How To Write A Book Synopsis

What is a book synopsis, why do you need one, and how do you write one? For one: a synopsis is NOT THE SAME as back cover copy/story blurbs!

I'm breaking it down, sharing dos/don'ts and my best tips & tricks for writing a synopsis! This includes some nitty-gritty formatting tips and best practices.

Cat watch! See if you can spot the brief little cat face/attempt to jump on the bookshelf in this one!

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[Katytastic]

bahahaha i literally said aloud "THAT'S AN OUTLINE" a second before you predicted me saying it XD

[samanthajungers]

Definitely saw the cat. Thought it was some sort of glitch in the Matrix.

[CrazyMazapan]

I'd say an OUTLINE is telling your friends how you make that cake. A SYNOPSIS is giving them the recipe. A BLURB is hinting that it's a cake with a twist. A BOOK is the cake ;)

[Frey_]

1:24
I was dead sure you were going to say "Alexa, play Despacito".

[RoryRaymondHoward]

A method I used to help with the necessary elements of the synopsis is to write the ending first, figure out the key elements and work backwards from there. Made the process a lot less confusing for me and got rid of all the clutter!

[santanasg]

Man, a synopsis sounds so terrifying! Like I understand how it can be as an outline, but an outline an be all messy- as long as you (the writer) understand it; a synopsis needs to be pilished and clear for other people to understand!

[AndreaHeckler]

I’m a plotter, but synopses still kind of terrify me 😂 It’s so hard to sum up a novel, especially your own! Thanks for these tips 😊

[bakersbooks]

I love writing query letters and synopses! Definitely recognize that I'm in the minority, though. I'm a freelance editor, and helping clients with their synopses after reading their books is so much fun. These are great synopsis-writing tips -- I'm glad you brought up the third-person present-tense thing!

[kipolephoenix]

Plantser here, I actually would rather send queries to agents who require synopses because I'm not sure a query can convey enough to them.

[msmaggierose]

I just want to curl up at your feet and have you guide me through the pain that is the traditional publishing world, lmao

[LindsayPuckett]

I'm so glad you made this. I literally looked up "synopsis" on your channel's search bar 2 days ago, so perfect timing!
ALSO AHH! So excited you've chosen my CP (Fay Aden) as a mentor this year for AMM!!! She is so amazing and her book is gonna be BIG. <3

[cadengrace]

I have so far not gotten to the synopsis stage but after listening to you, it sounds like the rules for writing down a recipe. You include all of the ingredients and how and when they come into the preparation.

[kittogashi]

I have nothing much more to say other than: Holy dang, thank you for the easy to understand tips and resources. My anxiety has been fucking me up over how to approach writing this, and knowing that plenty of other folks feel the same way makes it less daunting.

[plywoodcarjohnson]

I got upset with never finishing stories. So now I only write synopsis. Having fun with it. Realising mechanisms. Dealing with time. I have no intention of writing the stories. I just want to finish stuff. But thanks now I understand that it's about giving away some of the driving forces behind the actions and not only the actions. And the oneliner! Definately I will add one! Thanks!

[novellyKJ]

I write a synopsis before drafting, too, haha! I never "outline" because me and beat sheets just don't mix lol, but a general synopsis has always been my way to go. I tend to write one after my general brainstorming is over because once I know the characters better, I can plan for the plot better as well. And then I can draft with flexibility. Love this video, thank you for all the tips and tricks! Super helpful and motivating, as always! :D

[PhoebeWritesFiction]

I had to learn to write them recently! But after a few years of practising queries, I already had a little bit of experience trying to condense my novel. It was ok in the end. Thanks for sharing! :)

[PeanutButterZombie]

I never even considered that I might need to do this, so this video was very useful! I like to look at things like this as a challenge, and I do enjoy my challenges (at least when it comes to writing. Screw life challenges).

[lovefromhannahday]

Thanks a lot for this! I'm applying for a creative writing course and it said on the application that I needed one soooo here I am! 🥰

I'm definitely going to check out Susan Dennard's post too!! 🤗

[barsabe]

2:36 ahahahaha, cat just went "weeee"

[NarueUzumaki]

This is literally perfect timing! I’ve been pulling out my hair attempting to write one for Pitch Wars! 😂