Writing a book synopsis from scratch
A question from Ashley: You just finished your synopsis for Raine #5... we've all seen queries (the good and the bad), but I can't recall ever seeing a synop. Now I know they're much longer than a query, but I'm interested to know what tone and in what amount of detail synopses are written. Do you have a sample of, say, The Trouble with Demons? Or one of your earlier ones that could be seen by outside eyes? I'd just like to know what it is that you're slaving away at... and what to model such a synop after if ever the opportunity arises for me.
And a similar question from Marie: How do you do a synopsis of an entire book before writing it? What is your approach? How would you do it for a NON_ Raine (gasp) book? A brand new something? Since I'm a serious panster- I am in awe and in need of guidance ; )
Okay, ladies (and those of you out there who are curious) -- tomorrow I'll post the entire plot synopsis -- written from scratch -- for The Trouble with Demons. For those of you who haven't read the book yet, either skip tomorrow's blog or avert your eyes.
I've been thinking about posting a plot synopsis for some time, but didn't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read the book yet. Though see above for skip blog or avert eyes, because you guys need to know how to write one of these. Say you've written one book, and it's the first of a series, and you've caught an agent or publisher's attention -- they will want to know what else you have. When you get that question, you need to have a synopsis of that book ready to go.
I write my synops in first person, Raine's point of view, sharp tone with snark. It's like Raine is telling you the story. My editor Anne absolutely adored my synops for TTWD and B&B, and said she's never had so much fun reading a synopsis. So I must have done something right. ; )
The synopsis for TTWD took me about a month to write, because like I said it was from scratch. I thought it took too long to write, and was determined to write faster this time. I just finished the synop for Raine #5 and it still took me a month to write. I'm hoping that Book #6 will go quicker.
So come back tomorrow to see the full plot synopsis for The Trouble with Demons. And as you'll be able to see when you read it, I veered from the synopsis. I stuck to the main story, but the little details changed. That always happens; it's a fact of writing life and your editor won't think a thing about it. It's expected that when you get into the trenches with a book, the details will change.
And after I post it, I'll be open to questions (as always).
Lisa
And a similar question from Marie: How do you do a synopsis of an entire book before writing it? What is your approach? How would you do it for a NON_ Raine (gasp) book? A brand new something? Since I'm a serious panster- I am in awe and in need of guidance ; )
Okay, ladies (and those of you out there who are curious) -- tomorrow I'll post the entire plot synopsis -- written from scratch -- for The Trouble with Demons. For those of you who haven't read the book yet, either skip tomorrow's blog or avert your eyes.
I've been thinking about posting a plot synopsis for some time, but didn't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read the book yet. Though see above for skip blog or avert eyes, because you guys need to know how to write one of these. Say you've written one book, and it's the first of a series, and you've caught an agent or publisher's attention -- they will want to know what else you have. When you get that question, you need to have a synopsis of that book ready to go.
I write my synops in first person, Raine's point of view, sharp tone with snark. It's like Raine is telling you the story. My editor Anne absolutely adored my synops for TTWD and B&B, and said she's never had so much fun reading a synopsis. So I must have done something right. ; )
The synopsis for TTWD took me about a month to write, because like I said it was from scratch. I thought it took too long to write, and was determined to write faster this time. I just finished the synop for Raine #5 and it still took me a month to write. I'm hoping that Book #6 will go quicker.
So come back tomorrow to see the full plot synopsis for The Trouble with Demons. And as you'll be able to see when you read it, I veered from the synopsis. I stuck to the main story, but the little details changed. That always happens; it's a fact of writing life and your editor won't think a thing about it. It's expected that when you get into the trenches with a book, the details will change.
And after I post it, I'll be open to questions (as always).
Lisa
posted by Lisa Shearin at
6:25 AM
5 Comments:
Roll on tomorrow's post! Unfortunately all of mine will be in third person, but eager for tips.
*cheer* Hooray! Sorry my question was so long-winded. ;-)
I'm looking forward to everyone's reaction.
And Ashley, hon, your question wasn't long-winded at all.
I can't wait for tomorrows post! I've wanted to see a synopsis for a long time...and I'll be honest with you...I really had no clue how to write one.
It'll be great to get a good example of a synopses. It's hard to write one when you don't know what the final product is supposed to look like. Thanks. :)
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