antagonist, the love interest (if there is one), and any significant secondary characters. For secondary characters, it helps to mention them by their role (such as mother, teacher, etc.).
  • Make sure everything is clear in the synopsis. That means you should reveal all plot twists and the end of the story. But don’t go into detail about the setting or minor plot points.

Tips

  • It’s often helpful (especially in speculative or historical fiction) to set the scene in the first sentence, or somewhere in the first paragraph.
  • It helps if you give brief, half-sentence character description when you introduce any characters.
  • Make sure you introduce the information in the order it happens for a linear progression.
  • It’s important that your characters have wants and needs, and that usually means that there is a central goal that the character is working toward.
  • For each story, there should also be a story question.

Extra points: if you have a compelling way to ‘sell’ your story in 2-3 lines maximum (called a short pitch), you could insert that little snippet up at the top of your synopsis. Make sure this practice isn’t frowned upon by the person you are sending the synopsis to.

Examples

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl The Shape of Water

Want feedback on your Synopsis?
have one of our analysts to look it over with an Outline Review!

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