Writing is a craft, and like all crafts, writing is a continuous learning and improvement process. One of our goals at Childress Ink is to help other authors in their creative journey, and we love answering questions from readers, including this one from author Lori Layne: What should be included in a synopsis?

1. Understand the Purpose

A synopsis is typically a 1-2 page summary that outlines the plot, main characters, and major themes of your book. It is usually required by literary agents and publishers to get a sense of your story and your writing style.

2. Start with a Strong Opening

Begin with a brief hook that captures the core of your story. This should introduce the main character, the setting, and the primary conflict.

3. Summarize the Plot

Describe the main events in a clear and chronological order. Focus on the pivotal moments that drive the story forward. Avoid including subplots unless they are crucial to understanding the main storyline.

• Introduction: Set up the main characters, setting, and initial situation.
• Rising Action: Highlight the key events and challenges that lead to the climax.
• Climax: Describe the turning point or the most intense moment of the story.
• Falling Action: Show the consequences of the climax.
• Resolution: Explain how the story concludes.

4. Highlight the Main Characters

Identify the protagonist and major characters. Describe their motivations, conflicts, and growth throughout the story. Make sure their roles and relationships are clear.

5. Include the Ending

A synopsis should reveal the ending. This shows that you have a complete story with a clear resolution.

6. Focus on Clarity and Brevity

• Be Concise: Avoid unnecessary details and descriptions. Stick to the main points.
• Use Clear Language: Write in a straightforward manner. Avoid overly complex sentences and jargon.

7. Show Your Voice

Even though the synopsis is a summary, let your unique writing voice shine through. This can give agents and publishers a taste of your style.

8. Edit and Revise

• Proofread: Ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos.
• Seek Feedback: Have others read your synopsis and provide feedback. 

Example Template for Guidance:

Title: *Your Book Title*

Author: Your Name

Genre: Your Book’s Genre

Synopsis:

1. Introduction: Briefly introduce the protagonist, setting, and initial situation.

2. Rising Action: Summarize the main events that lead to the central conflict. Highlight the protagonist’s challenges and how they respond.

3. Climax: Describe the peak of the story where the protagonist faces their greatest challenge.

4. Falling Action: Outline the events that occur as a result of the climax.

5. Resolution: Explain how the story concludes, the protagonist’s transformation, and any final resolution.

Example Synopsis

Title: The Great Adventure

Author: Jane Doe

Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis:

When young farmhand Eliza discovers a mysterious map, she embarks on a journey to find a legendary treasure. Along the way, she is joined by a ragtag group of allies, each with their own secrets and motivations. As they face mythical creatures and treacherous landscapes, Eliza learns about her true heritage and the dark forces threatening her world.

The group reaches the hidden temple where the treasure is said to be kept, only to find it guarded by the sorcerer Malakar, who seeks the treasure's power for himself. In a climactic battle, Eliza confronts Malakar, using her newfound abilities to defeat him and secure the treasure.

With the sorcerer vanquished, peace returns to the land, and Eliza returns home, forever changed by her adventure. She embraces her heritage and becomes a protector of the realm, ensuring that the treasure is used for the good of all.

Final Tips

• Tailor Your Synopsis: Adjust the length and detail based on the guidelines provided by agents or publishers.
• Stay True to Your Story: Represent the main elements and themes accurately.

By following these steps, you can craft a compelling synopsis that effectively captures the essence of your book and entices readers to want to know more.

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Kim Childress is an award-winning editor and author of hundreds of books for children and adults, including Find Your Future in Art. She is a product developer in children’s publishing, book editor for Girls’ Life magazine since its 1994 debut, and former middle-grade acquisitions editor for HarperCollins (Zondervan). She has maintained a successful career while raising a personal focus group of four children through diapers, doctors, broken bones, college, and plagues. Learn more about Kim and follow her adventures at ChildressInk.com and Ink-a-Dink.com. You can purchase her workshops at penconeditors.com, including on editing middle-grade and YA fiction and nonfiction, creating books of excellence for young readers, How a Book is Made from Start to Finish, and Trends and Opportunities in Fiction and Nonfiction Picture Books. Find these and more workshops from editors of excellence at penconeditors.com.