1-page synop??

gp101 · Jan 17, 2007

I'm familiar with the format for longer synopses, the 5- or 10-page variety, such as double-spaced, TNR, and quickie vital info in top left corner (title, word count, genre, author).

But what is the format for a 1-page synopsis? Is it still, gulp, double-spaced (this is my biggest concern--much more info could be given in single-space obviously)? No vital info in the top left corner? Any info regarding the 1-page synopsis would be appreciated.

Pamster · Jan 17, 2007

I don't know the answer to your question gp101, but I had to post and say I liked your Sleastack Land of the Lost avatar!

I do hope someone will answer this soon because I am curious too as to whether its single spaced or double and the proper format for a one page synopsis. Thanks for posting the question.

alleycat · Jan 17, 2007

Single space for a one-page synopsis.

Rather than reposting the same information (there are other threads around here on the subject), here's a website with most of the information you need:

http://www.fictionwriters.com/tips-synopsis.html

Pamster · Jan 17, 2007

THanks for the link alleycat!

maestrowork · Jan 18, 2007

Synopses, whether 1 or 10 pages, are always single=spaced.

Del · Jan 21, 2007

Imelda said:
Every piece of advice on long synopses I've found have said they have to be double spaced. If an agent/editor is going to read 10 pages, I can't see them wanting it single spaced. Maybe it's different in the US, but it wouldn't make sense to me ...

I've always thought that double spacing was to allow room for editor notes and comments. A synopsis isn't commented so what would be the purpose of doubles pacing it? It wouldn't be readability or books would be printed in double space. Unless I find a logical reason to do otherwise, my queries and synopses will be single spaced regardless of length.

ETA: If a synopsis is 10 pages double spaced it is only 5 pages single spaced. I would think it better to give them an accurate account of the work rather than being concerned with giving them the maximum allowable number of pages.

Sage · Jan 21, 2007

I've read single-spaced for one page & double-spaced if more.

Birol · Jan 21, 2007

I've always heard single-spaced for synopses.

Pamster · Jan 21, 2007

I am glad we got an answer to this and that I had done it right.

peevy · Jan 21, 2007

Maybe we could compromise and write long synopses in 1.5 spacing?

LightShadow · Jan 21, 2007

Single space, concise, precise, and to the point. Make it sizzle, take out the unnecessary stuff, and away you go.......

Pamster · Jan 22, 2007

LightShadow said:
Single space, concise, precise, and to the point. Make it sizzle, take out the unnecessary stuff, and away you go.......

Good way to put it LightShadow, I like that, Make it sizzle, take out the unnecessary stuff, and away you go....

RJ_Anderson · Jan 22, 2007

If an agent or publisher's guidelines simply say "...and synopsis" without specifying how long the synopsis should be, is there an advantage to sending a tight one-page synopsis focusing only on the main plot, or is it better to include a detailed ten-page one which includes all the subplots and character details?

Please discuss, because I sure don't know the answer to that, myself. My inclination is to go with the one-pager, simply because I bet it would make an agent or editor sigh with relief to only have to read one page. (And also, I must cravenly confess, because I have a one-page version already written, but a multi-page one would be more work.)

Pamster · Jan 22, 2007

RJ_Anderson said:
If an agent or publisher's guidelines simply say "...and synopsis" without specifying how long the synopsis should be, is there an advantage to sending a tight one-page synopsis focusing only on the main plot, or is it better to include a detailed ten-page one which includes all the subplots and character details?

Please discuss, because I sure don't know the answer to that, myself. My inclination is to go with the one-pager, simply because I bet it would make an agent or editor sigh with relief to only have to read one page. (And also, I must cravenly confess, because I have a one-page version already written, but a multi-page one would be more work.)

I think a one page one is nice, but the ten page might get the foot in the door better. I don't know as I am unpublished and just recently composed my first one page synopsis last week. Most of the ones I have are like ten pages and go chapter by chapter. Which do you think are better? :e2photo:

Del · Jan 22, 2007

Pamster said:
I think a one page one is nice, but the ten page might get the foot in the door better. I don't know as I am unpublished and just recently composed my first one page synopsis last week. Most of the ones I have are like ten pages and go chapter by chapter. Which do you think are better?

You have to remember, these people can get 100 - 300 queries/synopses every week. Multiply that by pages. Then add to that the requested fulls, current clients new work, selling said work to publishers, promotional work, etc...

