Synopsis vs. Query question

I'd have read it as meaning a "cover letter and synopsis," and perhaps added just one line about the story, just hitting the premise or big concept or hook or whatever one-liner you have to describe the story, rather than the one-or-two paragraph summary that would go in a query letter, b/c it would be silly to be basically repeating myself. I'd probably also expand the synopsis to a couple pages (single-spaced, or 4-5 double-spaced).

JD

Try this link.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showpost.php?p=657731&postcount=15

scully931 said:

My question is this: If an agent's website says to send "query and synopsis" do you shorten the synopsis within your query letter?

Click to expand...

I wouldn't. I'd have a one- or two-paragraph summary of the story as part of my one-page query letter, and include a separate synopsis.

My synopsis (1 page) is an expanded version of what the query letter says. Obviously, I like it better because I have a bit more space for details, but it is redundant in many parts.

Click to expand...

Ah, the joys of rewrite! Try to phrase it slightly differently in the query. Or in the synopsis. Identical passages seem weak, to me anyway. (And if you need help, of course, just ask us.)

So, I was wondering if it was bad etiquette to simply hit the title, word count, bit about myself in the query if I am also sending the synopsis.

Click to expand...

I read "query and synopsis" as a request for a standard query letter, which includes a very short summary of your story, and a separate synopsis which is likely to be read only if the query has sparked some interest.

Unless you have pretty good writing credentials or direct experience which positively affects your ability to write your novel, less about yourself and more about the book seems ideal for the query. (For instance, if your novel is about a woman who believes she is a fish, and you treat patients with this delusion, or once thought your were a fish but are now recovered, that belongs in your query. Or if you won a prestigious writing contest, got a big grant, etc., that would belong. The fact that you live in a charming renovated barn, are a recovering alcoholic, and raise award-winning snapping turtles does not. [Yes, these examples are intended to be foolish, and if you really are raising award-winning snapping turtles, we're impressed!])

Maryn, thinking something smells fishy