Probably one of the dumbest questions you've had in a long time (query vs. synopsis)

I'll take a stab a this one...

Synopsis: Your story in a nutshell. Beginning, middle, end. Goals, conflicts, motivations, everything. Anywhere from 2-10 pages depending on who's asking for it.

Query: A high level description of the conflict and characters and a bit of a hook to convince the reader of the query to read the story. Usually 2-3 paragraphs as part of a letter.

Synopsis: summary of your story in detail.
Query: "Hi, I'd like you to look my manuscript and here's why."

Hi Fargo! Not dumb. A synopsis is part of a query.

The query is basically a synopsis plus a little about the author, and any little extra info the author may want to include (such as whether or not the manuscript is complete, why the time is right for this book, word count, etc.). Then a simple "I look forward to your response" or somesuch, and a sign-off.

If the agent asks for a synopsis instead of a query, you can just send a cover letter, then the synopsis, instead of including the synopsis in the query letter.

P.S. The other two answers are good. I was composing mine as they were composing theirs. I was debating whether or not to mention that when an agent asks for a synopsis rather than a query, you have more leeway on length. I don't know why, but Jenn's right that a separate synopsis can run several pages, whereas a query is typically jusy 1-2 pages.

A query is a business letter introducing yourself and your novel to the agent. You include a very brief description of your story, preferably in the form of a Hook (similar to what you would find on the back cover of a published book). The query letter must include who you are, how to contact you, the name of your novel, the number of words (rounded), the genre, the Hook, and a bit about your professional history(if you have any)). Go to our Show Your Work forum and look under the Query letters section. There are several Stickys there that will give you what you need.

A synopsis is just that, a synopsis of your novel. A detailed one should be less than 10% of the length of the novel. A short synopsis should be less than 4 pages. They both need to tell the whole story, no cliffhangers.

People use the word "query" to refer to two slightly different things. Let's go through a few descriptions:

Query Package - This is the package of material you send to an agent (or publisher) to ask them if they would be interested in representing (or publishing) you. Sometimes people will refer to this package as just a "query." The package could include a number of things, from just a one-page letter to letter, synopsis, and manuscript pages.

Query Letter - This is the business letter you send to the agent (or publisher) which tells a little about you and your work. The letter could be sent all by itself, or it could be a cover letter within a larger query package that includes other items. Sometimes people will refer to this letter as just a "query." The query letter is a sales tool, and ideally will persuasively describe to the agent why your book and you are deserving of immediate attention. Typically, the query letter will give your book's title, genre, and wordcount; a quick sketch of the main character, plot, and conflict; and a little about the author.

Synopsis - This is a summary of the story and characters contained in your book, simplified down to fit into (usually) one to five pages. The summary will typically be much more detailed than what you would include in the query letter, although not nearly so detailed as the entire manuscript. It is usually sent as part of a query package, although an agent may request one in response to a query, or not request one at all.

I suggest a look at the "Query Letters and Synopses" forum in SYW, for reasons which will be obvious once you go there.

Fargo said:

What is the difference between a query and synopsis?

I ask this because it seems that they are very similar. I went to a site and the agents had different requirements. Some want a synopsis and the first five pages and others want a query and the first five pages.

I know that the fine art of rejection is a must in the world of authors. I just want justified rejections if you know what I mean.

Click to expand...

A query is a business LETTER that may contain a paragraph or two of plot summary, or story premise. It's a pitch.

A synopsis is a summary of the entire story.

I hate threads where the answers have already been given.