There is a lot of work after a lot of reading. These people have to be pros at spotting potentially profitable clients. They are also good at spotting a waste of time. Instead of filling pages with your labor-of-love work and expecting them to feel as you do (I always see the 'Red Rider BB Gun report' scene from A Christmas Story), give them a clean, accurate and brief synopsis that they can make a decision from.

If they think I am wasting their time with a long winded sales pitch I know they'll close the door just the same as if I were selling Kirby vacs.

I will never send a 10 page synopsis. If I can't give it to them in a page or two then I'm not a very creative writer. Anything I'd add to a lengthy synopsis I expect them to get from the partial.

I want to do business their way so they will do business with me. I've not a lot of experience either but I am starting to see the business end of it.

Del · Jan 23, 2007

I worked a long time to get my synopsis down to one page. I had to let go of a lot. But what is it actually for? Only to get them to ask for more. So I decided I'll give them the main point as interestingly as possible and they can get the rest on the request.

Bufty · Jan 23, 2007

Maybe you are forgetting that the synopsis does not have to mention every character and sub-plot. It gives the main characters, the main plot and the resolution of that plot. Concentrate on the main characters and plot thread even if it means leaving out what you think are the 'good bits', especially if these bits function mainly to drive a sub-plot along.

Any synopsis will fit onto one page, but nothing wrong with two - especially if it's Fantasy.

Good luck.

Imelda said:
You see, I'm considerate that way too. *Angel face* I'd hate to send in a ten-page synopsis because I know it would be full of padding. However, all I ever hear about is really long ones, or single pages. What's wrong with a couple of pages? Three or four at the most? I've written many single page synopses now, and I find myself having to sacrifice major bits of information. I have a complex plot, or rather, I have complex ideas set in a fantasy world that needs a little explaining in order for the events to make sense. I can't do that in one page--it's been proven. Every single synopsis I've ever posted for critting has been shot down. They've had good bits in them, but adding the good bits together brings it to more than a page, so it gets mutilated again.

Umm ... I lost the point of this post, because I'm stressed. But I think there was a point in there somewhere.

Pamster · Jan 23, 2007

Delarege said:
I worked a long time to get my synopsis down to one page. I had to let go of a lot. But what is it actually for? Only to get them to ask for more. So I decided I'll give them the main point as interestingly as possible and they can get the rest on the request.

Interesting points you brought up Delarege. I suppose it is best to use a one page synopsis, I consider the longer ones to be chapter by chapter outlines which I have seen requested to be with a query letter before and in that case I think they do want in depth details to sell them on the story, don't you agree?

I think it's all about the subjective interpreation of what a synopsis means. We talked about outlines and synopsises (lord that is spelt wrong I just know it) at great length and I came to appreciate the work I had done on my memoir writing a ten page 'synopsis' was really a chapter by chapter breakdown I commonly refer to as outlines. It's really kind of difficult to put the two things as separate categories with easily discernable differences making it obvious what is what jsut from the format it's written in. I wouldn't single space ten pages, no it was double spaced. That would be a little too much info I think. LOL! :ROFL:

Del · Jan 23, 2007

I would regard a chapter by chapter synpsis more of an outline, yes.

While first figuring out how to submit, my choice for first submittal stated "DO NOT SEND US CHAPTER BY CHAPTER..." what ever they derogatorily called it. Heck. It scared the crap out of me. That was exactly what I was preparing.

So I guess it is a bit like learning a lesson while being hit by a stick. It is intensely remembered.

On the other hand, if they request from me 10 pages, I will give them 10 single spaced pages unless they ask for double. Still, not chapter by chapter. It isn't necessary to break such a short document. Nor, would I think, could they care if Mrs. Broadbottom ate 35 apple pies in chapter 10 or chapter 12. They are only interested in the fact that she ate them. If they ask for an outline I would do it chapter by chapter.

1-page synop??

gp101

Pamster

Counting Stars

alleycat

Still around

Pamster

Counting Stars

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

Del

Sky isn't falling, ground is rising

Sage

Our Lady of Parentheticals

Birol

Around and About

Pamster

Counting Stars

peevy

keeping my head

LightShadow

defender of the blahs!

Pamster

Counting Stars

RJ_Anderson

Pro F&SF Author for ages 10+

Pamster

Counting Stars

Del

Sky isn't falling, ground is rising

Del

Sky isn't falling, ground is rising

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

Pamster

Counting Stars

Del

Sky isn't falling, ground is rising