Synopsis (or outline!) writing in 9 easy steps…
Date: Thursday October 15, 2009Posted in: Writer's Toolbox
Ah, the dreaded synopsis. Authors hate to write them but they’re a necessary, albeit evil, step in the querying process.
When querying agents/editors, some require a 1 or 2 page synopsis with your initial query. Others will ask for it when they request pages, especially a partial. A synopsis is a re-telling of your story from beginning to end, hitting all of the major plot points (and yes, in a synopsis, agents/editors want to know the end).
I know, I know…it’s sooo hard to distill a whole novel into one page…*whine*…BUT, I’m here to tell you it’s not impossible. Come on, I KNOW you can do it! You wrote a whole freakin’ novel, didn’t you? This is one measly page.
*sendingyouabitoftoughlove*
Okay. No grumbling. You ready?
This is how I structure my synopses. (Also, very useful for outlining, btw: NaNoWriMo, anyone?) I’ve listed the 9 major points I want to cover when retelling my story. I write a paragraph or so under each point and once done, I’m left with about a one-pager. Of course, before I send it off I take away the headings, but this framework helps keep me on track.
1. Inciting incident (The big problem)
What is the incident/problem which sets your story in motion? What is your MC’s goal, quest, problem s/he needs to overcome?
2. Plot Point 1 (first obstacle)
What is the first obstacle, roadblock, conflict your MC must face en route to his/her goal?
3. Plot Point 2 (second obstacle)
What is the second obstacle, roadblock, conflict your MC must face en route to his/her goal? This shows your MC in increasing difficulty and displays the ramping up of tension.
4. Plot Point 3 (third obstacle-situation is about as bad as it can get)
What is the third obstacle, roadblock, conflict your MC must face en route to his/her goal? This should be your character’s ‘darkest hour’.
5. Climax A (lighting the fuse)
What sets things in motion for the big show-down?
6. Climax B (watching it burn)
What conflict/tension/precariousness happens to make us wait and wonder? This is the point where things could go either way…
7. Climax C (kaboom!)
This is where the excrement hits the ventilation device. The ‘final showdown’.
8. Denouement
Everything becomes clear. The world makes sense again. Story questions are resolved.
9. Resolution
And they all live happily ever after. Or not.
See? That wasn’t so bad, was it? Now, you can write a synopsis in 9 easy steps too!
And, psst…, if this looks a bit like my plotting outline…as I mentioned, it is…
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
Happy synopsis-writing, outlining, NaNoWrimoing, everyone!
14 Comments
Why does it seem easier to write a novel than a query or a synopsis? That doesn’t sound logical, does it? Thanks for the tips, now I’m off to try and re-write my synopsis. 
Kathleen, I agree! I’d say I needed it about 30% of the time. Plus, it’s a good exercise for finding story holes and checking pacing.
Good luck, Brigita. You can do it! 
Terrific post! I was just thinking- “hey, this would be a great way to outline…” and there you have it. I’m going to add you to my blogroll!
Excellent post. I can’t write a synopsis to save my life. The last one I wrote was 7 pages long..
Comment by Keren David on October 15th, 2009 @ 5:51 pmThanks for popping by, pseudosu and Keren! I hope this system proves useful to you at some point.
Oh hiss hiss…the evil synopsis. *backs away quickly* (g)
Great post!
Comment by Jen Hendren on October 15th, 2009 @ 11:00 pmExcellent Helene! Anything that breaks it down into manageable chunks is a winner – I always find when I’ve finished writing I’ve so many bits of plot going around my head, its really hard to work out which are the key points. And you’re right, this plan is a great plot developer tool too!
Samx
Concise, lucid and very helpful. I imagine your perspective on queries would be equally so. (Hint, hint :-> )
Comment by RC Scott on October 17th, 2009 @ 9:11 am[...] Synopsis Writing in 9 Easy Steps by the lovely Helene Boudreau [...]
Comment by Synopsis, schynopsis « After the first draft on November 6th, 2009 @ 11:51 pm[...] H You might also like: Synopsis writing in 9 easy steps… No comments [...]
Comment by Hélène Boudreau » Query queasy? Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. on February 24th, 2010 @ 6:32 pm[...] Synopsis (or outline!) writing in 9 easy steps… [...]
Comment by Life as a Writer and Artist on August 18th, 2010 @ 1:12 pmThis is a terrific post and I bookmarked it quickly. I’m nearing the point of no return, facing down this task for the book I’m polishing. Your procedure will be helpful. Thank you!
Take care,
Jess
[...] blocks. If you don’t have them yet, get out the table saw and the paint and make them. I used this post from Helene Boudreau to get started collecting plot points, then added to those with the chapter on [...]
Comment by Synopsis: What I’ve Learned So Far « Becky Levine on August 23rd, 2010 @ 10:23 amLine and paragraph breaks automatic, e-mail address never displayed, HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>
I think everyone who intends to query should at least have a two page one ready. Not every agent asks for one but enough do that it’s far better to be prepared.
Comment by Kathleen (kapybara) on October 15th, 2009 @ 11:44 am