"A novel synopsis should include: your premise/hook, the overall plot (all of the major plot points), an introduction to your main characters, plot twists and spoilers, and character development arcs." (source)
But it should be no more than 800 words, preferably no more than 500.
Great. Now, how do I do that?
I know I wrote synopses for the three novels I queried (years ago). but they're gone from my hard drive and any competency I once had has vanished, too. I've started my query for Running From Herself and the word count (so far, mind you) is 1,229 words, and I've barely scratched the surface.
Clearly, drastic measures need to be taken. I'm not above asking AI to summarize it ~ the words are still mine, after all. My issue is, if I simply cut to the chase, my story is going to come across as nuts.
Here are the bullet points I managed to glom from somewhere when I began writing a synopsis for one of my novellas (for some reason I can't recall; maybe for a book reviewer for asked for one); and if one can adhere to these, a synopsis should theoretically be a piece of cake:
- Status quo
- Inciting incident
- Rising action/Developments
- Crisis
- Resolution
I imagine most stories follow this plot structure; I almost wish mine did. My first inciting incident actually happened before the story begins; then there are a few more incitements and (I suppose) one true crisis, then a long and winding road to get to the resolution. Yikes. I wrote yesterday about kicking back ~ this isn't what I had in mind.
I'll get there. Again, there's no rush. Just my own rush to get it over with.
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