Who (protagonist),
What (main conflict), Where (setting), and Why should I care? Make the editor
CARE. Make the editor want to read more. Make the editor want to turn your
manuscript into a book.
What is the emotional toll on the protagonist? Does
the character fear something? If so, make that know in the synopsis. Play up
the emotion aspects of the story because that is the heart of the story and
what sets it apart from other books. Focus on the conflict, that which drives
the plot and forces the character into action.
Just like your manuscript, your synopsis needs time
to breathe, to percolate, to marinate. Put it aside for three or four weeks.
When you read it again with fresh eyes, you are more likely to see gaps or figure out ways to make the editor salivate.
Since you have a lot to say in a few words, choose
your words carefully. Use action verbs. Play with the word and sentences to
make them lively and reflective of the manuscript.
At this point, pat yourself on the back, because you
have finished the manuscript. That’s an achievement and a dream come true. If
you can write a manuscript, you can certainly tackle a synopsis, head-on.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:
CICADA MAGAZINE
We are a YA lit/comics magazine fascinated with the lyric and strange and committed to work that speaks to teens’ truths. We publish poetry, realistic and genre fic, essay, and comics by adults and teens. Nonfiction up to 5,000 words and fiction up to 9,000 words. Stories and articles
Submission guidelines at https://cricketmag.submittable.com/submit/17820
We are a YA lit/comics magazine fascinated with the lyric and strange and committed to work that speaks to teens’ truths. We publish poetry, realistic and genre fic, essay, and comics by adults and teens. Nonfiction up to 5,000 words and fiction up to 9,000 words. Stories and articles
This is a really helpful, succinct post. Thanks for this.
ReplyDelete