Experimenting with the synopsis and query letter?

Hey

I was wondering what are some unconventional ways to write a synopsis and query letter?

Like writing a synopsis in second person. I've found this to be quite interesting for first person fiction.

Swearing in the synopsis and/or query letter.

Intentionally leaving out answers to questions and hoping someone will ask for them.

Are any of these/and more acceptable?

Do they provide at least a hint of originality, fun or something fresh?

I've never been a "cookie cutter" type of guy and would like to at least try something new.

Any other thoughts on experimenting with writing a synopsis or query letter?

Any other examples would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Charlie Horse is dead on. Writing may be art, but publishing is a business, and as such, certain baselines are required. The entire goal of a query and a synopsis is to show you know how to write and have a strong command of the English language. That you can tell a story, create interesting plots and characters.

You have a huge range in which to do this. Queries/synopses aren't cookie cutter, even though they have certain peramaters that have been proven to work. What you want is to give a sample of what the book will be like. That's not to say use an excerpt, but if your novel is funny and crisp and has a strong voice, that should show in the query. If it's lyrical and spooky, that would also show. You don't want the novel to be quirky and funny and have the query be lyrical and spooky and vice versa. If your query is gimmicky and vague, agents will think the novel is too.

You don't want to leave out answers to questions. Those answers are what sets your book apart from the other 500 queries on the desk. You don't have to give everything away, but you do need to be specific enough so agents can tell what your book is about. "My novel is about a buy who saves the world from an evil tyrant" describes everything from Star Wars to Lord of the Rings.

The format isn't where the originality comes in. The STORY is where the originality comes in.

One last note...I've heard far too many agents complain about second person in all its forms, so I'd be wary about using it.

Redzilla said:

My query letter has some profanity in it, because it's written in the same tone of voice as the novel. I'll get back to you on how that pans out.

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Ah, excellent. Can't wait to hear how that pans out.

scarletpeaches said:

Would you rip out the last page of a book and hope somebody bought it?

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Haha, i see. It happens all the time, it's called sequels, a bad ending or a way to ambiguous ending.

A good point though

Yea, I'd have to agree with you there. Been in that situation too many times.