My novel follows two main characters and the chapters alternate between these MC and time. I wrote the synopsis and query in chronological order. Is that ok or a no-no?
TIA!
TIA!
synopsis ?
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The Query and Synopsis are two different animals.
Always follow the individual Agent or Publisher's stated requirements, if any.
The purpose of the Query letter is simply to get the Agent's attention -put an interesting character in an interesting predicament - that's all. Show what your story is about - not what the whole story is. Chronological order is irrelevant. Aim for brevity and clarity. One page is usually enough to cover what's needed.
The main purpose of a Synopsis is to prove you have a real story with a beginning and a middle and an end that all fit together.
The Synopsis - which may be one page or x pages - doesn't have to be written in chronological order if by not doing so the plot thread is clearer.
Ignore all sub plots and minor characters, and concentrate on the main character's progression through the main plot thread. The ending must be shown in the synopsis.
Check out the Query Letter Hell sub-Forum threads in the Share Your Work Forum.
And in the main listing of threads in this forum here, you will find this one - THE ANSWER YOU'RE SEEKING IS HERE: Writing Novels FAQ, Archives and Helpful Links Have a browse through it, too.
Always follow the individual Agent or Publisher's stated requirements, if any.
The purpose of the Query letter is simply to get the Agent's attention -put an interesting character in an interesting predicament - that's all. Show what your story is about - not what the whole story is. Chronological order is irrelevant. Aim for brevity and clarity. One page is usually enough to cover what's needed.
The main purpose of a Synopsis is to prove you have a real story with a beginning and a middle and an end that all fit together.
The Synopsis - which may be one page or x pages - doesn't have to be written in chronological order if by not doing so the plot thread is clearer.
Ignore all sub plots and minor characters, and concentrate on the main character's progression through the main plot thread. The ending must be shown in the synopsis.
Check out the Query Letter Hell sub-Forum threads in the Share Your Work Forum.
And in the main listing of threads in this forum here, you will find this one - THE ANSWER YOU'RE SEEKING IS HERE: Writing Novels FAQ, Archives and Helpful Links Have a browse through it, too.
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Adm,
Not sure why you would think relaying events in chronological order was considered a no-no, unless your original question is badly phrased.
You don't need to go over both character's views on the same situation, if that's what you mean.
Is that what you mean - go through one character's side of the tale, then go through the same thing again, giving the other's view?
Pick one of them.
Not sure why you would think relaying events in chronological order was considered a no-no, unless your original question is badly phrased.
You don't need to go over both character's views on the same situation, if that's what you mean.
Is that what you mean - go through one character's side of the tale, then go through the same thing again, giving the other's view?
Pick one of them.
Across eight novels all my synopses have been sequenced in the order that the story evolves. Why? Seems more natural to me. Never had a complain and all novels where contracted. JMTCW.
thank you everyone for your replies. I wasn't sure if the synopsis had to follow the order of the book. It seems more natural for me to do the summary in chronological order.
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