Writing the Dreaded Novel Synopsis: Dos and Don'ts

You asked for it, and here it is: how to write a novel synopsis! Many writers struggle with writing a book synopsis, as it can feel impossible to distill your long, complex story into just a couple of pages. In this video, I explain when you'll actually be asked for a novel synopsis, clear up the difference between the novel synopsis and blurb, and offer my top dos and don'ts for synopses. With this information, you'll be ready to craft your synopsis if a literary agent or publisher asks for one.

DO'S AND DON'TS OF WRITING A NOVEL SYNOPSIS:
03:11 - Do: Start with the inciting action
04:18 - Don’t: Start with an overview sentence
05:31 - Do: Cover all the major plot developments and storylines
06:47 - Don’t: Go into excessive detail
08:38 - Do: Give away the ending
10:06 - Don’t: Include editorial commentary

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GREAT BOOKS ABOUT WRITING/PUBLISHING:
Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer / https://amzn.to/3VE8dtt
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody / https://amzn.to/3Vyk2Bn
Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum / https://amzn.to/3Z4at03

SOME OF MY FAVORITE NOVELS:
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones / https://amzn.to/3vvWItt
Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips / https://amzn.to/3CFz4Pt
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid / https://amzn.to/3CjFFi5

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RELATED LINKS:
How to Write the Perfect Book Blurb:    • How to Write the Perfect Book Blurb f...  
How to Choose Strong Comparable Titles:    • How to Choose Strong Comparable Title...  
Can't Get a Literary Agent? Here's What To Do:    • Can't Get a Literary Agent? Here's Wh...  

ABOUT ME:
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with 7+ years of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey—whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.

Feel free to get in touch!

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