Synopsis length, content

Oberon · Jun 24, 2009

Maybe this is the wrong place, move it if so.
I have a YA sci-fi fantasy novel I would like to push. I am presently working on a sequel. What I have done in the first chapter of the sequel is to summarize the first book, hopefully in a creative way, that is, readable, interest-grabbing. It is 2500 words. Is that too long?

Bufty · Jun 24, 2009

If it's readable and interesting and sustains the reader's interest so he wants to read Chapter 2 it can't be too long, but ten pages seems an awful lot of catchup to me. And if it's catch-up it's of minimal interest to me if I didn't actually read the first one.

Are you absolutely sure it's really necessary for a new reader to know all that up front?

Can't you introduce back info in little pieces as and when it's essential for understanding what's happening in the unfolding story?

Oberon said:
Maybe this is the wrong place, move it if so.
I have a YA sci-fi fantasy novel I would like to push. I am presently working on a sequel. What I have done in the first chapter of the sequel is to summarize the first book, hopefully in a creative way, that is, readable, interest-grabbing. It is 2500 words. Is that too long?

dawinsor · Jun 24, 2009

This is a tough issue, Oberon. What I try to remember is that all novels have pasts to them. The past for this second novel is probably best given in the same way you worked backstory into the first novel. That is, I'd do it in bits as the reader needs it.

icerose · Jun 24, 2009

I'm still trying to figure out what the heck a Sybiosus is.

errantruth · Jun 24, 2009

I think JRR Tolkien managed to summarize each of the previous books in his trilogy in under two pages. I have never been a fan of long recounts. That's my two cents.

Oberon · Jun 24, 2009

Sybiosis? What the hell is that? Great proofing, Oberon, you nit! synopsis, that's the word. Shorter, if at all, right? New first chapter, I guess. But for synopsis, I will look again. I kind of like the format. 5 pages max, right?

My sybiosis has been acting up. Maybe I need to consult the Sybiologist again.

icerose · Jun 24, 2009

Oberon said:
Sybiosis? What the hell is that? Great proofing, Oberon, you nit! synopsis, that's the word. Shorter, if at all, right? New first chapter, I guess. But for synopsis, I will look again. I kind of like the format. 5 pages max, right?

My sybiosis has been acting up. Maybe I need to consult the Sybiologist again.

Thanks for clarifying, I was all kinds of confused.

I generally write shorter synopses unless I have to then they suddenly turn into unweildly 2 pagers. If I'm pitching I aim for 3-4 paragraphs max. We're talking 1/2 page here. It keeps you from rambling and including every detail of the story and gets you focused on the spine of the story and what makes it really interesting. Let whoever wants to buy it discover the meat during the reading.

NicoleMD · Jun 24, 2009

Sybiosus Kength is the most awesomest Sci-Fi villain name ever!!!

And just to say something helpful, work your backstory into the sequel just like you would work any backstory into your novel. Little chunks as they're needed.

Nicole

poetinahat · Jun 24, 2009

Fixed the thread title... looks like all of the right-hand keystrokes were one key left of where they were meant to be. Hey, an idea for a Secret Code! /evil laugh, but toward the wimpy side of 'evil'/

Synopsis length, content

Oberon

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

dawinsor

Dorothy A. Winsor

icerose

Lost in School Work

errantruth

Oberon

icerose

Lost in School Work

NicoleMD

Onomatopotamus

poetinahat

Numbers are beautiful