Crafting a Synopsis for Independent Book Publishing: Key Points to Consider
Sick of the publishing gatekeepers? Catch 'em all AND self-publish without a synopsis? Nah, mate! A synopsis is still da bomb. Here's the lowdown on how to write a killer synopsis for self-publishing your magnum opus.
What's a Synopsis, Again?
A synopsis is a brief, badass summary of your novel, catching readers' attention while serving up your story in a nutshell. Picture this: you've got 500+ pages; now, squish it all into 500 words. Yikes! But don't worry, it's doable, and here's how.
In traditional publishing, agents and publishers usually ask for a synopsis when you submit your manuscript. But when you're self-publishing, it ain't mandatory Yet, there are perks to whipping up a stellar synopsis:
- Prewriting: Knocking out a synopsis before your draft helps solidify your ideas and test their worthiness.
- Time and Money Savings: Have an editor comb through your synopsis before the main event. It'll help clarify your vision and cut down on editing costs later.
- Plot Analysis: Writing a synopsis lets you take a fresh look at your plot, highlighting plot points that need some extra love.
- Sharing Ideas: Share your synopsis with cover designers and marketers to get their take on your story's heart and vibe.
- Marketing Gold: Use your synopsis to craft your book description and captivating advertising copy.
Now, let's get to the meat and potatoes: learning how to write a mouthwatering synopsis for self-publishing. Here are 8 guidelines to keep in mind:
1. Write in the Present Tense and Third Person
Use active language and keep it punchy and informative. The third person adds a professional touch, even if your book doesn't.
2. Keep Word Count in Check
Aim for 500 to 800 words—that's approximately one single-spaced page in a 12pt font.
3. Open with the Premise
Your premise is the hook-up, the intro, the first impression. It covers the entire narrative arc, including setting, conflict, and hook. Make it unique and thrilling to draw readers in.
4. Cover All Plot Points
Outline the five key points: the inciting incident (where the conflict begins), the rising action (moving toward the climax), the climax (the high point of the story), the falling action (after the climax), and the resolution (the end of the conflict).
5. Characterize Your Lads and Lasses
Give the main characters some shine. Share their motivations, quirks, and the sparks that make them the superstars of your story.
6. Include the Essentials
Cover the main character(s), their opening situation, the inciting incident, the conflict, the opposition, the climax, the falling action, and the resolution.
7. Ditch the Fluff
Leave out the rambling descriptions, unanswered questions, character dialogue, minor characters, flashbacks, sub-plots, and sub-headings. Keep it concise and to the point.
8. Fine-tune Your Synopsis
Review, refine, and tweak your masterpiece until it shines. Consider getting feedback from beta readers or pro authors to help yer efforts along.
It's Time to Self-Publish, Mate!
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In the realm of self-publishing, a well-crafted synopsis can prove instrumental in solidifying your ideas, economic savings from editing, analyzing the plot, sharing your vision with team members, and marketing your book effectively. To write an enticing synopsis, adhere to guidelines such as presenting the premise, covering all major plot points, characterizing your characters, keeping it concise, and fine-tuning your work with feedback. Additionally, a meticulously written synopsis can serve as the foundation for your book description and advertising copy, enhancing your home-and-garden (marketing strategy) and overall lifestyle (self-publishing journey).
