What is a 'full-synopsis'?

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writing33

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Hi,

I've been submitting my query letter and synopsis (it covers the whole book but not in great detail, more like flap copy) and now a couple of agents are asking for a "full" synopsis. Does this mean a chapter by chapter breakdown written in present tense? Any advice/links to samples would be great.

Thanks so much!
 

priceless1

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A full synopsis includes specifics about your main characters and the plot. You need to highlight the MC's conflict(s) because it's the meat of your plot. What does the MC have to lose, and what are the consequences of the decisions they may or may not take? What do they risk losing/gaining? You also need to include the ending. Synopses can be anywhere from one page to five. If the agent didn't specify, I recommend a one page synop.

Good luck!
 

Phaeal

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I'd go with a more fully fleshed out synopsis of five to ten double-spaced pages (five is the standard). If the agents are already hooked by the short synopsis, they probably are hoping to find out whether you've made the most of the hook's promise by constructing a compelling plot. To determine this, they need some detail. I doubt one page will do it.

Some long synopses DO use a chapter-by-chapter format, but unless the agents ask for this, you can tell the story without chapter divisions. Do stick to the present tense and do "give away" the ending.
 
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