How to Write A Short Synopsis for Your Women's Fiction Novel

Writing a successful novel involves writing a successful synopsis.

When it comes time to submit your women's fiction novel to an editor or group of editors you will need to begin the process of polishing your work. Part of sending off a polished piece is making sure that the synopsis you send along with it represents your story well. The synopsis will often be the first thing that an editor reads and reviews before moving on to your women's fiction novel. Make sure that you hold the editor's interest throughout your synopsis.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Compose a one to two paragraph summary of each chapter in your women's fiction novel as you read through your novel for the final time before sending it off to publishing companies. You should try to give a brief snapshot of the most important events in that chapter. If you struggle to determine which events are most important, consider the events that change the course of the story.

2. Record the most prevalent themes that you used while writing your novel. As you read through your women's fiction novel you will probably find many themes relating to gender and womanhood running throughout the novel. The themes you use throughout your story will be important to mention in the final copy of your synopsis.

3. Review the short chapter summaries you recorded earlier and use the information in them to create your synopsis. Remember that the short synopsis of your women's fiction novel should only be about two pages in length. You will need to choose the most important information from your short chapter summaries to include in your synopsis. Tie in the themes you recorded as well, and use these themes to decide which information is most important to include.

4. Explain the protagonist of your women's fiction novel in the opening paragraph of your synopsis. This will help give the editors who review your novel the information that they need to really get to know you and your work through your main character. Remember to include only the descriptions and aspects of your protagonist that play an important role in your novel. For example, don't include her hair color and favorite nail polish brand unless those traits make a difference to your plot.

5. Follow the specific format requirements of the publishing companies that you will be sending your short synopsis to. In general, a short synopsis should be written in the omniscient present tense. It should only be one to two pages in length, double spaced. Include all of your contact information in the upper lefthand corner and present the novel's title before you begin writing.

References

• Forward Motion for Writers; Workshop - Writing a Novel Synopsis; Sheila Kelly; 2003
• Writing World; How to Write a Synopsis; Marg Gilks
• Guide to Literary Agents; How to Write a Novel Synopsis; July 2009